“Upcycled” appears on more and more labels, but what does it actually mean, and what should you look for when you buy an upcycled piece? Here’s a short guide.
What upcycling means
Upcycling takes existing clothing, textiles or materials and turns them into a new product, often with a different purpose. A pair of worn-out jeans might become a tote bag; a cushion cover might become a scarf.
It isn’t the same as recycling. Recycling breaks materials down so they can be made into something else, often using energy and industrial processes. Upcycling keeps the material largely as it is and reworks it by hand or with simple tools.
Common examples
- Bags and totes made from denim, canvas or leftover upholstery fabric.
- Patchwork garments built from offcuts and smaller pieces of fabric.
- Reworked clothing, such as shirts with new collars or jeans turned into skirts.
- Accessories like scrunchies, headbands and scarves cut from larger garments.
What to check before buying upcycled items
- Which parts are reused? A good listing tells you what the original materials were.
- Which parts are new? Linings, zips, straps and thread are often new. That’s normal, and it should be stated.
- How was it made? Look for a description of the construction and the finish of the seams.
- How do you care for it? Mixed materials may need gentle washing.
For example, our Reworked Denim Tote lists its reused denim panels and back pocket, its new cotton lining and its care instructions.
Why transparency matters
Because every upcycled piece starts from different materials, no two are quite the same. Clear information about what was reused and what was added helps you understand the item and its value. It also avoids vague claims. Upcycling can give materials a longer life, but its overall environmental impact depends on many factors, so we prefer to describe what we did rather than make claims we can’t support.
Final thoughts
Upcycled fashion is a creative way to give existing materials another purpose, and a chance to own something genuinely individual. Read the listing, check what’s reused and what’s new, and choose pieces you’ll use often.
Shop upcycled accessories or read our approach to clothing reuse.