Upcycling - What is this trend and why is it on the rise?

For those of you who follow me on Instagram (@atrombo.creative), you see me use the word “upcycle” a lot. But what do I mean when I say that?

The short and sweet answer: I take a garment that already exists and I transform it into something new!

Upcycling can be synonymous with some other terms you might be familiar with such as “Refashioned” or “Thrift Flip”. Transformations can range from a simple change like cutting a pair of jeans into shorts to a major overhaul like taking the sleeves from a blouse, adding it to a dress, and then custom dying the whole thing. Regardless of the scope of change, the use of an existing garment to create something new qualifies it as upcycling. 

You’ve probably upcycled your own clothes without even knowing it! Ever tie dyed an old shirt? Cut a shirt into a crop top? Distressed some jeans? Added patches to a jacket to give it a new vibe? That’s all upcycling! Basically if you are giving a piece of clothing a second life and keeping it from being thrown away then you are an upcycler.

Recently

I upcycled a vintage Bloomingdale’s suit that I found in Goodwill ($13 you guys). With some minor adjustments to the fit, cutting the pants into shorts, and the addition of a tie to the waist, I turned an old suit into the cutest shorts and oversized blazer set!

Here is why upcycling is so on trend right now and why you should try it:

It’s good for the environment. Upcycling uses clothes that otherwise could end up in the landfill. Because the original clothing item already exists, the carbon footprint already exists BUT there is little to no additional pollution created when transforming it into something new.It’s giving clothing a second life without a second footprint.

Anyone can do it. Upcycling is an “all levels” opportunity. Upcycled fashion can range from beginner level changes to intricate advanced transformations. With all the tutorials out in the world right now, it’s so easy to learn new ways to update your existing wardrobe.

It’s cost effective. The materials already exist right in your closet! And if you’re not seeing anything that sparks creativity there, just take a stroll down to your local second hand clothing store. Ask friends and family to let you go through any clothes they plan on getting rid of. There are so many options out there! No need to spend $20 on a new piece of clothing when you can create one for less.

Clothes shopping during a pandemic is not the same.  Most fitting rooms are still closed. Ordering clothes online doesn’t guarantee fit or quality. But creating something new and trendy out of your own wardrobe solves all those problems!

Bragging rights. When you get a compliment on your one of a kind upcycled piece, you get to confidently say “Thanks! I made it!”.

If you’re new to upcycling but want to give it a try, head over to my Instagram @atrombo.creative! I’ve got lots of upcycling projects to spark your creativity and even a couple mini tutorials. Support your local thrift stores if you can! They are an important aspect of shopping small and a great way to lessen our impact on the environment.

Stay Creative!

Annie