How to upcycle to create clothes you’ll wear on repeat

We asked a few upcycling experts to share hacks that are not only easy to execute but also result in outfits that you’ll love wearing

One of the biggest misconceptions about sustainability in fashion is that it involves acquiring eco-friendly outfits alone. While shopping from sustainable labels is an integral part of the process, another important–often overlooked–aspect is eliminating excess. This is easier to achieve if we learn how to breathe new life into our existing wardrobes.

However, repurposing clothes can be tricky, especially if you’re fairly new to it. We’ve all come by that upcycling hack on Instagram which looks simple at first sight but has one of two issues: (a) it has too many complicated steps for the average person to execute, or (b) the end result looks fun but isn’t exactly wearable. To better understand how first-timers can increase both the practicality of the process and the usability of its outcome, we reached out to a few experts who have mastered the art of upcycling and asked them to share some tried-and-tested tips. 

Start small

Many of us are tempted to upcycle a statement piece of clothing that’s collecting dust but for beginners, basics, which might seem boring to work with initially, often have more potential and serve as a solid, less daunting starting point. A good example of this is a pair of old jeans. “Look at the material, the design and shape of the garment to assess its usage. For instance, jeans have interesting pockets and the fabric is quite strong. They can be used to make totes or even aprons,” says Pooja Malhotra, one of half the duo behind ReJean, an initiative which focuses on reducing waste by turning discarded denim into accessories. 

Another easy, ubiquitous option is a T-shirt. “T-shirts are easy to upcycle, especially if you’re new to the process. You can create a gym vest out of a baggy T-shirt by chopping the sleeves to make big armholes. Additionally, a T-shirt can be cut and shortened to any length that you like,” says Kriti Tula, creative director and co-founder of Doodlage, a sustainable label with an emphasis on upcycled classics. This strategy, which doesn’t necessarily need strong sewing skills, also extends to a slew of other staples. With a sturdy pair of scissors and a steady hand, roomy trousers can be transformed into bermuda shorts or boyfriend blazers can be converted into cropped jackets.

Traditional territory 

For those who aren’t excited by what’s in their contemporary closet, there are also several traditional styles that are fun to play around with. “Saris and dupattas are great because they are larger pieces of clothes–you’re less restricted and can make more or even bigger products,” says Dominique Lopez, co-founder of Oh Scrap! Madras, a venture that uses leftover fabric to create everything from cushion covers to kaftans. The best bit about Lopez’s recommendations–which are primarily big, beautiful pieces of fabrics–is that one size can usually adapt to different body types. So you can choose to repurpose an item from your own collection or even that of a family member. “Take your mom’s old dupatta, get metal eyelets from your local stationery shop or from Amazon. Make about 25 eyelet holes across one side of the dupatta, run a cute ribbon through the holes and you have a tie-up skirt,” says Priyanka Muniyappa of Grandma Would Approve, a label known for reconstructed and restored clothing.  

The little things

The content that crowds our social media feeds often makes it seem like the only outcome of upcycling is an entirely different, out-of-the-box outfit. Look up #upcycledfashion on Instagram and your screen will quickly fill up with meticulously made separates, such as patchwork jackets. The problem with what you see is that it’s a slightly narrow representation of repurposing which unknowingly encourages beginners to jump in at the deep end. There are also other simpler, more straightforward techniques that can be tried first. For example, you can assess whether what you have at hand is due a major makeover or can be revived with minor yet meaningful modifications.

Sometimes, merely building on your belongings in their existing state makes all the difference. This could look like sewing a contrasting patch of fabric over a small stain or adding colour to clothes that you’ve grown tired of. “Try your hand at a few things and see what you enjoy most. You could tie-dye your T-shirt with natural colours like beetroot and haldi or you could trace your favourite slogan and embroider over it,” says Tula. This piece of advice, which prioritises adding a personal touch, is likely to result in something that’ll be put to good use. “Keep your own style and taste in mind while creating an upcycled product. You’ll use more of what you like,” elaborates Malhotra.

The chief contributors

Other than being a reflection of one’s preferences and personality, another factor that adds to the usability of an upcycled outfit is its versatility. When you start out, it’s common to view upcycling as a fun experiment and lose sight of the fact that your end goal is to make an adaptable item that can be worn more than just once. “Versatility increases the wearability of a garment. An upcycled skirt or top, for example, can be worn multiple times when styled creatively,” says Muniyappa.

Additionally, the final (and most important) element is durability–creativity shouldn’t come at the cost of quality. “Work on finishing touches. If you are making a new piece, ensure that it’s stitched properly and if there’s embroidery involved, ensure that the knots are secured properly. Focus on longevity,” says Tula.

This level of attentiveness extends beyond the making of the product and is also needed once we start utilising it regularly. “Wash clothes less frequently and at a low temperature, avoid dry cleaning and ironing, dry them out in the sun, fold along the seams and close the zippers to avoid snagging. The same principles apply to your wardrobe, whether upcycled or thrifted,” says Lopez, highlighting that care lies at the core of a conscious, dependable closet. 

Also Read: Would you wear second hand clothes?

Also Read: Looking for thrift stores in India? Here are 14 Instagram accounts to bookmark

Also Read: The concept of swapping clothes is getting a reboot in India