How to Upcycle Ethically

Hey, ya’ll!

So, I wanted to make a guide for you guys on what makes for good upcycling materials. Sometimes we want to tear into anything and give it a new purpose, but some items are better than others for doing so. We must ask ourselves, “Will this item be useful to someone else as it is?” “Are the item's materials sturdy enough to withstand a second life?” Let’s dive into my favorite things to upcycle.

My number one item has to be curtains and bed sheets. You can usually find them at the thrift store for very cheap, there’s a ton of yardage and width, and they are super sturdy. Also, you don’t have to spend time taking out seams and tearing them apart. People tend to donate bedsheets when downsizing to a smaller home, and they aren’t always in the worst condition. They are abundant at the thrift store because people don’t typically like the idea of something so intimate being used. A wash in scolding hot water, and they make for great fabric yardage. Curtains don’t typically get snatched up either, because like most things, they get donated when they arent in line with what is trending.

Maxi Skirts are another good source of fabric yardage. Women’s clothing is victim to fast fashion, and so there is more than enough of maxi skirts to go around. In, fact, most of them are probably headed to the landfill if they don’t sell at the thrift anyway, so I say have at them. I’ve made formal dresses, rompers, and even pants out of them before. I like to look for ones with interesting fabric or even godets sewn into them to feature in the finished product.

I would avoid items like children’s and baby clothes, Coats, and shoes. These things get plenty of use. It’s better to keep them accessible to those who need them at an affordable price.

One thing that annoys me is the double standard between women’s and men’s formal wear. Men get to have one good suit or tuxe and are set until they want to change it up. Women are called out for being outfit repeaters. It’s a one-and-done deal, and we need a new dress for the next event. Where do those dresses end up? The thrift store, Facebook marketplace, eBay, etc. I say hold on to that dress and add some new trim or lace, make it shorter, or make it strapless. I like to Frankenstein them together because it’s super easy to add a new skirt to a bodice or add detached sleeves for a whole new look.

The gist of it is, pick things that are in abundance to cut up, and have lots of yardage for you to play with. Don’t be so quick to donate your clothes if you can create something new out of them. Women’s clothes go through so many trends, and come back into style again. So instead of donating them and then buying new, try altering them to be trendy. Think of where an item will end up. Will it be useful to someone else if you get it into the right hands, or will it end up in a landfill?

Thanks for chatting with me!

- Mars

A maxi skirt sourced from Goodwill

A formal dress made of maxi skirts.