While ecological awareness is awakening in the fashion sector, we have recently observed the emergence of a new way of consuming it: upcycling. Focus on an eco-responsible trend that is starting to gain ground in France.
What if we changed our way of consuming fashion? With 1.2 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases emitted each year, more than international flights and maritime traffic combined, the textile industry is today the second most polluting industry in the world after that of oil. Aware of their impact, brands are increasingly committed to reducing their impact on the environment. While some are now starting to use organic or recycled materials, others are going even further by switching to upcycling.
Upcycling, what is it?
Is recycled clothing the future of fashion? Recently, the concept of upcycling – or upcycling in French – is gaining ground and interests more and more French people. This trend, which is simply to make new and beautiful with old, helps bring unused objects and clothes back to life. Result: by recycling the end of stocks and the scraps of fabrics intended to end up in the trash, the fashion industry generates less waste and thus limits its impact on the environment. And contrary to popular belief, recycling does not mean old-fashioned! On the contrary, brands have understood how to turn waste into a trendy creation. With upcycling, all the pieces are unique and that's probably what makes this concept even more interesting.
How to switch to upcycling?
This new process – which therefore consists in giving new life to objects or materials intended to end up in waste – is of interest to more and more French people. And for good reason, in addition to the cool side of recycling, upcycling is also and above all the creation and production of unique and quality pieces. Design objects for the home, accessories, clothes … Thanks to the art of "upcycling", you can create a multitude of things from a multitude of materials. Scarves, fabric or leather bags, pants, jeans, jackets, everything is over-cycled! On YouTube for example, you will easily find tutorials that will help you give a second life to used or old-fashioned clothes. If you don't have a creative soul, many brands – from haute couture but also from fast-fashion – are now turning to upcycling. This is the case of Pinko or Monki.
What alternatives to upcycling?
- Switch to clothing rental
For those who wish to reduce their ecological impact or who simply want to stop over-consuming, renting clothes can be a good solution. A wedding planned? A birthday party organized next month? Rather than buying an outfit that you won't necessarily be giving back, rent it! Today, more and more platforms offer this service, for example Un robe un soir, Le Closet or Les Cachotières.
- Turn to ethical brands
Fashion is good, but fashion that respects the environment is better. And yes, contrary to popular belief, it is quite possible to be stylish while dressing eco-responsible! Today, more and more brands are evolving by turning to a responsible approach that appeals to more and more people. These use organic or recycled materials, which allows consumers not to feel guilty about the ecological impact of their clothes. The goal ? Consume less but better. We advise you to invest in quality basics that will last through the years without going out of style and without deteriorating.
- Buy clothes already worn
To consume more responsibly and limit their ecological impact, some women decide to stop buying new clothes. Precisely, if you like the idea of perpetuating a garment that already has a history, consider buying second-hand! Today there are applications like Vinted that go against the grain of fast-fashion, a phenomenon that encourages women to buy more and more due to the very rapid renewal of collections. For those who are passionate about vintage fashion, you can also turn to thrift stores. These shops offer second-hand clothes at very reasonable prices. Finally, also think of consignments and storage spaces.
See also: Our special recycling ideas for the home