In an era where yesterday’s outfits become today’s waste, a new fashion movement is unfolding. It is making it certain that sustainability and fashion can go hand in hand. Upcycling and recycling are no longer mere eco-friendly buzzwords. Rather, they have emerged as key tools in the fight against fashion waste.
In general, upcycling creatively transforms discarded textiles into higher-value products. For instance, vintage saris are created as designer garments. Likewise, old t-shirts are remade into trendy accessories. On the other hand, recycling breaks down worn garments into raw fibres. This is done to make entirely new fabrics. Together, these practices are reshaping the global fashion ecosystem by keeping materials in use and out of landfills.
This shift is visible across industries and is not just a passing fad. Various fashion giants are using recycled plastics into footwear and apparel. In addition, recycled polyester, reclaimed cotton, and biodegradable alternatives are also entering mainstream collections. They are now proving that eco-conscious materials can match traditional fabrics in both quality and appeal.
Interestingly, sustainability isn’t always the main driver for many secondhand shoppers. Millennials make up nearly 40 per cent of secondhand fashion buyers. And they often cite affordability and uniqueness as their primary motivators. But this doesn’t mean sustainability doesn’t matter. In fact, being eco-friendly consistently ranks as the top expectation consumers have from brands since 2019. They may not always choose a product because it’s sustainable, but they want to know the brand behind the picture.
Additionally, there has been a 70 per cent rise in social media posts that mentioned preloved fashion over the last 6 months. Social media has long been a source of information and inspiration when it comes to fashion, with especially younger consumers following influencer trends and reviews when making a purchase decision. Social media is also helping re-energise brands that have been around for a while.
That said, consumers expect brands to act responsibly. Nowadays, the consumers may choose items for style or price. However, they still want the assurance that brands are making sustainable decisions behind the scenes. Repair services, recycling options, and resale models build trust and long-term brand value if done with authenticity. In a landscape filled with greenwashing,genuine action speaks loudest.
While recognising the importance of preparing future designers for this new shift, Lovely Professional University (LPU) has launched a forward-thinking collaboration with Respun- India’s pioneering clothes recycling service under Kay Gee Enterprises. As part of this initiative, LPU’s fashion design students were given over 350 kilograms of textile waste sorted into “mystery bags” of pre and post-consumer materials. Rather than viewing the scraps as unusable, students saw a creative chance. They turned discarded fabric into high-concept garments, accessories, and lifestyle products, blending design with purpose and impact.
In a world where fashion often emphasises the new, this trend promotes the regenerated. Upcycling and recycling are not just alternatives. They have become the model for a sustainable industry. And, via partnerships like LPU and Respun, the next generation is being enabled to create a future in which fashion leaves a legacy rather than waste.
