Even though the cheap prices and it-trends make fast fashion seem like a handy tool to create a fashionable wardrobe the truth behind the industry isn’t so pretty.
Fast fashion creates problems. On a lot of levels actually. Most chains have really bad working conditions at their productions sites, they have a huge impact on the environment, and encourages overconsumption.
Slow fashion on the other hand is much better – on all levels. However, some might think the prices are too high for this type of clothes.
If you are one of those who think slow fashion brands are too expensive, there is another option. Actually, there are a lot of other options, but one of the best ways to create a slow fashion wardrobe is by using upcycling.
Upcycling is about using what you’ve got to create a new style. say turn a dress into a new summer top.
You will not need a sewing machine or any fancy equipment in order to make these clothing upcycling projects. You may need a needle or an iron, but that is it.
So without further ado let’s jump right to the 12 simple, yet fabulous upcycling clothing ideas out there.
The Upcycling Clothing Idea you’ve been looking for
1. Add some new buttons
Okay, let’s start out with an easy idea – adding new buttons. Even though this might sound like an easy and partially boring upcycling clothing idea you shouldn’t judge a dog by its collar.
You might not think so, but adding new buttons to your shirt, sweater, dress, or whatever other items you might want wish to upcycle can actually change the whole look of it.
If you want a more classy sweater you can replace the old buttons with pearl buttons instead. If you are looking for a more unique look you can mix it up and add buttons in different colors and shapes. Only your own imagination sets the limit.
The difficulty of this upcycling clothing idea is categorized as easy. Even though your sewing skills might not be at a master level this is still a project you can easily succeed at.
What you’ll need for this upcycling project:
- Buttons of your preferation
- A neddle
- Sewing thread
2. Embroider beautiful motifs
If you have an old plain t-shirt you think is a bit dull or a pair of old jeans that still fit well, but you think is kind of boring this upcycling clothing idea is for you.
Even though embroidering might sound a bit difficult it actually isn’t. You can even print or draw a pattern you can follow. And the motive ideas are endless.
If you have a stubborn stain on your shirt you can add a small bumblebee, a cherry, or a sunflower to cover it up. You can also add a smiley or a sun on the pocket of your jeans instead.
If you want to get really creative add some flowers on top of your pocket so it looks likes it’s growing out of your pocket. Again. the only thing setting the limit is your imagination.
What you’ll need for this upcycling clothing idea:
- An embroidery needle
- Embroidery thread
- Embroidery hoop (optional)
3. Tiy-dye your clothes
Tiy-dye may be an oldie, but it is definitely still a goldie. Though the love for tie-dye dates back to the ’60s, tie-dye still is a fashion darling. Luckily, it is incredibly easy to upcycle your clothes by the use of tie-dye.
The first thing you have to do is prep your clothes (let them soak in water). Afterward, you just fill a bucket with hot water, add your preferred dye(s). Before you add your clothes to the water you need to put rubber bands around the places you want the tie-dye to appear. The rubber bands are what is going to cause those cool patterns.
Then simply add the clothes to the water, stir slowly and let it sit for about 30 minutes or longer depending on the dye you are using. Then remove the clothes, squeeze leftover dyes out and wash them.
If you want to dye your clothes sustainable check out our guide on how to do that here. There you’ll also find a list of what natural materials you need to use depending on the color(s) you wish to use.
What you’ll need for this upcycling clothing idea:
- Dye (preferably homemade natural dyes)
- Water
- Rubber bands
- Spoon
- Vinegar (optional)
- Bucket
4. Use scissors and make magic
This is probably the most old-school upcycling clothing idea, and all you will need is scissors. It really doesn’t get any simpler than this.
If you are finding it hard to be creative, don’t believe in your own DIY skills, or just don’t want to spend time on an upcycling clothing idea this one is for you. All you need to do is put on your item, figure out where you want to cut it, and then, well, cut the bottom off.
Remember, you can always cut more off but the fabric can’t grow back out, so it’s better to cut off a little less than you imagine and then adjust it.
You can either make a crop top of an old hoodie or t-shirt, turn a maxi dress into a short summer dress, or a pair of jeans into shorts.
What you’ll need for this upcycling clothing idea:
- Scissors
- Measuring tape (optional)
5. Transform an boring dress
Do you have a dull unflattering dress in the back of your closet that makes you feel like a bag of potatoes when you wear it? Fear not, this upcycling clothing idea will transform your dress in no time.
All you need to do is put on the dress (or skirt), pick up the safety pin and start gathering pinning it through the fabric, starting at the bottom. Secure the safety pin where you want the draping to end, and you’re done.
What you’ll need for this upcycling project:
- A large safety pin
6. Add shoulder pads
Hold on. Shoulder pads? That sounds too much like something they would wear back in the ’80’s right? Shoulder pads can be done in a fashionable and elegant way and can add more shapes to your old t-shirt.
If you want to try this upcycling clothing idea I recommend you watch a youtube video, before you get started such as this one which is a no-sew version. It will definitely make the upcycling process easier.
What you’ll need for this upcycling clothing idea:
- Fabric glue or sewing machine
- Shoulder pads
- Scissor
- Pins
7. Create a cut summertop
If you also love cute summer tops (well, who doesn’t) this upcycling clothing idea might just be your next DIY project. And it is a lot easier than it looks.
To begin with, you’ll need a top. This can also be done with a t-shirt but the end result will be best if you use a strap top. When you have your shirt you need to turn it inside out and mark the places you want to add the elastic by drawing horizontal lines.
Then you will need to sew in the elastic in the places you just marked. This is easily done by hand, so no sewing machine is needed. If you need a little visual proof before you start this video is very helpful.
What you’ll need for this upcycling clothing idea:
- Elatics
- Thread
- Needles
- Scissor
- Chalk or something else else to mark where the elastics should be
8. Make your own high low dress
A new sustainable summer dress always makes the season more fun. With this upcycling trick you don’t even need to spend a single penny on a new summer dress, you can just transform the one you already have.
This upcycling idea works the best if you have a longer dress. What you’ll need to do is cut off the bottom front of the dress. In that way, you’ll get a dress with a bit more shape and a cool new design.
What you’ll need for this upcycling clothing idea:
- A scissor
- Chalk or soemthing else to marle where you want to cut the dress
9. Get two for the price of one
Okay, quick tip before you throw yourself into the arms of the upcycling clothing idea. You will end up with the best result if you use a figure-hugging dress or at least a dress design where you don’t need to sew in the bottom so the dress doesn’t slip down.
But if you have such a dress, this is as easy as the upcycling clothing idea where you just need to cut the bottom of. For this upcycling project, you just need to cut the dress in two. If you want to get a little more creative you can cut off the top of the dress and make it into a bandage top and skirt, or you can add a sleeve at the bottom.
What you’ll need for this upcycling clothing idea:
- A Scissor
10. A new-sew and no-cut item
If you were looking for the easiest upcycling clothing idea on the list you just found it. Overall, this list is filled with beginner-friendly upcycling ideas for clothes, but this one has got to be the easiest.
This idea requires a dress or top with spaghetti straps since the idea won’t work with a t-shirt. Start by putting on your top or dress. Now take one of the straps and pull it over your head so you have two straps on the same shoulder. Then take the other strap one and pull it over your head.
If you’ve done it correctly your straps should be crossing each other in front of your chest like in the picture. An easy, but non less cool upcycling clothing idea.
What you’ll need for this upcycling clothing idea:
- A small portion of flexibility
11. Summer top out of old shirt
If you like to browse through Pinterest you might have come across beautiful pictures of women wearing this type of summer top. You might even have browsed through the editions you can buy in stores.
But before you spend all your hard-earned money on this top you should know it is very easy to make yourself.
All you have to do is remove the top buttons, from the shirt, and then either bent down the collar on the shirt or just cut it off. On top of all of you just have to take the two bottom corners of the shirt together and then you have a new upcycled summer top.
What you’ll need for this upcycling clothing idea:
- Something to removes the buttons
- A scissor (optional)
12. Turn a sweater into a cardigan
Do you have an old sweater you’ve gotten a bit tired of looking add? Or do you just need a new cardigan? Then why not create a new cardigan on your own?
All you need to do is cut open a sweater and now you have a new cardigan. You can even cut off the sleeves if you want a trendy short-sleeved cardigan. To finish off the look add some cool buttons to your perforation.
What you’ll need for this upcycling clothing idea:
- Scissor
- Buttons (optional)
- Thread (optional)
- Needle (optional)
Want to learn more about upcycling? Then check out our guide on the difference between upcycling and recycling. If you love the idea of upcycling but just don’t feel like doing it yourself then check out all our guides to sustainable brands that use the upcycling method to create cool items.
Leave a Reply