What is 'upcycling' in fashion?

Upcycling in fashion refers specifically to the process of taking unused clothing or textiles and creatively repurposing them to create new products. This sustainable approach not only reduces waste by giving a second life to materials that might otherwise end up in landfills, but it also promotes creativity and innovation in design. The goal of upcycling is typically to enhance the value of the original material, transforming it into something that is either more useful or aesthetically pleasing.

The focus on repurposing aligns closely with current trends in sustainability and environmental awareness within the fashion industry. This practice stands in contrast to other concepts such as creating entirely new materials, recycling textile waste into raw fibers, or marketing strategies, each of which address different aspects of textile management and fashion production.