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25 Upcycled Clothing Brands Designing Against Fast Fashion

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In recent years, the fashion industry has been increasingly scrutinized for its environmental impact and labor practices. As a result, many consumers are turning to sustainable fashion options, including upcycled and reworked clothing. Upcycling is a creative and sustainable response to the industry’s growing waste crisis. Independent designers are leading the way in this movement, repurposing old garments into covetable, one-of-a-kind items that promote body positivity and environmental sustainability. We’ll highlight 25 of the best independent upcycled fashion brands and designers, each with their own unique style and ethos. 

Zero Waste Daniel

Zero Waste Daniel All Over Reroll Bundle

Website 

Instagram

Categories: Dresses, Sweatshirts, T-Shirts, Joggers, Bags

Materials: Scrap Fabrics, Textile Waste

Price Range: $100-$500

Daniel is a New York based clothing designer and zero-waste lifestyle pioneer who creates genderless clothing and accessories using pre-consumer waste from the garment industry and other hard-to-recycle materials. He gained worldwide attention in 2017 and continues to inspire change and redefine sustainable design through his mission of ending waste culture. His work has been featured in global publications and media outlets such as CNN, BBC, Vogue, and Forbes. His brand emphasizes fair and ethical production, while also promoting body positivity and environmental sustainability.

Lizard Queenz

Upcycled Patchwork Flare Jeans Lizard Queenz

Website

Instagram

Categories: Accessories, Tops, Outerwear, Kimonos, Robes, Bottoms

Materials: Denim, Tapestry, Blankets

Price Range: $50 – $300

Lizard Queenz is a sustainable fashion brand founded by Lauren Isabella, inspired by 70s rock n’ roll style. Their offerings include vintage, upcycled, handmade, and small-batch goods that cater to a range of sizes and genders. The brand aims to embody a refined rockstar lifestyle while capturing the androgynous fashion of the era, promoting a carefree and sustainable psychedelia.

Bohemian Scrapcity

Custom Reworked Sweatpants by Bohemian Scrap City

Website

Instagram

Categories: Outerwear, Pants, Crop Tops, 

Materials: Blankets, Tapestry, Crochet

Price Range: $70 – $200

Bohemian Scrapcity is a handmade clothing brand based in Aurora, Colorado. Created by Emily, the brand was inspired by a friend’s coat at a concert, which led her to learn how to sew and create her own version. With a focus on sustainability, Bohemian Scrapcity uses as many recycled materials as possible in their unique, one-of-a-kind and limited series offerings. The brand caters to eco-conscious consumers who are looking for an alternative to fast fashion.

Psychic Outlaw

Psychic Outlaw Hello Kitty Sleeping Bag upcycled into a Track Suit

Website

Instagram

Categories: Outerwear, Dresses, Accessories, Unisex

Materials: Bandanas, Scrap Fabric, Blankets, Vintage Clothing

Price Range: $50 – $400

Psychic Outlaw is a small team of creatives based in Austin, Texas, specializing in creating sustainable, handmade clothing using recycled vintage and antique textiles. The brand was founded in 2019 by Rebecca Wright, who has had a lifelong obsession with buying and creating unique clothing. She uses really unique fabrics such as sleeping bags to create a one-of-a-kind Hello Kitty tracksuit.

1/OFF

1:OFF Paris Upcycled Blazer

Website

Instagram

Categories: High Fashion, Blazers, Experimental Garments

Materials: Vintage garments

Price Range: $500+

1/OFF (not to be confused with OFF-WHITE) is a fashion label that upcycles high-end vintage garments into one-of-a-kind contemporary pieces. Their skilled couture makers transform sourced vintage items from around the world while respecting the quality and craftsmanship of the original pieces. The label aims to extend the lifespan of fashion items by adding individuality and keeping them relevant for new generations. Their unique designs connect the past with the future and combine historical consciousness with open innovation.

The Topian Den

Reworked Rainbow Cardigan by Topian

Website

Instagram

Categories: Women’s Dresses and Smocks

Materials: Denim, Crochet

Price Range: $150-$350

This designer creates eco-friendly clothing, bags, and accessories that feature appliqué art made from leftover fabric to minimize waste. Inspired by the landscapes of South West Wales and a love for folk art, folklore, and whimsical themes, they transform ordinary items into unique and extraordinary wearable and usable art.

Rave Review

Iron Coat by Rave Review

Website

Instagram

Categories:  High Fashion, Ultra Luxury, Womens Outerwear and Skirts

Materials: Vintage, Fabric Scraps

Price Range: $200-$1,000+

Stockholm Based Fashion Label specializing in one-of-one reworked pieces. Rave Review aims to make the wearer feel empowered and strong through their designs. They have a feminist agenda which is reflected in their casting and designs. They promote strong individuals and want to underline the wearer’s attitude through their garments. The clothes are meant to be noticed and unapologetic in order to help empower women and encourage them to take up more space and be hear

Vivid Visions

Upcycled Quilt converted into a unisex hoodie designed by Vivid Visions

Website

Instagram

Categories: Outerwear, Pants, Unisex

Materials:  Blankets, Quilts, Denim

Price Range: $150-$250

Vivid Visions is an upcycled clothing designer who creates unique pieces using blankets and quilts to make outerwear and pants. The brand specializes in giving new life to vintage fabrics and materials, turning them into one-of-a-kind garments that are both eco-friendly and fashionable. 

Alexander Zdroyevski

Website

Instagram

Categories: Outerwear, Hoodies, Pants

Materials: Blankets, Curtains, Quilts

Price Range: $100 – $350 

Alexander Zdroyevski is a Buffalo, New York-based designer who specializes in upcycling old clothing and fabrics like blankets and tablecloths. His designs are both sustainable and unique. He constantly experiments with new materials including repurposing a shower curtain into pants. 

Quixotica

Patchwork Pants by Quixotica

Website

Instagram

Categories: Unisex Tops and Pants

Materials: Thrifted Clothing, Denim

Price Range: $40 – $150

Quixotica is a designer who creates unique and sustainable fashion pieces. One example of their work is a T-shirt made from ten different materials, including cotton jersey tees, silk, and canvas curtains, with three cohesive patterned fabrics. They also make reworked jeans that feature hand-embroidered and vintage patches, distressed peace signs, and symbols of peace and death throughout.

Life’s Legend

Lifes Legend Instagram Hoodies Reworked

Instagram

Categories: Hoodies, Pants

Materials: Thrifted Clothing

Price Range: $100-$200

Run by Creative Kid Nate from Texas, these designs have a more streetwear feel. Inventory is sometimes low, so reach out to Nate on Instagram and ask him for a custom project. 

Upcycled Clothing Designers on Etsy

Reworks By Mandy

Reworks By Mandy Upcycled Colorblock Hoodie

Repurposed by Karen

Pandii And Co

Pandii and Co Reworked Hoodie

Upcycled Alchemy Shop

Reworked Hoodie with Flannel Accents Alchemy Shop

Folli

Foli Reworked Military Jacket

Broken Ghost

Broken Ghost Patchwork Jean Shorts

That Denim Chick

That Denim Chick Upcycled Overalls

Upcycled Clothing Designers on Instagram

Upcycled by Maci

CREATE Flea Market

Vintage In We Trust

Jill Thompson

Remake by Yi

Trashion

We Two Gypsies

Won Off Customs

Photo Credits to all the Brands mentioned in this post.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Utopia By Cho

FAQs About Upcycled Fashion Brands

Prices range from $50 – $1,000+. It depends on the experience of the designer and the quality of materials being used.
To shop for upcycled clothes, you’ll have luck searching on Etsy. Many independent designers sell primarily through Instagram, so you may have luck DMing a designer there.
In the last decade, popularity of upcycling has increased due to environmental concerns and the rising cost of raw materials. Upcycling allows individuals to use materials they already have to create new products, making it a sustainable and cost-effective option. DIY influencers and digital trends have also contributed to the growth of upcycling by promoting creative projects and building a community focused on reducing waste and being mindful of consumption practices.

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