Recycling and reusing old clothes is a novel trend that allows you to save money and protect the environment. In this sense, we share simple and creative ideas to transform your garments. Start!
Surely you have clothes in your closet that you no longer use, either because you lost weight and it is large or because of a defect that the fabric presents. Other reasons may be that the garments have gone out of fashion or your tastes have changed. However, by recycling and reusing old clothes you can give them a second chance.
All shirts, dresses, blouses and even unworn stockings only take up one space and deteriorate over time. On the other hand, if you choose to recycle or reuse you can transform and give it a new use in order to increase its useful life. Would you like to know more details? Read!
Recycle and reuse old clothes to take care of the environment
Chemicals are used to make clothes that cause waste and pollute the environment. Therefore, a great way to mitigate this impact is to recycle and reuse garments that are no longer used.
These alternatives provide multiple benefits, among which we highlight the following:
Reduction of textile waste and pollution in seas, soils and air.
Saving natural resources.
Decrease in the use of electrical energy.
Minimized the use of chemicals and fertilizers.
Promotion of sustainability.
Ideas for reusing old clothes
According to the Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy, ‘reuse’ is to use something again, either with the same function or with a completely different one.
In this sense, it is a practice that deserves creativity and imagination. Here are ideas for you to get inspired and extend the life of your old clothes.
Some clothes have minimal defects that we can solve creatively, so that we prolong their useful life.
1. Bandana
The bandana is an accessory that was very popular in the 90s and became a trend again. In this sense, you can cut a square of your old garments that are printed and use it as a handkerchief.
In addition to serving as an accessory for hair, it is a headband or adorns your tail. Also used as top and to decorate the neck.
2. Transform your jeans into shorts
The bottom of your jeans is worn and that’s why you don’t use it? Try cutting them to make some shorts.
It’s very simple. You should only use a white pencil and a ruler to mark the cut. At the end, with scissors shorten the pants above the knee.
3. Turn a dress into a skirt
Do you have a dress that you don’t wear or that the top looks worn? Make it a skirt! The transformation is very simple.
You only need a white pencil, scissors, a closure and a sewing machine. In case you do not have the latter, you can opt for thread and needle.
4. Make a crop top
A simple idea to reuse old clothes is to create a Crop Top with shirts or t-shirts. First you cut the sleeves and half of the garment. Then you make a hem in the trimmed areas and proceed to sew.
5. Manufacture textile objects
Old clothes can also be reused to make Cushions or pillows. How to do it? Very simple. For the covers you use printed and resistant fabrics. As for the filling, you add damaged fabrics.
According to the Research work presented by Alejandra Escobar, Dayana Quintero and Doriana Cerradas to the Andrés Bello Catholic University, recycling is the process by which waste or materials are transformed to be used again.
In this sense, you can turn the clothes that you have stored in your closet and have been unused for months, or maybe years, into amazing outfits. Ready to transform your clothes? Start!
1. Make a cloth bag
Cloth bags can be used for years, while those made of plastic, paper and cardboard have a shorter shelf life.
Shirts, T-shirts or old dresses that are made of cotton or some resistant fabric serve as material to make recyclable bags. On the other hand, an easy idea is to cut the sleeve and the edge of the collar of the shirt. Then sew the bottom to close it. You already have your bag to store the purchase!
2. Kitchen towels
One of the easiest ways to recycle your old clothes is to make kitchen towels, as you only have to cut the garments into a square shape. As for the size, it is up to you.
On the other hand, the garments to be used have to be cotton, because synthetic ones can scratch glass objects, such as glasses, plates and glasses.
3. Customize the garments
Sometimes you stop wearing clothes because they look boring and simple. One way to change this is to add small details that make a difference, such as sewing. scraps of fabric in the pockets of your jeans or on jackets. Provide an original touch to your garments!
The footwear can be customized to extend its use if we have left it because it went out of fashion or we are no longer convinced by its style.
4. Donate old clothes
The donation is an act of solidarity that allows us to help the most needy people. So, another way to recycle clothes is to donate them, as long as it has appropriate conditions. That is, clean garments that are not deteriorated.
On the other hand, children’s clothing is great for donating, as they only wear it a couple of times before forgetting it in the closet.
5. Barter between friends and family
Do you like how your clothes look? If the answer is no, your family and friends may be interested.
Then, you can trade or sell your old clothes. In this sense, there are web pages and applications such as Wallapop ® , intended for the exchange and sale of used clothing.
Recycling and reusing old clothes is a trend
More and more consumers and clothing companies are joining the trend Upcycle of fashion, which consists of recycling and reusing old clothes. This is done in order to benefit the environment, save money and enhance creativity.
Therefore, before thinking about discarding garments because they are old or broken, you should exhaust all options. For that fabric can be used for other purposes.
So, it’s time to ask yourself how many old clothes you have that you no longer wear. What new use can you give them? Which ones can you transform and redesign? Let’s get down to work!