As we reconsider how to navigate our daily routines and strip back what we know to the essentials, we can start to recognise our necessities. Take a moment to give your lifestyle some thought. Think about what you really need and distinguish this from what you could live without. In the UK, we buy more clothes per person in the UK than any other country in Europe and it has been estimated that £140 million worth of clothing goes to landfill every year.

As consumers, we have become better at looking to extend our consideration for the world beyond our own households and since the outbreak of the global tragedy, the planet has seen positive environmental change. This silver lining shows that change is possible and in order to sustain this, we need to start thinking about the new reality we want to create when we come out the other end of this. So, why not start from the comfort of your own home. 

Let’s begin with your wardrobe. We’re all guilty of having a few too many items stuffed into our wardrobes and yet, we still feel the need to purchase more. Many online outlets have remained open and with all of this extra time on our hands, it is tempting order away. Next time you find yourself hovering over the checkout button, consider upcycling what you already have instead. Upcycling is a sustainable way of updating your wardrobe without the need to buy anything new. Whether you’re a sewing expert or have never even picked up a pair of scissors, we’re going to provide you with some inspiration to get your DIY on and upcycle your wardrobe.

Redesign⁠

You've heard us talk about our bespoke service before which involved redesigning old favourites, inherited pieces or second hand purchases. Anything can be transformed and given a new lease of life to suit your style, and the same goes for clothing.

With a little imagination and creativity you needn’t shop online to find a new outfit. An old jumper you no longer wear can be updated and redesigned to fit your new style and that pair of jeans that have been rejected to the bottom of your wardrobe are just begging to be transformed into a pair of denim shorts.

Why not start by seeking some inspiration on Pinterest, select the style you desire and get your DIY on. When having a look around, we found some great customising ideas: adding a stripe of material down the sides of your jeans, transforming a shirt to make an off to the shoulder look, adding some pattern to white trainers, bleaching denim to create a lighter look or embroidering onto a plain jumper or t-shirt.

Repair⁠

Think about whether or not you can repair something or enhance it rather than throw it out to sit in a landfill.⁠

When our clothes show signs of wear and tear it’s tempting to just throw them away and start again; it’s the easiest option and justifies purchasing something new. But this throwaway culture we have adopted is having a negative effect on the environment and simply encourages unnecessary consumerism.

It may seem more of a challenge to repair clothing, but there is so much information and so many guides out there, that it’s actually easier than you think.

Whether it’s sewing on missing buttons, shortening or adding material, sewing patches, altering the shape or re-threading elasticated areas - all of this can be done from home and by following along with tutorials. Or, get in touch with your friends and family and see if anyone can help you out over zoom. It’s a bit of fun and a chance to learn a new skill during isolation.

 

 

Written by Holly Harris