A Global Guide to Upcycling and Recycling Your Closet 

A Global Guide to Upcycling and Recycling Your Closet
Illustrated by Pauline de Roussy de Sales

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Inevitably, there will be pieces in our wardrobe that we no longer wear—whether it’s because they no longer fit, or they’ve become worn down over the years. But fear not. While textile recycling is still quite rare, there are initiatives which are leading the way. A clever designer like the New York-based Emily Nam can turn your old pants into a dress, where the UK-based company Kimai can recycle the gold and stones from one piece of jewelry into another. Then there are labels like Eileen Fisher and COS, which will accept and resell gently used styles—some will even offer a credit off your next purchase when you donate. Explore these options below. 
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Eileen Fisher Renew, US

Your Eileen Fisher clothing never needs to be thrown out. Since 2009, the company has taken back over 1.9 million pieces of their own clothing to resell through their Renew platform. 

Eva Joan, US

Since 2021, Eva Joan has been refreshing old garments with creative, funky embellishments at their downtown New York shop. 

Ahluwalia Circulate, UK 

Designer Priya Ahluwalia launched an app in partnership with Microsoft in 2021 that enables members of the public to donate their used clothes in exchange for store credits for her brand’s e-commerce site.

Future From Waste Lab, Australia This retail space specializes in turning one’s waste into futuristic fashion, by breathing new life into pre-loved clothing.

H&M Garment Collecting Program, Global 

First launched in 2013, H&M’s Garment Collecting program aims to keep used clothing in circulation for longer. Simply hand in your old clothes, by any brand and in any condition, and receive a thank you voucher to use towards your next purchase. The Swedish retailer works with I:CO to organize your clothes for resale, reuse and recycling.

Reture, Global  

This personal consultation service for upcycling garments encourages collaboration between its community of customers and designers, who must meet Reture’s criteria, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, before signing up.

Swedish Stockings Recycling Club, Global

The founders of Swedish Stockings, Linn Frisinger and Nadja Forsberg, have launched a recycling club aimed at cleaning up the hosiery industry. Simply send in your old tights and stockings and receive a 10 percent discount on your next purchase from the brand. 

Thrift+, UK 

Ship bags of unwanted clothing off to Thrift+ and the online platform will catalog and sell it for you in exchange for charity donations, Farfetch credit or both. 

Balenciaga Re-Sell Program, Global 

Launched in 2022, Balenciaga’s Re-Sell program gives its pieces a second life. Currently available in the US, UK, Italy, France and Singapore, you can book a collection or in-store drop-off for your items. Once sold, you can cash out or receive a store credit worth 20 per cent more. 

Kimai Second Life, Global 

All jewelry deserves to be worn, says London-based brand Kimai, which redesigns old pieces, by recycling the metal and using existing stones, into new treasures for its clients. 

Helen Kirkum Bespoke, Global 

London-based designer Helen Kirkum not only provides a bespoke footwear upcycling service on her website, but she also offers a Sneaker Sculpture Workshop where participants can learn to create their own.

ELV Denim Bespoke Services, UK 

London-based ELV Denim now offers made-to-measure and bespoke services to further advance their waste-free production strategy, while enticing customers to buy less and better.

Knickey, US

The American intimates brand Knickey’s recycling program will accept used undergarments and turn them into new materials such as insulation. Those who donate get 15 percent off their next purchase. 

Upparel, Australia

Upparel is Australia’s premiere textile collector from individuals and businesses alike. Certified B-Corp, it has diverted over 1 million kilograms of textiles from landfills. 

WeCycle, US

After collecting textiles from schools, residential buildings, offices, and more in the TriState area, WeCycle then either recycles or repurposes them.

Cullachange, Australia

Revive your garments with Sydney’s Cullachange, which will dye your clothes a fresh new color. 

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Thousand Fell, US

Thousand Fell is a recyclable and circular shoe brand. Return your Thousand Fell shoes to the brand via a pre-paid shipping label, and they will either be donated, recycled and reintroduced to the company’s supply chain, or upcycled via a third-party company. 

Suay Sew Shop, Los Angeles

Suay diverts textiles from landfills by upcycling and recycling fabrics into home goods and apparel. Plus, they have a community dye bath, where they will overdye your clothes in the colors of the month. 

Oscar de la Renta Encore, US

Shop decades of Oscar de la Renta’s runway designs through Encore, all authenticated by in-house archivists and refurbished by the atelier. 

Djerf Avenue Resell, Global

Extend the life of your Djerf Avenue pieces via the label’s peer-to-peer resale platform. 

The North Face Renewed, US

Shop discounted, pre-loved The North Face items through Renewed. If you sell your own items, you can receive at $10 credit towards your next purchase. 

3.1 ARCHIVE, US

Buy and sell 3.1 Phillip Lim for men and women, and discover rare pieces from Lim’s own archive. 

Marimekko Preloved, Finland 

Marimekko Preloved has both secondhand clothing from the Finnish brand, but also archival designs reissued in leftover fabrics.