Types of Upcycling

The definition of upcycling is to reuse discarded clothing, objects, or materials in their current form, it is re-imagining these underutilised or discarded materials and creating something new and unique. However, there are different ways a designer can upcycle. 

So to give you a more holistic view of what upcycling is, we’re going to explain the three different techniques; altering, repurposing and customising.

Altering
Transforming a garment into something new. For example, you might take a pair of jeans and turn them into a pair of shoes, or take an old dress and turn it into a handbag.

Repurposing
This is where the designer uses discarded materials, cut offs and scraps to create a new garment.

Customising
Customisation can take two main forms:

• Embellishment
  Decorating and adding custom details to a garment such as beading, embroidery, patchwork or crochet. 

• Printing/Painting
  Transforming the garment into something new by painting, drawing or printing on it.