The Student Room Group

Money saving tips for upcycling and recycling clothes

In recent years, the fashion industry has been under scrutiny for its impact on the environment, with fast fashion being a major contributor to waste and pollution. As a result, many people, including students, are turning to sustainable fashion options, such as upcycling and recycling clothes. For fashion-conscious, sustainability-minded, and budget-conscious students, upcycling and recycling clothes can be a great way to stay stylish without breaking the bank or harming the environment.

Start small.
If you’re new to upcycling or recycling, start with a small project, such as adding patches to a denim jacket or turning an old t-shirt into a crop top. This will help you get comfortable with the process and build your skills before taking on larger projects.

Learn basic sewing skills.
Knowing how to sew can be incredibly helpful when upcycling clothes. You don’t need to be an expert seamstress but having some basic skills can help you create more polished and professional-looking pieces.

Experiment with dyeing.
Dyeing clothes is a great way to give them new life and create a unique look. You can experiment with different colours and techniques to create a one-of-a-kind piece.

Shop second-hand.
Thrift stores and online marketplaces like Vinted, Depop and eBay are great places to find affordable clothing that can be upcycled or recycled. You can also look for clothing swaps in your community to trade clothes with others.

Start small. If you’re new to upcycling or recycling, start with a small project, such as adding patches to a denim jacket or turning an old t-shirt into a crop top. This will help you get comfortable with the process and build your skills before taking on larger projects.

Learn basic sewing skills.
Knowing how to sew can be incredibly helpful when upcycling clothes. You don’t need to be an expert seamstress but having some basic skills can help you create more polished and professional-looking pieces.

Experiment with dyeing.
Dyeing clothes is a great way to give them new life and create a unique look. You can experiment with different colours and techniques to create a one-of-a-kind piece.

Shop second-hand.
Thrift stores and online marketplaces like Vinted, Depop and eBay are great places to find affordable clothing that can be upcycled or recycled. You can also look for clothing swaps in your community to trade clothes with others.

Get inspired.
Look for inspiration online or in magazines to get ideas for your upcycling projects. Pinterest is a great resource for finding tutorials and inspiration for upcycling and recycling clothes.
Look for inspiration online or in magazines to get ideas for your upcycling projects. Pinterest is a great resource for finding tutorials and inspiration for upcycling and recycling clothes.

Comment below any other advice and tips you may have for other students wanting to save money with upcycling and recycling :smile:
(edited 9 months ago)
Reply 1
Absolutely, I couldn't agree more! Upcycling and recycling clothes have not only become essential in curbing fashion's environmental impact but also an exciting way to explore one's creativity. Starting small with manageable projects, learning basic sewing skills, and experimenting with dyeing techniques can be a rewarding journey for students. Additionally, thrift stores, online marketplaces, and clothing swaps provide budget-friendly avenues to source materials for upcycling. Keeping an eye out for inspiration from online resources and sharing your unique creations within communities can further enrich the experience of embracing sustainable fashion.
Original post by jackwells
Absolutely, I couldn't agree more! Upcycling and recycling clothes have not only become essential in curbing fashion's environmental impact but also an exciting way to explore one's creativity. Starting small with manageable projects, learning basic sewing skills, and experimenting with dyeing techniques can be a rewarding journey for students. Additionally, thrift stores, online marketplaces, and clothing swaps provide budget-friendly avenues to source materials for upcycling. Keeping an eye out for inspiration from online resources and sharing your unique creations within communities can further enrich the experience of embracing sustainable fashion.

We totally agree! :smile:

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