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Upcycled fashion brands create unique, long-lasting, and stylish items using deadstock, discarded fabric scraps, unwanted vintage clothing, and post-consumer waste materials.
We all know how much fast fashion harms the planet. The world produces 92 million tons of textile waste every year, and 87% of clothing fabrics end up in landfills or incinerators (UNEP, Ellen MacArthur Foundation).
But in 2026, it's cool to wear new clothes made from old clothes! Celebs like Emma Watson, Billie Eilish, and Rihanna all do it, and thanks to these trendy upcycled clothing brands, we can too.
Later, I'll explain exactly what upcycled clothing is, how it's different from recycling, and the many benefits to both you and the environment.
But first, here are the amazing upcycled clothing brands that are rocking the sustainable fashion world this year. Each brand below is carefully selected based on its commitment to circular fashion principles, material innovation, and transparent supply chains.
Why We Love It: Fanfare Label blends British tailoring with circular fashion innovation. Founded by former fashion buyer Esther Knight, the brand upcycles vintage pieces and deadstock fabrics into fresh, modern silhouettes. All pieces are made in GOTS-certified workshops in the UK and Portugal.
Fanfare sits between Christy Dawn (California-based, similarly priced) and E.L.V Denim (luxury) in the US upcycled clothing market.
We tested their patchwork upcycled jeans for four weeks and were impressed by the craftsmanship. The denim feels sturdy yet soft, and the reinforced seams show the same quality you’d expect from luxury labels - minus the waste.
According to Fanfare, each pair saves 9,500 liters of water and prevents 1 kg of textile waste from entering landfills. We're unable to independently verify these exact figures, but the numbers do align with averages reported by Fashion Revolution and Water Footprint Network.
Editor’s Note: The jeans we tested feel premium, not "eco." They’re versatile enough for a city weekend or casual office wear. My pair held up beautifully after 5 washes with absolutely no warping or color fade. If you’re after truly durable denim, this is a standout.
✔ 100% Upcycled Materials
✔ Free Repairs & Alterations
✔ Trade in Old Jeans
Why We Love It: E.L.V Denim is a pioneering British luxury upcycled fashion brand founded by stylist Anna Foster in 2018.
The brand operates on a zero-waste philosophy, sourcing discarded garments from vintage warehouses across the UK and breathing new life into materials destined for landfill.
We tried a pair of their contrast-panel jeans, and the craftsmanship is amongst the best I've ever seen. They have reinforced seams, perfect tonal balance between panels, and an ultra-soft feel that feels like high-end designer denim.
At the $$$$$ price point, E.L.V Denim represents the luxury tier of upcycled fashion. It's positioned above mid-range options like Fanfare, Christy Dawn, and Paneros (all $$$), and premium Kalaurie ($$$$). But the longevity and repair services make them genuine heirloom garments that are worth the investment.
E.L.V Denim has won industry awards awards including the BFC Fashion Trust Fund and Innovate UK's Women in Innovation Award. This just proves that upcycling fashion can be a successful business model if done well!
Editor’s Note: I look at these jeans as investment pieces. They're the kind that feel better after each wear, and I can see them becoming my go-to pair for many years to come.
Why We Love It: ColieCo proves that sustainability and style can coexist even in the world of lingerie. Founded by Nicole Neaber, the brand operates from a custom-built studio in coastal Portugal, where every piece is designed, cut, and sewn in-house.
ColieCo’s lingerie is made to order to minimize waste and ensure a perfect fit. The brand uses an impressive mix of reclaimed deadstock fabrics and sustainably certified fibers like TENCEL™ and bamboo silk.
I tested one of their RPET mesh bodysuits, and the quality surprised me. Straight away, I could tell it was well-made, with strong seams. I love the vibrant colors, and saw no transparency issues even after multiple washes.
ColieCo’s focus on inclusive sizing (up to 3XL) also stands out in an industry that often overlooks body diversity. This is high-quality upcycled fashion for everyone.
Editor’s Note: This is one of the few lingerie brands where sustainability doesn’t mean compromising on comfort or design. Each piece feels unique, confident, and intentionally crafted. So different to the mass produced rubbish you see in most U.S. stores!
✔ Plus Size up to 3XL
✔ Upcycled & Recycled Clothing
✔ Zero Waste Production
Why We Love It: Christy Dawn is a California-based slow fashion brand founded in 2014 that specializes in vintage dresses and clothing made primarily from upcycled and recycled fabrics.
The brand operates on a farm-to-closet model, rescuing deadstock fabrics and textile scraps from major fashion houses that would otherwise end up in landfills. Christy Dawn transforms these surplus materials into feminine and genderless pieces designed for longevity and versatility.
We tried the signature Dawn Dress, and it’s easy to see why it’s a best-seller. It feels breathable, beautifully constructed, and looks flattering on multiple body types (mine included, if I say so myself!)
Christy Dawn emphasizes transparency in its supply chain and environmental impact. Each garment is designed as a wardrobe staple meant to be cherished for years rather than seasons.
Editor’s Note: Christy Dawn has become the benchmark for ethical fashion in the U.S. They seem to be able to balance sustainability, transparency, and enduring style better than almost anyone else. If you're new to upcycled clothing and don't know where to start - I recommend starting here!
Why We Love It: Founded by designer Cristiana Costa in 2018, Näz is one of Europe’s most transparent and accessible sustainable fashion labels. The brand’s mission is simple but powerful: to create beautiful clothing that respects people and the planet.
Näz primarily uses deadstock fabrics and recycled natural fibers, producing timeless, minimalist designs that transcend fast-fashion trends. Each garment is made in small, family-run workshops across Portugal, ensuring fair wages and maintaining the region’s textile heritage.
I tested one of Näz’s recycled wool sweaters, and my overriding feeling is that you get a lot for your money.
Considering the price point, I'd say my sweater exceeded my expectations in terms of its softness and quality. It feels warm without being too chunky or bulky, and I've had compliments on how well finished it looks. The styling is versatile, so for me it's perfect for both workwear and weekends.
Editor’s Note: I love that Näz makes sustainability attainable. If Christy Dawn and E.L.V Denim are the more high-end aspirational choices, Näz is the one you can comfortably afford and wear daily.
✔ Massive Choice of Sellers
✔ Talk Direct to Designers & Sellers
✔ Carbon Offset Shipping
Why We Love It: I've been shopping on Etsy for upcycled fashion for years, way before it became trendy. My closet holds a hand-dyed organic cotton dress from a Portland seller I discovered three years ago and a deconstructed blazer from Brooklyn that I wear constantly. Both pieces have that handcrafted quality you just don't find in mass-market stuff.
Etsy gives me access to makers who actually understand upcycling rather than slapping a "sustainable" label on greenwashed products.
Etsy runs on 100% renewable electricity and is working toward a net-zero goal by 2040 through the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This matters to me because I've worked hard to achieve a zero carbon footprint in my own life, and I want the platforms I use to share that commitment.
Editor's Note: Etsy works beautifully when you're willing to do the research. Read descriptions carefully, ask questions, and verify claims yourself. The platform has unique pieces that you won't see anywhere else, but you're responsible for separating genuine upcycled clothing from everything else cluttering the search results.
✔ Size Inclusive Lines
✔ Hand-Selected Fabrics
✔ Ethical Labor Policies
Why We Love It: Paneros Clothing operates as a sustainable fashion brand that prioritizes circular economy principles. By sourcing the highest-quality and most luxurious deadstock as much as possible, they focus on repurposing waste materials into luxury garments.
Paneros ensures that quality materials and clothes become recycled feedstock for new fibers and clothes. They also repurpose materials to extend the life of existing garments.
I was looking forward to trying on one of the Paneros hand-knitted sweatshirts, and it didn't disappoint. The detailing is exquisite: it feels soft to the touch, beautifully draped, and impeccably finished. It’s clear to me that the brand treats fashion as an investment, not a throwaway item.
The brand operates under a comprehensive sustainability framework that encompasses both environmental and social responsibility. They work exclusively with ethical manufacturers who provide fair living wages and safe working conditions.
Lauren handles all design work in Los Angeles. The company also works with manufacturing partners in Indonesia and Bali who specialize in traditional handcrafted techniques. Paneros positions itself as creating timeless, limited-edition pieces designed for longevity rather than fast fashion consumption patterns.
Editor’s Note: I'm impressed by how Paneros delivers quiet luxury with a conscience. The fit, fabric, and finish rival top boutique labels, but with a difference. Every piece tells a story of reuse and respect.
Our editors (led by Steph) personally tested every brand featured in this guide. Our goals was to make sure they live up to their sustainability claims, and that you’ll actually enjoy wearing them.
Our recommendations are based on the following criteria.
All items tested were purchased online using the links provided above. We never accept paid placements or allow brands to influence our reviews. Every recommendation is based on our own testing, independent research, and verified data.
Now that you've seen some of the best upcycled clothing brands available today, you might be wondering exactly what makes clothing "upcycled" and how it differs from other sustainable fashion approaches.
Upcycled clothes are new garments made directly from existing fabrics like vintage denim or factory off-cuts.
Because they already exist, these fabrics are ready to use without breaking the fibers down or using extra water or chemicals
Webster's defines upcycling as:
To reuse (discarded objects or material) in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original.
Upcycled fashion brands use the following materials.
Upcycling is typically less resource-intensive than recycling because it avoids the fiber breakdown and reprocessing stages that require water, energy, and chemicals. By reusing materials as-is, it keeps textiles in circulation longer and prevents waste from entering landfills.
Strictly speaking, upcycled fashion and recycled fashion are different. However, in practice, they are often used interchangeably and technically incorrectly - even within the fashion industry itself!
Both upcycling and recycling fall under the umbrella of circular fashion, a model that prioritizes keeping materials in use and reducing waste.
In the U.S., circular initiatives like Patagonia’s Worn Wear and Tentree’s Circularity program help normalize these approaches for everyday consumers.
Understanding what upcycled clothing is naturally leads to the question: Why should you choose upcycled fashion over conventional alternatives? The benefits extend far beyond environmental impact.
The main benefit of upcycled fashion is that it has a far lower environmental impact. But there are plenty of other, less obvious benefits to consider.
By its very definition, upcycling seeks to reduce waste by reusing raw materials that would otherwise be thrown away. It also generally uses far less energy and water than the fast fashion industry.
For context, producing one new cotton shirt can require around 2,700 liters (712 gallons) of water, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Beyond environmental benefits, upcycled fashion offers practical advantages for your wardrobe and wallet.
When brands upcycle, the clothing they produce is usually of far better quality. It's made to last, not to be thrown away. You will get much better value for money, and reduce textile waste at the same time.
Quality and longevity aren't the only advantages. Upcycled fashion also helps you stand out from the crowd.
Have you ever turned up at a party to find that one (or more) others are wearing the same dress or shirt? That's conventional fast fashion for you. When manufacturers mass-produce clothes, it's no surprise to find others have bought the same item as you.
But upcycled bohemian clothing is the opposite. Often, the garments are entirely unique, one-of-a-kind creations that literally nobody else will have, especially those that have been handmade from upcycled vintage fabrics.
Even if they're from a line, the fact that most brands of upcycled clothing and accessories are less well-known means it is far less likely that other people will have bought the same item you have.
Finally, many upcycled fashion brands complete the circular economy loop by taking responsibility for their products throughout their entire lifecycle.
As you'll have seen, many of the brands I recommended above offer the option to return their items when you no longer want them. E.L.V Denim’s trade-in and repair partners and Christy Dawn’s Pre-Loved marketplace are two great examples of this.
The brands either resell them in pre-loved collections, repair them, or recycle them. And you get store credit in return!
We’ve seen plenty of brands use the word upcycled loosely, so how do you spot the genuine brands and avoid the greenwashing?
Here’s what to look for if you want the real deal.
If a brand can’t tell you exactly where its fabrics came from or how it keeps waste out of landfill, it’s probably not genuine upcycling.
Upcycling isn’t a perfect solution. Its major challenge is that it relies on limited material streams and can’t yet meet mass-market demand.
Simply, there isn't enough deadstock material available to create upcycled clothing at a large enough scale to lower prices and truly disrupt fast fashion.
But for conscious consumers, it’s a powerful way to reduce waste and support small-scale artisans.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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