3 Ways to Upcycle Old Clothes

For the vast majority of the clothes in my closet, once I feel that I’m “done” with an item, I either list it on Poshmark or donate it. Every once in a while there comes an article of clothing that I can’t bear to part with but that doesn’t serve me anymore in its current state. Right now, I have three clothing items that I’ve owned for varying lengths of time that have not been worn recently. At the same time, I can’t bring myself to part with them!

I plan to upcycle—or, give new life to—these three clothing items that have been collecting dust. If you’re working towards a more sustainable lifestyle, upcycling your pre-loved clothes is an excellent way to extend their life and keep them out of the landfill. It’s definitely something I need to keep in mind more often! Part of my wardrobe plan for 2020 is to take care of the clothes I already have, and upcycling fits into that piece of the plan. There are a number of ways to upcycle clothing items, and I plan to upcycle each of the three items in three different ways.

DYE

Loft chambray popover shirt

This top has definitely seen better days! It used to be a beautiful light blue (please excuse/enjoy the old photos!). Over time, it faded into what it looks like now: unintentional ombré…the top has faded considerably compared to the bottom. I don’t even know how that happened! I last featured it in an outfit in summer 2018, and I had talked about the fading and what was next for the top in that post. Two years later and I’m still clinging to the top even though I haven’t worn it since then!

What I love most about this top is the fit and the feel of the fabric. I’ve yet to find a shirt that compares to this one. Since I can’t bring myself to part with it, and I love everything except for the color…I’m thinking I am going to dye it! I haven’t dyed it yet because 1) I have NO idea what color to dye it (the same chambray blue? something totally different, like a utility green? how will I ever pick just one color?) and 2) I am unprepared. I think I need to buy a bucket. I have one now, but I worry about staining it. I’m also scared I might ruin the shirt, but if I’m not wearing it now…doesn’t hurt to try dying it, right?! The Rit Dye Instagram gives me lots of inspiration (and is why I cannot pick a color!).

Have you dyed anything before? Tips/tricks? Does fabric content matter when you dye? (I just realized I didn’t double check the fabric content…)

TAILOR

Madewell drapey paperbag pants

I am fortunate that I can go to the store and buy something that has a high likelihood of fitting me directly off the rack. It’s made me lazy when it comes to shopping and finding the correct fit. I have learned in recent years the value of tailoring. A few years ago, I finally got my first pair of Madewell jeans tailored (I had purchased the 32” inseam, not realizing that I am actually a 28” inseam…LOL; back then, the inseam lengths weren’t separated into petite, regular, and tall). I wear those jeans so much more often now that they’ve been hemmed! (Now I just wish they had a higher rise…)

I purchased these paperbag pants from Madewell last year, and I’ve only worn them a couple of times (here and here). Every time I go to wear them, I wish they were just an inch shorter. It’s hard to tell how long they are in the photos, but they come down to the top of my ankle bones. This is a case when the measurements provided by Madewell were a little misleading. The inseam is listed as 25.5”, which should be cropped on me, but since the rise is so long (13.5”) and I’m borderline petite, the crotch sits lower on me than it probably does on folks that are not petite, making them feel (and look) longer. This alteration has been put on hold due to COVID and not seeing my tailor, but I don’t need to wear them anytime soon since I’m still working from home for the time being!

These pants are still available, and you can buy a pair for yourself here (also available at Nordstrom).

REIMAGINE

Paul & Joe Sister striped wave boxy sweatshirt

If you’ve been reading for a few years, you may remember this top that I purchased from Anthropologie back in the summer of 2014. I loved it then and I still love it now, but I haven’t worn it since I blogged this outfit… Even though I love this top SO much, the oversized shape makes it really difficult to style. I’ve thought about selling it, but the print is so unique that I want to hang onto it. It makes me happy every time I see it!

Instead of tailoring it to fit me (and risking losing the cool wave down the side), I’ve been thinking about having this top made into a pillowcase. That way, I could throw it on the couch and enjoy it every day! I think the size is big enough for a 16” square pillow, but I haven’t talked to my tailor to see if this is feasible. (Again, COVID put this one on hold for now.) Theoretically I could learn to sew it myself, but I don’t want to risk ruining the print at all! I would definitely give this one to a pro. It’d be awesome if a zipper closure could be added to it.

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What are some of the ways you’ve given new life to your old clothes? Any favorite upcycling methods?