Trying to navigate "sustainable" fashion is a minefield. There are fast-fashion labels greenwashing, so much vague technical language that we've had to create our own guide on it, and the undeniable fact that buying any piece of fashion is an inherently unsustainable practice.
However, when it comes to recycled fabrics things are slightly more straightforward, where designers take old materials and re-uses them. While its rare to see pieces made from 100 percent recycled materials, it's definitely a step in the right direction.
We went shopping for pieces from designers who are using this working method and came back with a long list of fire pieces that you can cop with a reduced guilty conscience. There is an outdated stereotype that sustainably-made clothing is boring and plain, but the designers below such as NOAH, Acne Studios, and Marine Serre use recycled materials and have been proving that is far from the case.
From fine jewelry to technical outerwear, check out our favorite items that are produced from recycled materials. Also, get a jargon-free lowdown on how the materials were made.
Scroll down to find our favorite pieces that use recycled materials
Joshua Vides x Converse Basketball Utility Bag
This isn't called a "utillity bag" for nothing, the design includes 10 side body pockets, a hammer loop, and a detachable pouch belt bag to ensure optimum practicality. Taken from the collaboration between Converse and LA-based artist Joshua Vides, it is one of many pieces from that collection that utilizes recycled materials. In this case, the bag is crafted from 600D recycled poly.
Reebok Zig Kinetica II
The sneaker industry doesn't have a great track record when it comes to sustainability but Reebok is helping to change that with its latest trail running-inspired design. The upper of this shoe is created from a minimum of 30% recycled materials, as is the Vibram Ecostep outsole.
The North Face CTAE Full-Zip Fleece Black
Made to celebrate the 1990 International Trans-Antarctic Expedition which drew global attention to the dangers of climate change, this fleece honors its legacy by using recycled polyester.
NOAH Crusher Bucket Hat
NOAH has been streetwear's golden child when it comes to sustainability and this bucket hat continues its commitment to act in an eco-conscious manner. The washed-out style is crafted from a cotton blend that uses: 50% recycled cotton, 25% organic cotton, and 25% cotton.
ASICS HN2-S Protoblast
Coming courtesy of the Kiko Kostadinov Studio and its ongoing work within the ASICS design team is this retro-futuristic pair of bright sneakers. The upper is designed with more than 20% recycled materials while the dope-dyed sockliner reduces overall water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by approximately 45%.
Our Legacy Classic Shirt
This shirt boasts a slightly different finish each time due to it being created with silk noil fabric, which is made by recycling leftover fibers from the manufacturing of other silks, and then dyed with a special pigment dying process.
GmbH Jersey
While GmbH champions the native culture and lifestyle of Berlin, it also honors Germany's reputation for sustainability with its production methods. In this case, it uses recycled nylon to create a striking black and neon yellow jersey.
Acne Studios Shoulder Tote Bag
Not only does Acne Studios' Face sublabel create killer essentials, but they are also all crafted from organic or recycled materials. In this case, the Swedish brand's shoulder tote bag is made from recycled polyester.
Pangaia x Haroshi Be@rbrick Cotton Hoodie
Pangaia has always been refreshingly open about its fabrics origins, with many of its pieces printing how the fabric has been made where a logo would traditionally sit. For this collaboration with Be@rbrick, it uses an organic and recycled cotton blend hoodie to present Japanese artist Haroshi's grail BE@RBRICK figure.
adidas Swim Shorts
adidas has quietly been working at becoming more eco-friendly and partnering with organizations such as Parley for the Oceans. Here it produces its classic three-stripe swim shorts with a 100% recycled polyester twill.
Marine Serre Regen Patchwork Jeans
The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that it takes 3,781 liters of water to make one pair of jeans. For this pair, Marine Serre has significantly reduced this number by patchworking together old pairs of jeans and adding a purple wash along with her signature moon motif along the way.
Woolrich 3-in-1 Freedom Jacket
America's oldest outdoor label has proven that you can create technical fabrics from old materials. In this jacket, its two-layer 40D fabric is not only waterproof, breathable, and laminated but it also uses recycled materials.
COMPLETEDWORKS Sterling-Silver Bracelet
It's not just clothing that can be created from recycled materials, you can step up your jewelry game too with this platinum-plated recycled sterling-silver bracelet.
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