DIY Refashion Clothes

If you haven't ever considered refashioning you old clothes, then why not? Refashioning is big news at the moment. Oxfam have recently launched their own range of clothes, stylist to the celebrities, from old clothes. Websites like Threadbanger where communities of refashioners swap ideas are very popular and websites like Etsy that allow crafters to sell their creations are very popular with individuals selling beautiful clothes and accessories made using vintage or second hand clothing or recycled materials. There are a growing number of fashion labels selling designs using recycled clothes or materials including Junky Styling who have been making twisted and innovative garments from tailored pieces. Even Topshop is now getting in on the act with it's own line of refashioned clothes by label My Only One.

There is absolutely no way that anyone could say that wearing old clothes is not fashionable. Second hand and vintage clothes have been hugely popular for a while but refashioning offers the opportunity to create a piece of clothing that preserves the best features but also creates something fresh and fashionable. There are some really good reasons to refashion your clothes:

The Environment - Textile waste and landfill is a huge problem in the UK, fast fashion and constantly changing trends have exasperated the problem by creating more demand for cheaply manufactured clothes that are worn only a few times before being thrown away. The manufacturing of these clothes also have a wide range of environmental impacts and ethical implications. By recycling and reusing clothes, we can reduce both waste and the impacts associated with the manufacture of new clothes. Many people find it difficult to get away from the need to constantly refresh their wardrobe and keeping up with the latest fashion is very important to them. Refashioning clothes offers a great solution by recycling clothes but giving people a chance to keep their wardrobe up to date.

Financial Reasons - since the credit crunch and recession, many people do not have as much disposable income to spend on new clothes. Even those that do have the money are thinking more carefully about how they spend it. Refashioning a piece of clothing is a great way to get that bit more wear out of it and avoid buying something new purely because of boredom.

Originality - what better way to be sure that you will not see anyone else out in the same outfit? Often when you buy clothes from a high street store, you will see others wearing the same outfit. If you wear refashioned clothes, you will never get that problem. Each piece that you create will have been created especially for you and will be completely unique.

There are probably many other great reasons to refashion your clothes but for most the environment, saving money and looking really stylish is enough. Oh and I forgot to mention, it is also really good fun. Why not get some friends around and have a refashioning party.