The fashion industry is a global phenomenon that can be a force for good through sustainability and fundraising. However, it can also cause quite a bit of damage to the environment, as it’s expected to increase its carbon emissions more than 60% by 2030. That is precisely why upcycling in fashion is crucial at this time in history.

Upcycling is the process of transforming waste, unwanted, or byproducts of fashion into new and useful pieces. It is a way for fashion creators to express their imagination, while at the same time protecting the environment. There are hundreds of different creators online that you can follow and get inspiration for, but we chose our top 3.

Malecki Kreacii

Malecki Kreacii, with the Instagram handle @maleckikreacii, is one of the freshest and most creative upcyclers online. They not only find creative uses for thrifted fashion pieces, but they also provide you with entertaining content involving those pieces. Our favorite is the upcycled animal print tote bag, but you can always expect something fun.

Although this is still one of the smallest creators that focus on upcycling in fashion, you can’t go wrong by following them. Instead of the typical influencer content that feels repetitive, you get to experience something completely original and genuine.

Blueprintdiy

Blueprintdiy, with the Instagram handle @blueprintdyi, is the upcycling influencer Angelina. If you’ve spent any time in the ucycling space, especially upcycling in fashion, you’ve probably come across her. Angelina has amassed over 98,000 followers that keep up with her thrifting and sewing for a more sustainable fashion.

She even publishes books and tutorials to help you learn how to upcycle by yourself. Angelina’s content feels very authentic and inspiring. More importantly, the pieces she and her team create are fashionable and exciting, on top of being environmentally friendly.

Sarah Tyau

Sarah Tyau is one of the biggest fashion upcycling influencers you will come across, with 284,000+ followers on Instagram. Her handle is @sarahtyau, and her posts are a combination of gorgeous upcycled creations and personal content that feels relatable.

Sarah’s talent is in taking the most drab and lifeless fashion pieces she can find and turning them into hip outfits. She can make you consider your clothes in a new way, even if you have no experience upcycling in fashion.

Upcycling in Fashion: Key Points

Upcycling in fashion is one of several ways everyone can make a positive impact on the environment. Through this method, you can refresh your closet, get old pieces to feel like new, and lower carbon emissions. All in all, it seems like there are no downsides to upcycling.

Even if you don’t know where to start with upcycling, you can follow the creators we reviewed and learn from them. Whether you want to use an old jacket to create a Halloween costume inspired by KPop Demon Hunters, or you just want to make your dress sexier, upcycling has you covered.