The fashion industry is undergoing a major transformation, with sustainability becoming a priority for designers, brands, and consumers alike. Among the most innovative trends driving this shift are upcycled fabrics and deadstock fabrics—two powerful tools in the fight against textile waste. But what are they, and why should they matter to you?
This blog will guide you through the basics of upcycled and deadstock fabrics, their differences, and why they play a pivotal role in building a more sustainable fashion ecosystem. We’ll also introduce how forward-thinking brands like KŌRARU are using these materials to create eco-friendly luxury swimwear.
THE PROBLEM WITH FAST FASHION
To understand the importance of upcycled and deadstock fabrics, we first need to take a closer look at the fashion industry’s dominant model—the linear "make-buy-discard" system.
Fast fashion thrives on churning out cheap, trendy garments at an alarming rate. Each year, over 100 billion garments are produced globally, with more than 70% of these items ending up in landfills. This relentless cycle creates massive environmental problems, including:
- Textile waste piling up in landfills
- Excessive use of natural resources like water and cotton
- Pollution from synthetic fibers and chemical dyeing processes
Clearly, this is not sustainable. But it’s not all doom and gloom—solutions like upcycling and repurposing deadstock fabrics are flipping the narrative from wastefulness to conscious consumption.
WHAT ARE UPCYCLED FABRICS?
At its core, upcycling refers to creatively transforming waste materials, such as unused fabric scraps or discarded clothing, into new, high-value items. Unlike traditional recycling—which often breaks materials down into raw components—upcycling retains the material’s original integrity while breathing new life into it.
Benefits of Upcycling in Fashion:
- Reduces Waste: Diverts textiles from landfills and gives them a second purpose.
- Minimizes Resource Use: Doesn't require new raw materials or energy-intensive processes.
- Encourages Creativity: Designers can create one-of-a-kind pieces that tell unique stories.
- Empowers Consumers: By choosing upcycled fashion, buyers make a statement supporting sustainability.
For example, luxury brands like Reformation feature collections made from upcycled textiles, delivering stunning, limited-edition designs made from otherwise wasted materials.
UPCYCLED vs. RECYCLED vs. DOWNCYCLED:
- Upcycled: Transforms waste into something better in both value and quality.
- Recycled: Breaks down materials (e.g., plastic, cotton) to create a new product of equal value.
- Downcycled: Results in products of lower quality or utility (e.g., old garments becoming industrial materials).
WHAT ARE DEADSTOCK FABRICS?
Deadstock fabrics, on the other hand, are leftover materials that remain unused by fashion brands or textile mills. These may include end-of-roll fabrics, overproduced stock, or materials considered out of season.
Instead of letting these fabrics gather dust or be discarded, brands are now snapping them up to create fresh, sustainable collections. Unlike upcycling, deadstock fabrics haven’t been previously used—they’re new, high-quality materials that were simply overproduced.
WHY DEADSTOCK FABRICS MATTER:
- Reduces Waste: Prevents perfectly good fabrics from being tossed away.
- Premium Quality: Many deadstock materials come from high-end textile houses, maintaining the same luxury standards as virgin fabrics.
- Saves Energy: Cuts down the need to manufacture more textiles, conserving resources like water and energy.
Brands like Cecilie Bahnsen and KŌRARU Swimwear champion deadstock fabrics, proving that sustainability and luxury can go hand in hand.
UPCYCLED VS. DEADSTOCK FABRICS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Although both approaches aim to reduce waste and make fashion more sustainable, they differ in a few key ways:
|
Factor |
Upcycled Fabrics |
Deadstock Fabrics |
|---|---|---|
|
Material Origin |
Made from waste or discarded textiles |
Leftover or unused fabric from manufacturers or brands |
|
Creative Process |
Transformed into entirely new products |
Used in its original form to create new garments |
|
Uniqueness |
Highly distinctive, often one-of-a-kind pieces |
Generally uniform and consistent |
|
Sustainability Impact |
Repurposes unwanted materials, saving landfill space |
Prevents overproduced fabrics from going to waste |
Both are integral to reshaping the sustainability narrative within fashion.
WHY DEADSTOCK AND UPCYCLED MATERIALS ARE CRUCIAL TODAY
With global textile waste reaching alarming levels, repurposing existing materials rather than creating new ones is one of the most effective ways to fight fashion’s environmental impact.
- Environmental Savings:
Deadstock and upcycled materials reduce water consumption and energy use. For instance, producing virgin cotton for one T-shirt uses a staggering 2,700 liters of water. By comparison, repurposing fabric uses no additional water.
- Circularity in Action:
These fabrics help fashion move away from a linear model to a circular economy, where resources are reused rather than discarded.
- Consumer Demand:
More shoppers want to support eco-friendly brands—67% of consumers consider sustainable materials an essential buying factor.
WHY KORARU CHOOSES DEADSTOCK FABRICS
At Koraru, sustainability isn't just a buzzword; it's in every fiber of our swimwear. Our decision to use deadstock fabrics for our most recent collection was driven by three key principles:
- Zero Waste:
"Waste not, want not" fuels our commitment to reusing premium materials that would have otherwise gone to waste.
- Luxurious Quality:
Deadstock fabrics used by KŌRARU come from high-end suppliers, ensuring every piece of swimwear meets the highest standards of luxury.
- Ethical Style:
By using existing fabric, Koraru proves that slow fashion can also be sophisticated.
ARE DEADSTOCK FABRICS INFERIOR? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
There’s a common misconception that upcycled or deadstock fabrics are of poorer quality than new materials. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Deadstock fabric often comes from prestigious fashion houses and textile mills, ensuring durability, comfort, and style in every piece.
The takeaway? Sustainable fashion doesn’t demand compromise.
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE SUSTAINABLE FASHION
By supporting brands that use upcycled and deadstock fabrics, you’re making a conscious choice for the planet—and your wardrobe. Here’s why it matters:
- Reduce Your Footprint: Shop with brands that minimize waste.
- Support Ethical Practices: Invest in garments and companies that prioritize fair labor and limited resource use.
- Wear Your Values: With every sustainably made outfit, you champion a more responsible lifestyle.
A GREENER TOMORROW STARTS TODAY
The rise of upcycled and deadstock fabrics marks a turning point in the fashion world’s efforts toward sustainability. By choosing brands like KŌRARU, you’re not just buying clothing—you’re investing in a movement toward slower, smarter, and more responsible fashion.
Are you ready to make your next outfit part of the solution? Explore sustainable luxury swimwear with Koraru, where style meets responsibility.
