Gen Z is repurposing the existing practice of upcycling to create a fashion phenomenon based on sustainability and individuality.
In recent years, secondhand clothing has emerged as a cultural sensation redefining the way Americans approach fashion and consumption. Members of Gen Z are increasingly aware of the environmental impacts caused by fast fashion and the unethical labor practices of many major clothing corporations. In addition, even the most fashion-forward individuals have grown tired of the ever-changing trend cycle that encourages mass production at the expense of creativity and individuality. As a result, Gen Z has gone a step further than thrifting by upcycling, or creating new clothing garments out of secondhand clothing.
While upcycling is now generally considered a hobby, the practice of mending and reusing old clothing has been prevalent throughout human history. In 1941, during WW2, British clothing resources were rationed, and available supplies were used in the production of war uniforms. According to an article by Alterist, the “Make Do and Mend” campaign was launched to encourage women to mend and recycle garments to preserve clothing materials. Clothing became so scarce during this time that women made clothing out of household textiles like tablecloths and curtains, and even repurposed wartime materials such as parachute silks to make underwear and nightgowns.
In the 1970s and 80s, upcycling found a role in the DIY ethos of punk culture, which celebrated individuality and rebellion through the rejection of mainstream fashion. Young people began customizing their own clothing as a form of self-expression. The Ragstock clothing store blog notes that punks added DIY elements such as safety pins, stencils, and patches expressing anti-government slogans and band names. They would purposefully distress and tear their clothing to achieve a raw and gritty aesthetic.
In the 1970s and 80s, upcycling found a role in the DIY ethos of punk culture, which celebrated individuality and rebellion through the rejection of mainstream fashion. Young people began customizing their own clothing as a form of self-expression. The Ragstock clothing store blog notes that punks added DIY elements such as safety pins, stencils, and patches expressing anti-government slogans and band names. They would purposefully distress and tear their clothing to achieve a raw and gritty aesthetic.
In the 1970s and 80s, upcycling found a role in the DIY ethos of punk culture, which celebrated individuality and rebellion through the rejection of mainstream fashion. Young people began customizing their own clothing as a form of self-expression. The Ragstock clothing store blog notes that punks added DIY elements such as safety pins, stencils, and patches expressing anti-government slogans and band names. They would purposefully distress and tear their clothing to achieve a raw and gritty aesthetic.
However, the term ‘upcycling’ was only officially coined in 1994 by mechanical engineer Reiner Pilz. “I call recycling down-cycling,” stated Pilz in an interview for Salvo magazine. “What we need is up-cycling, thanks to which old products are given a higher, not a lower, value.”
Today, creators take to social media to share their upcycled creations with a wide audience. Due to the boom in thrifting, Gen Zs will often opt to use the term ‘thrift flip’ to describe the popularized practice of creating a new piece of clothing from an existing thrifted garment. Instead of the massive Shein hauls that were trending just a few years ago, creators are showing off their thrifted finds and sharing how they plan to alter and style them to better suit their wardrobes.
On TikTok alone, there are over 200,000 videos posted under #ThriftFlip. Through the use of the social media platform, thrift flip hobbyists have formed a community where creators post sewing tutorials and offer tips to beginners interested in thrift flipping. Some of the especially skilled creators have even started small businesses selling their thrift flip pieces online.
At the heart of upcycling’s popularity among Gen Z is the appeal of owning something “one-of-a-kind.” In an era where millions of identical garments flood the market, wearing something that has been customized or reimagined offers a sense of personal connection to the piece. While upcycling was born out of scarcity or rebellion in previous generations, personality, creativity, and sustainability are the drivers of upcycling today.
Jenna Yingling is a blog writer for Revolution. This article was edited by Alyssa Guevara.
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