Recycled Fashion: What Is It Made From – And Is It Really Good Quality?

The global fashion industry is under increasing pressure to respond to the climate crisis—and rightly so. With textile production accounting for 10% of global carbon emissions and fashion responsible for an estimated 92 million tonnes of waste each year, sustainability is no longer a buzzword. It’s a necessity.

One of the biggest movements in response to this? Recycled fashion. From high-end labels to high street favourites, more brands are incorporating recycled materials into their clothing lines. But what exactly is recycled fashion made from? Is it actually sustainable—or just clever marketing? And most importantly: Is recycled clothing good quality?

Let’s explore the facts, the materials, and the real-world performance of recycled fashion—and how tools like Tellar.co.uk can help you shop smarter for clothing that fits well and lasts.

What is Recycled Fashion?

Recycled fashion refers to garments made, in whole or in part, from previously used materials. This includes pre-consumer waste (like offcuts from manufacturing) and post-consumer waste (like old clothing or plastic bottles). The aim is to divert material from landfills and reduce the need for virgin fibres, water, and energy in the production process.

There are two main forms:

Mechanical Recycling – Physically breaking down old fibres to spin into new yarn.
Chemical Recycling – Using solvents or enzymes to break down fibres and rebuild them at a molecular level.

Each method has its strengths and limitations, depending on the material being recycled and the intended use.

What Are Recycled Clothes Actually Made From?

Here’s a breakdown of the most common recycled materials in fashion:

1. Recycled Polyester (rPET)

Made by melting down used plastic bottles (usually PET) and re-spinning the fibres into yarn. It’s the most widely used recycled material in fashion.

Uses: Activewear, linings, outerwear, puffer jackets
Brands Using It: Adidas, Patagonia, H&M Conscious, Girlfriend Collective
Pros: Reduces plastic waste and requires less energy than virgin polyester
Cons: Still a plastic-based fibre; can release microplastics when washed

2. Recycled Cotton

Sourced from post-industrial waste (e.g. factory offcuts) or old garments. The fibres are mechanically shredded and respun.

Uses: Denim, t-shirts, basics, sweatshirts
Brands Using It: Levi’s, Pangaia, Stella McCartney, M&S
Pros: Reduces water and pesticide use significantly
Cons: Shortened fibres reduce softness and durability; often blended with virgin cotton

3. Recycled Wool

Wool garments are sorted by colour, shredded, and respun into new yarn. Since wool is a natural fibre, it can be recycled multiple times without major loss in quality.

Uses: Coats, knitwear, scarves
Brands Using It: Toast, People Tree, Filippa K
Pros: Durable, warm, low-impact
Cons: Requires careful sorting and blending to retain quality

4. Recycled Nylon (ECONYL®)

Regenerated from old fishing nets, carpets, and industrial waste. ECONYL® is the most recognised branded form of recycled nylon.

Uses: Swimwear, leggings, lingerie
Brands Using It: Stella McCartney, Arket, Mara Hoffman, Finisterre
Pros: High quality, strong, and versatile
Cons: Energy-intensive process; still plastic-based

5. Reclaimed Textiles (Upcycling)

Instead of shredding or melting, existing garments or fabrics are cut and redesigned into new pieces—known as upcycling.

Uses: Statement fashion, artisan-made pieces, limited editions
Brands Using It: Bethany Williams, Re/Done, The Renewal Workshop
Pros: No new material input needed; zero waste
Cons: Labour-intensive, harder to scale, often higher price point

Are Recycled Clothes Good Quality?

This is the key question—and the answer isn’t as black and white as marketers might suggest. It depends on:

1. Fibre Type and Process Used

Recycled polyester and nylon often perform just as well as virgin fibres in terms of durability and moisture-wicking.
Recycled cotton and wool, however, tend to have shorter fibres after processing, which can affect softness, longevity, and tensile strength.

2. Brand Integrity and Construction Quality

Some brands cut corners by blending recycled materials with low-grade synthetics. Others invest in quality control, multi-fibre blends, and solid garment construction.

Brands like Patagonia, Levi’s, and Pangaia are known for high-performance recycled garments that stand up to wear and tear. Meanwhile, fast fashion retailers offering recycled garments at ultra-low prices may still be producing items that won't last more than a few seasons.

3. Garment Care

Recycled fabrics often require specific care instructions. For example:

Wash recycled polyester in a guppy bag to limit microfibre shedding
Line dry to preserve the integrity of recycled cotton and reduce energy use
Avoid overwashing recycled wool, which can pill or shrink more easily

Sustainability vs Greenwashing: What to Look Out For

Not all recycled fashion is created equally. Some brands promote “recycled content” without disclosing how much is used or whether it significantly reduces environmental impact.

Key Signs of Responsible Recycled Fashion:

Exact recycled percentage disclosed (e.g. 70% rPET, 30% virgin cotton)
Third-party certifications like GRS (Global Recycled Standard) or Bluesign®
Full traceability of materials used
Garment designed for longevity, not just trend appeal

Red Flags:

No breakdown of material source or quantity
Vague terms like “eco-friendly” with no data
Garments priced significantly below ethical production standards

To make smarter decisions, platforms like Tellar.co.uk can help align ethical purchases with accurate sizing—so you buy less, but better.

How Tellar.co.uk Supports Sustainable Fashion Decisions

Recycled fashion makes sense environmentally, but only if it fits—and is worn repeatedly. That’s where Tellar.co.uk becomes indispensable.

Here’s what it offers:

✅ Exact size recommendations for 1,500+ brands
✅ Free printable measuring tape – Get it here
✅ Measurements stored in your profile for future use – Create your profile
✅ Works with both recycled and traditional fashion brands
✅ Reduces returns and textile waste by helping you get it right first time

By matching your bust, waist, and hips to each brand's unique size system, Tellar helps ensure that when you buy recycled fashion, it’s not wasted through poor fit or avoidable returns.

The Verdict: Should You Invest in Recycled Fashion?

Yes—with caveats. Recycled fashion is part of a larger sustainable strategy, but it isn’t a silver bullet. When done properly, it offers:

Significantly reduced environmental footprint
High performance in garments like outerwear, activewear, and swimwear
Greater awareness in the fashion lifecycle
The same style and aesthetic value as traditional collections

However, consumers should shop responsibly:

✅ Look for certifications
✅ Prioritise quality over quantity
✅ Use tools like Tellar.co.uk to get the right fit first time

Shop Smarter, Wear Longer

Fashion should be more than seasonal. It should be smart, sustainable, and built to last. With recycled fashion on the rise and sizing made smarter by tools like Tellar, we’re entering an era where you don’t have to choose between ethics and style.

Take the First Step with Tellar

🧵 Download your printable measuring tape

👤 Create your free size profile

🛍️ Check your size in 1,500+ brands

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