Design and Selling Recycled Fashion: Acceptance of Upcycled Secondhand Clothes by Female Consumers, Age 25-65

Abstract

Fast fashion offers low prices and lots of choices with the opportunity to binge on fashion. Wardrobes are overflowing, and consumers are considering the options for disposal and recycling of their clothes. Upcyling is one way for designers and manufacturers to recycle textiles wherein secondhand fashion is deconstructed and reconstructed into current fashion. Twenty women, ages 25-65, were asked how they recycle their discarded clothing and whether they would be open to buying secondhand clothes if they were upcycled into garments that reflect current trends. Women reported that style and price were more important than environmental causes in their upcycled purchases. Purchase motivators included knowing the genealogy of secondhand textiles and the artistic treatment of upcycled clothes. Barriers to upcycled fashion purchases included concerns about sanitation and an increase in price over comparable garments. Designers, manufacturers, and retailers can use the results to design, market, and sell upcycled fashion.