Suitable
Recycled materials
Recycling is the process in which waste is turned into new products. In the textile industry this is done to use fewer new raw materials, to save energy, to reduce air and water pollution and to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
What role does recycling play in menswear?
Recycled materials play an increasingly large role in the fashion industry. The main reason is that fashion companies thereby reduce the impact of their production on the environment. That is not only good for the planet: consumers are also increasingly looking for more sustainable clothing. On top of that, recycled fabrics often have a look of their own, with distinctive textures that you do not see with new fibres.
Which recycled fabrics are used the most?
The most common are cotton, polyester and leather. Recycled cotton is mainly used for T-shirts, sweaters and jeans. Recycled polyester, usually made from plastic bottles, is suitable for a wide range of garments, from jackets to sportswear. Recycled leather is found in shoes, belts and jackets.
How sustainable is recycling materials?
Recycled materials contribute to more sustainable menswear, but recycling itself still costs energy and other resources. Moreover, not every recycled material is equal: recycled polyester, for example, still releases microplastics when washed. When buying sustainable clothing, therefore, look out for recognised labels such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or RCS (Recycled Claim Standard), which check that the recycled share is also really correct.