Sustainable Fashion: Step-by-step Guide to reviving secondhand clothes

Posted by Alice Brainna on June 26th, 2024

Welcome to the world of sustainable fashion! The trend for shopping for secondhand clothes is here to stay and for all the right reasons. Thanks to the buzz created on from Vogue to TikTok, Elle to Instagram, shoppers have become more conscious of their purchasing behaviour and a new way to follow trends whilst finding unique items.

Finding secondhand gems hidden in thrift stores has become a new hobby for fashion enthusiasts, looking for brands, previous seasons must-haves, one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.  

But let’s talk real for a second. Thrifting secondhand clothes is not always as easy as you would have hoped. For instance, it’s common to have pilling, loose buttons, or minor issues in a secondhand fit, but without the right tips and solutions, you may end up damaging the overall fabric rather than reviving it.

Here are the tips, tricks, and products you need to make your secondhand finds come to life without any extra hassle.

Essential Products

• Sewing kit.
• Detergent with a stain remover.
• BIORESTORE Laundry Powder.
• Washing machine / Basin for handwashing.
• Leather conditioner (for leather clothing only).
• Iron-or or sew-in clothing patches.
• Good quality steamer or iron.
• Embroidery supplies (only if you have a knack for being artistic).

Process to revive secondhand finds / Vintage clothing

Step 1: Inspection

Before you invest your money or resources in a secondhand piece of clothing, it’s important to inspect it for fabric damage, stains, or overall fibre quality. If there are minor stains, loose buttons or seams, lint and pilling, or minor wear-and-tear, there is no harm in buying that fabric.

On the other hand, having large or untreatable stains, extensive damage, poor quality fabric, or strong musty odours are deal-breakers.

Step 2: Check the care label

Checking the care label is lesson 101 in laundry care. Before you go through with the purchase, the first step is to check the instructions mentioned on the care label attached to the garment. It will tell you the composition of the fabric as well as washing, drying, and ironing conditions.

It is also common for secondhand clothes to have missing care labels. Some people might feel scratchy or uncomfortable with the label, leading them to cut it from the fabric. The ones printed on fabrics can fade away after multiple washes. In this case, it is best to check with a professional laundry service provider.

Step 3: Stain Removal

Minor stains can be removed during the wash process, but if you think that a stain might need some extra jostling, using a stain removal is the best option.

Apply the stain remover to the affected area and focus on its edges so there is no spreading. Allow the stain remover to sit on the fabric for the recommended time and then rinse it off with room temperature water.

CAUTION: Always do a patch test before using any stain remover.

Step 4: Detergent Wash

Used clothes are passed on from owner to retailer and then to the final shopper, which means that they may have bacteria, sweat, and unpleasant odours. It’s best to use a high efficiency detergent to get rid of all these things from your clothing.

Warm-water washes are ideal for laundering heavily soldered items. However, if the care label suggests handwashing or cold-water washing, then stick with those.

Step 5: BIORESTORE Wash (Remove lint, pilling, and renew colour, texture)

Pilling or “bobbling” is an issue that you’ll find in almost every secondhand piece of clothing. The areas of high wear-and-tear such as knees, elbows, and collars get more pilled due to increased friction. As a result, the fabric starts looking dull and worn-out.

BIORESTORE is one of the best sustainable fashion brands for your secondhand fits. It works best for clothing with at least 70% cotton composition.

• Add one box of BIORESTORE in the washer for 6-8 pieces of clothing.
• Run a 40ºC wash for 2 hours.
• Once the cycle is completed, finish the process with tumble drying.

All lint and pilling will be removed, and the original texture as well as handfeel and colour of the fabric will be restored.

Step 6: Sewing & Mending

All you need for this step is a basic sewing kit and some DIY Videos. For sewing on a button, thread your needle and create an anchor point “X”. Place some stitches from the back of the fabric through the front. Push the button and then add some extra stitches.

To mend a small tear, use a basic backstitch. If you notice a seam starting to fray, stitch along the existing seam line for adding extra strength. Finally, if you see any small holes, add an iron-on or sewing patch. This will repair the damaged area.

ADDITIONAL TIPS: If you are new at the sewing and mending thing, it’s better to practice on a scrap fabric to get the hang of it. Plus, you can see thousands of DIY Videos on social media channels to help you through the complete process.

For those with a knack for embroidery, it never hurts to repair these minor imperfections with embroidery or embellishments. Not only can it restore your clothes, but it can also add a unique touch of personalisation to them.

Step 7: Ironing / Steaming

Wrinkles or creases can make even the most beautiful secondhand clothes look worn-out or unkempt. Ironing or steaming is the final step in reviving vintage clothing and giving them a fresher look.

Choosing the right method to get rid of wrinkles and creases is important. To decide between an iron or a steamer, consult the care label attached to the fabric. Generally speaking, iron goes well with deep wrinkles.

IRONING GUIDELINES

If you see embellishments or buttons at the fabric, turn it inside out. Using a pressing cloth to add an extra layer of protection between the iron and garment also goes a long way (especially for delicate fabrics).

STEAMING GUIDELINES

Fill the steamer with recommended quantity of water. Hold it as a safe distance from the garment and gently move it up and down. Focusing on creased or wrinkles areas can help you get better results.

That’s a wrap!

Thrifting and reviving secondhand clothes can be a rewarding experience. Not only will you find unique pieces that reflect your personal style, but you'll also be contributing to a more sustainable fashion future. So, grab BIORESTORE, unleash your creativity, and embark on your journey to give pre-loved garments a new lease on life!