Waste to Wardrobe

Explore how Instagram’s upcycled fashion brands are turning waste into
stylish, eco-friendly pieces, making sustainability accessible and fun for a new generation.


By Rigzin Chuskit

Upcycled piece at a time. | Source: Pinterest


Instagram is buzzing with upcycled brands, and young people are loving how these brands are turning trash into treasure. Whether it’s fashion,
accessories, or DIY projects, these brands are making sustainability stylish and fun. Here’s what some young people have to say about their favorite
eco-friendly accounts they’ve discovered on Instagram!

Upcyclethat is a DIY haven where followers learn creative ways to repurpose old items. The brand was founded by Shivani Mehta, a creative reuse enthusiast. Ananya Sharma, a 22-year-old, B.A student from Delhi University , shares, “I first found Upcyclethat through a friend’s story. I loved their ideas on turning old clothes into new accessories. I’m
definitely planning to try one of their tutorials soon!”

with 38.3k followers, is run by Shivani, who promotes the power of upcycling. Ananya, a student passionate about sustainable fashion and DIY projects, is excited to share her thoughts on transforming old items
into creative pieces.

Reformation has made waves globally, and its upcycled clothing is a go-to
for chic, eco-friendly fashion. Priya Mehta, a 25-year-old Engineer, says,
“I’ve been following Reformation for a while, and I saw a post about their
upcycled pieces. I love how they blend sustainability with high fashion. It
makes me want to shop more mindfully!” Recently, Priya purchased a stylish upcycled denim jacket for ₹2,500 and a pair of high-waisted
trousers for ₹2,200.

Reimagining fashion, one upcycled piece at a time | Source: Pinterest


With over 2.3 million followers on Instagram, Reformation is widely
known for its commitment to sustainability. Founded by Yael Aflalo, the brand has gained a strong following by combining style and
environmental responsibility. Priya enjoys supporting labels that prioritize both fashion and sustainability.

Loot Sustainable Shop offers upcycled accessories made from old clothes and was founded by Ravi Sharma, a designer promoting sustainable fashion. Jigmet Deadon, a 20-year-old, Arts student from Delhi University, shares, “I came across Loot while scrolling through Instagram and was instantly drawn to their unique accessories. The idea of giving old clothes a new life is inspiring!” Recently, she purchased a beautifully crafted upcycled handbag for ₹1,200 and a pair of statement earrings for ₹500.


However, she decided to return the handbag because the size wasn’t quite what she expected. With approximately 10k followers, Loot Sustainable Shop continues to grow its following by showcasing one of a kind upcycled accessories.

Local Vintage specializes in transforming old shirts into stylish, sustainable
corsets. Founded by Rhea Kapoor, a designer passionate about
repurposing vintage clothing and combining it with contemporary trends,
the brand has captured the attention of many. Himanshi Moondhra, a 19-
year-old ,Fashion communication student from Pearl Academy, says, “I
discovered Local Vintage through Instagram, and I was amazed by how
they upcycle old shirts into such chic corsets. It’s wonderful to wear
something that’s both unique and eco-friendly, knowing it has its own
story.” Recently, she purchased an upcycled shirt corset for ₹800
With 18.8k followers, Local Vintage has earned a dedicated following from
those who love sustainable fashion with a touch of history.

These upcycled brands are not only transforming waste, they’re
transforming how we think about fashion, accessories, and sustainability.
Whether you’re following them on Instagram or discovering them through
friends, these brands are making it easier to embrace eco-friendly living
without sacrificing style!