Circular Fashion Revolution: Sustainable Fashion through Up-cycling and Traditional Textiles

Background: The fashion industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Ranked as the second most polluting sector globally, after oil industry, the textile industry has a significant environmental impact. This situation has been exacerbated by the fast fashion phenomenon, which thrives on the constant creation, promotion, and disposal of trends over the last two decades.
Methods: To highlight the wastefulness of the textile and clothing industry, we will briefly examine the adverse effects of fast fashion. Furthermore, we will investigate how the industry can shift from a linear economy to a circular one by incorporating traditional textiles and emphasizing reuse and recycling. Therefore, this research employed mixed method approach both qualitative and quantitative. It utilized convenience sampling to survey 50 fashion industry respondents and personal interviews with 5 key fashion stakeholders.
Results: The objective of this research is to examine and analyze the application of circular fashion principles through upcycling and traditional textiles, aiming to transform the fashion industry into a more sustainable and environmentally conscious sector. The results indicate that integrating circular fashion practices is vital for reducing the industry's environmental footprint and meeting the demand for sustainable consumer options.
Conclusion: Circular fashion aims to minimize waste and prolong the lifespan of products, with upcycling involving the repurposing of waste materials into new items. Traditional textiles not only offer cultural richness but also present opportunities for sustainability. Collaboration among stakeholders is vital for achieving long-term sustainability.