Skip to Content
6 min read
Something old, something new

Upcycling clothing: Its cool, it’s sustainable!

Artificial Content Title -- to be hidden

Upcycling is all the rage. Maybe you have been thinking about upcycling old clothing already, but don’t know how to sew? Fret not, all you need is the right glue and Loctite’s how-to guide!

Why upcycling old clothing is a good idea

In this era of fast, low-cost fashion, it’s common to find our closets and drawers bursting with clothes. It’s very tempting to just throw some of them away, only to buy even more. Needless to say, this cycle is not good for our environment.

According to Greenpeace, in 2015 the fashion industry consumed nearly 80 billion cubic meters of fresh water, emitted over a million tons of CO2 and produced 92 million tons of waste. Two years later, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimated that one garbage truck of textiles is wasted every second – that’s $500bn we waste every year on clothes that are barely worn and rarely recycled. 

As this simply isn’t sustainable, it’s time to look at upcycling clothing as a genuine alternative. With a good fabric glue, a pair of scissors and some upcycling clothing ideas, you can turn your old clothes into functional and practical items, instead of sending them to a landfill. Best of all: you don’t even have to know how to sew!

A hand spreads glue on an orange fabric heart over a pair of jeans with a hole.
Repairing instead of throwing away: Give your clothes a new lease on life with textile glue

Upcycling old clothing: Fabric glue

As multi talented as DIYers are, sewing might be one of the skills few are familiar with. Fortunately, with the right fabric glue, you don’t need a needle and thread for any upcycling clothing projects. What’s most important is finding an adhesive both flexible and waterproof, so it can survive the rigor of regular use and washing.

Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic Flexible Adhesive offers both these qualities and provides long lasting results. It dries transparent to eliminate unsightly patches and will not yellow or go brittle with age or sunlight.

Two hands press an orange fabric heart onto a pair of blue jeans.
Customizing clothing transforms an old pair of jeans into a unique and stylish piece of fashion

Upcycling clothing ideas: T-shirt artwork

If you have any old slogan t-shirts or beloved football/sports shirt you no longer wear but don’t want to get rid of, turning them into an artwork is a great way to preserve and display them for posterity.

  1. Cut. Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the slogan (e.g. ‘I ❤ NY’) or the important part of the sports shirt on the front of the top.
  2. Frame. After you’ve cut the portion of the t-shirt you are keeping, measure and buy a picture frame that will be large enough to house it.
  3. Glue. Apply a good amount of spray adhesive to the backing card that comes with the frame, then stretch the portion of t-shirt over it so that there are no wrinkles, place a heavy object on top (such as a large hardback book) and leave to dry.
  4. Display. When the adhesive has dried, place the backing card back in the frame so that the slogan or sports top is clearly displayed through it, close the back of the frame and hang or place wherever you want.

Upcycling clothing ideas: Denim storage box

Another item of old clothing we always have in the back of our closet is a pair of jeans. Instead of leaving them to gather dust, give them new life as a ruggedly attractive storage box.

  1. Measure. Measure each side of a small to medium-sized cardboard box, such as a shoe or sneaker box, then cut along the seam of the legs of your jeans to create two denim sections that will wrap around and cover them. You want these denim sections to be around an inch taller than the sides of the box, so that they will overlap the top of the box and can be glued down on the interior side to create a strong rim.
  2. Glue. Spray the sides and the interior top rim of the cardboard box with spray adhesive, wrap the denim sections around them and fold them down over the top rim, using bulldog clips or clothes pegs to hold the denim tightly in place. Leave to dry.
  3. Line. If you want to line the interior of the cardboard box, do this before wrapping the exterior with the denim. Measuring the dimension of the box’s interior walls and base, cut an old t-shirt or shirt to create sections that cover them, spray the interior with spray adhesive and glue the fabric in place, again using bulldog clips or clothes pegs to hold it in place, and leave to dry.

Products used

  • loctite spray adhesive general performance 13.5oz can
    Loctite Spray Adhesive General Purpose

    Quick drying clear adhesive for bonding lightweight materials such as fabric, foam, cardboard and corkboard.

  • loctite vinyl plastic adhesive 1oz card
    Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic Repair

    Mending rips and tears in all flexible materials like seats, cushions, tarps and clothing.

Expert Tip

Share your own projects

You might also be interested in

  • Ceramic glue: If it’s broke fix it!

    Guide to using ceramic glue and how to effectively fix any broken piece. 

  • 5 minute epoxy: Get it glued, fast
  • How to fix a leaky fish tank with aquarium silicone
  • Ceramic tile repair: Take care of chips and cracks yourself!
  • Super glue with a brush: The answer for detailed work
  • Easter basket crafts: Ideas and tips for egg-cellent results!
  • How to remove super glue

    Guide for removing super glue easily from skin and most surfaces. 

  • Repairing a shoe

    Repairs to your favorite pair of shoes are easy with the right Loctite® adhesive. 

  • Repairing a broken corner on concrete steps

    Holes, pop-outs and larger cracks, can be repaired using Loctite® Metal and Concrete Epoxy. 

  • Repairing a figurine

    For repairing cherished heirlooms, use Loctite® Ultra Gel™ Super Glue. 

  • Repairing a plastic toy

    Repair your child’s favorite plastic toy using Loctite® super glues or epoxies. 

  • Repairing a patio umbrella

    Replacing furniture and patio umbrellas can be expensive. Repair them, don’t replace them.