Screen printing, embroidery and recycled clothing, the rise of recycled material in custom clothing may not seem like an obvious subject for an article, but it’s an area that we’re watching with real interest. We love what we do here at Fifth Column. Making high quality printed and embroidered products is our passion. How we make them, and what they’re made from, is just as important. So, we thought we’d put together some great examples of recycled merchandise. New items made from recovered materials.
A lot has changed since we sold our first hand-printed t-shirts outside those London punk gigs. The world is a very different place. One of the big changes is the clothing that we customise. These days, ethically acceptable merchandise is a real consideration, but making sustainable choices sometimes depends on the choice being there in the first place. Thankfully, organic cotton has become firmly established as an option within our industry.
Items made from recycled materials are also beginning to be more widely available. It’s a trend which might be set to grow. After all, when global brands like Nike and Adidas are manufacturing football kits from recycled bottles, it shouldn’t be any surprise that recycled blank tees, hoodies, tote bags and jackets are making an impression in the customised market. We think turning old bottles and cotton off-cuts into waterproof tops and t-shirts that you can cherish is a great idea.
1. Salvage SA01 T-Shirt
Our piece on screenprinting, embroidery and recycled clothing has to include the Salvage brand. This Salvage SA01 tee is crying out to be printed. The streetwear origins of Continental Clothing are a natural for the concept of recycled clothing and they’re one of the leaders in the field. This unisex, classic fit shirt is 60% recycled, organically grown, pre-consumer cotton and 40% recycled post-consumer polyester. The weight is a very respectable 165g and it comes in sizes XS to 2XL. Plus, 12 different colours.
2. Stanley Stella Breaks Hoodie Jacket
Stanley Stella are another leading light when it comes to recycled clothes made for screen printing and embroidery. The Stanley Breaks hooded jacket is constructed from 100% recycled polyester and has lots of nice features (worth noting that it can only be printed with single colour designs). Lightweight, ripstop, with set-in sleeves and double layered hood in self fabric. Side panels give it a better shape. Small to XXL size options and black and navy colourways. Water repellent, into the bargain.
3. Salvage SA61 Tote Sling Bag
We think tote bags are a fantastic idea when it comes to custom printed merchandise. Everyday, practical items that advertise your brand like nothing else can – click here to read our article on them.
Continental’s Salvage SA61 sling bag is a cracking example. Made from a mix of recycled polyester and organic cotton, it’s a 215g woven twill and available in four fabulous shades.
4. Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket
The Patagonia Torrentshell jacket has a lot to recommend it beyond the fact that it’s made with 100% recycled nylon face fabric. Think performance meets responsibility. Sleek, unfussy protection from the elements with a waterproof breathability. A real opportunity to get your design into the great outdoors. Available in a stunning nine colourways, but Patagonia’s ethical manufacturing processes mean they don’t mass produce, so large orders may be difficult to fulfil.
5. Stanley Stella Winds Jacket
Another super example of recycled fabric clothing from Stanley & Stella. Lightweight with elastic tape binding at hood, sleeve and bottom, the Stella Winds is a functional garment that’s going to look good when customised and it’ll get plenty of wear in our climate.
Made from 100% recycled polyester, this is a durable, water repellent zip top that comes in XS to XL and black and navy colours.
6. Continental SA77 Recycled Bib Apron
How good is this? A twill weave apron made from organically grown cotton cuttings and recycled polyester. Needless to say, it’s a unisex garment and is going to be a perfect vehicle for your logo or design. The SA77 bib apron is another one of those pieces of apparel that makes you think about the wealth of possibilities with screen printing and personalisation. The huge potential, both in terms of customisation and eco-friendly options.
7. Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket
The Patagonia Down Sweater jacket is a stylish and practical garment that blends good looks with a responsible approach to fashion. 100% recycled polyester ripstop shell that offers lightweight, water repellent, windproof warmth in the cooler months. The 800-fill is power Advanced Global Traceable Down – goose down which is certified by NSF International, traced from farm to factory to help ensure that the birds are treated in a decent way.
8. Salvage SA41P Pullover Hoody
Nowadays, no wardrobe is complete without a hoody and the SA41P is a superb recycled alternative. Unisex fitting and 290g brushed 2-ply 8.55oz, it features the classic front kangaroo pocket and rib cuffs and hem. This is going to look so good when adorned with your design or logo and you don’t get much better in terms of ecologically sound credentials than Salvage. XS to 2XL with 8 colours including a gorgeous melange plum.