Case Study
Circular Fashion in Action
Created by
Redress
,
2024
To make the transition to a circular fashion system, everyone has a part to play, from farmers to fashionistas, financiers, designers, brands, suppliers, governments, nonprofits, and waste collectors.
The Ideal Cotton T-shirt in a Circular System
Credit: Redress
- REGENERATE
- Materials: The materials used are made from regenerative or recycled fibres, with the ultimate goal of regenerating nature, promoting healthy soils and biodiversity.
- MAKE
- Design: The design process takes into consideration materials, manufacturing, consumer reuse, and recyclability, with the goal of making the T-shirt last for as long as possible.
- Manufacturing: The production facility implements best practices, like renewable energy, clean dyes, and zero water wastage.
- REUSE
- Durability: The consumer’s role is to keep and use it for a long time, versus the need to constantly buy and replace.
- Care Instructions: The consumer’s role is to follow care instructions, such as washing with cold water, air drying, and repairing items when necessary.
- Giving: within their community by swapping, giving to responsible charities, or to takeback programmes.
- RECYCLE
- Fibre-to-fibre Recycling: When the T-shirt is worn out, it can be collected and processed in a recycling facility, where it is broken down so the fibres may be reused to make new garments.
- Downcycling: Alternatively, the T-shirt can be turned into other lower value products such as cleaning rags or stuffing materials.
Redress Alumni are already doing it
Want to be inspired by bold fashion designers who are part of the shift towards the circular fashion industry? From sourcing sustainably to pattern-cutting for low waste, upcycling and reconstructing, and forming cross-industry partnerships, discover the emerging fashion designers who are putting theory into practice.
Last Updated: September 23, 2025
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