During the last few years, sustainability has become a priority for the fashion industry. One of the most innovative circular solutions that emerged for sustainability is the circular economy and the use of deadstock fabrics. But what exactly are deadstock fabrics?
Deadstock fabrics refer to unused, surplus textile materials from previous production runs or discontinued stock from fabric manufacturers or fashion brands. Often, these fabrics remain in warehouses, at risk of being discarded as waste and end up being incinerated or abandoned in landfills, which have been one of the most significant problems that the fashion industry generates.
The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters on the planet, contributing significantly to waste and carbon emissions. Repurposing deadstock fabrics became one of the most efficient and affordable solutions for fashion brands which pretend to mitigate their environmental impact. Using deadstock fabrics reduces waste, conserves resources, and enlarges the lifecycle of textiles, minimizing the carbon footprint associated with the production of new textiles and the industry's excessive water consumption.
Contrary to what some might think, deadstock fabrics are often of high quality. They retain the same characteristics and durability as fabrics used in full-scale production. From soft yet durable cotton to breezy linens and sturdy denim, the variety of deadstock fabrics available is as diverse as the fashion industry itself.
Deadstock fabrics come in various forms, each with its unique characteristics and sources. Understanding these types can help fashion brands make informed decisions when sourcing materials.
Pre-consumer deadstock are those fabrics that have never been used by final consumers. They came from:
Post-consumer deadstock are materials that have been used by consumers but are repurposed for new designs. This includes:
Designer deadstock fabrics are high-quality materials created for luxury brands, which have been created with unique designs and premium textures.
In the circular market, which has been growing for the last few years, deadstock fabrics sourcing solutions appeared. It is possible to find different solutions that match every type of brand’s requirements. The most popular deadstock fabric sources are:
As a textile company would do with on-demand and other types of fabrics, deadstock fabrics must be evaluated to fit a brand’s own quality standards. Every brand has its own defined standards, so there isn’t a unique standard that matches the whole fashion industry's requirements.
When evaluating fabrics’ quality, here are some factors to consider:
Every collection is different. There are a huge number of fabric compositions to choose from to design every particular collection, and defining the characteristics of each particular collection is going to be very important to finding the perfect fabric for each garment.
For example, you would not use the same components for a shirt designed to be worn during the summer as if it were designed for the winter season.
Understanding the composition of deadstock fabrics is essential. Natural fibres like cotton, linen, and wool are generally preferred for their durability and eco-friendliness. However, synthetic fibres can also be valuable, especially if they are high-quality and durable. Visiting your deadstock fabrics supplier is a great way to verify fabrics’ composition and discover new compositions that can fit your collection requirements. For example, you can book a meeting with deadstock fabrics experts from Recovo to evaluate and find the perfect materials for your collections.
In order to reduce a brand’s textile waste, acquiring durable materials to design your garments is always an important step to be taken into consideration. In addition, the latest EU Fashion Regulations, such as the ESPR, require more durability for fashion products, so fashion garments must increase their durability standards to be compliant.
Deadstock fabrics are often available in limited quantities, proving important opportunities for premium and luxury fashion brands. Taking advantage of this limitation by creating deadstock fabric collections adds value to these brands, developing high-quality and limited pieces for their collections.
Aligning to circularity principle of promoting longevity and enlarging garments’ lifecycles, designing versatile pieces that can be worn in multiple ways or for various occasions is also one of the most important opportunities for the fashion industry that deadstock fabrics offer.
This approach epitomizes sustainable fashion, as you transform existing deadstock fabric into something new that can be used to create new products or accessories. For example, leftover fabrics can be upcycled into tote bags or other merchandise products, diversifying a brand’s catalogue or awarding loyal customers, among others.
Circular fashion is trendy. As consumers demand more sustainable fashion options, authorities are regulating the textile industry to promote circular solutions and punish socially and environmentally damaging business models. The future of circular fashion is, and deadstock fabrics play a significant role. Here are some trends to watch:
As consumers become more conscious of sustainability and authorities require more information about products’ origin and characteristics, brands will need to provide greater transparency about their sourcing practices. The Digital Product Passport will be mandatory sooner rather than later, so the fashion industry must be prepared, and adapt its operations to introduce the DPP and implement more circular options to their business model.
Innovation and technology are one of the most important allies for circular fashion. Advancements in technology will make it easier to identify and repurpose deadstock fabrics, while innovations in fabric recycling and upcycling will further enhance the sustainability of the fashion industry.
Collaboration between brands, suppliers, and consumers will drive the growth of sustainable fashion. Fabric swaps, community exchanges, and partnerships with sustainable organizations will become more common.
The market for deadstock fabrics will continue to expand, with more brands and consumers recognizing their value and benefits. This growth will lead to increased availability and variety of deadstock materials, reducing significantly the waste generated by the textile industry.
Recovo creates circular solutions for the fashion industry. We cover various aspects of the circular economy for brands:
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