This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
Upcycled denim brands take jeans and denim that already exist and cut, piece and resew them into new designs, so no new denim is woven. Three names worth knowing are E.L.V. Denim in London, KSENIASCHNAIDER in Ukraine and RE/DONE in Los Angeles. Each works differently, so read how they source before you buy.
Quick answer
Upcycled denim reworks pre-loved jeans or denim waste into new pieces. Look for clear sourcing, expect each pair to vary, and check returns before ordering one-of-a-kind items.
Key takeaways
- Upcycled means made from existing garments or waste, not new fabric.
- Every piece can differ in shade and seam placement.
- Brands vary from fully upcycled to partly upcycled collections.
- Read sizing and returns carefully on one-of-a-kind items.
What makes denim “upcycled”?
Upcycled denim starts with finished jeans or denim offcuts rather than new rolls of fabric. Makers unpick or cut those garments, then combine panels into new jeans, jackets, skirts or bags. It differs from recycled denim, where fabric is broken down into fibre and spun again, and from deadstock, which is unused new fabric. Our explainers on deadstock fabric and zero waste clothing cover how the terms overlap.
| Term | What it means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Upcycled | Existing garments or waste remade into something new | Two pairs of old jeans pieced into one new pair |
| Recycled | Fabric broken down to fibre and re-spun | Denim shredded into new yarn |
| Deadstock | Unused surplus fabric from mills or brands | A leftover roll of denim |
| Vintage | Original pre-owned garment, not remade | A secondhand pair of 1990s jeans |
Which upcycled denim brands should you know?
E.L.V. Denim (London)
E.L.V. Denim describes itself as a British luxury brand crafting pieces from 100% upcycled materials. It was founded in 2018 by former fashion editor Anna Foster and started with its signature contrast-colour mid-seam jeans. The name stands for East London Vintage, and the brand says its collections are designed and produced locally in London. It has since added shirts, dresses and accessories, plus a cotton collection upcycled from luxury hotel textiles, per its site.
KSENIASCHNAIDER (Ukraine)
KSENIASCHNAIDER was founded in 2011 by Ksenia and Anton Schnaider and is known for asymmetrical jeans and reworked patchwork denim. The brand says its production facilities in Ukraine are its own, that it reworks about 500 pairs of jeans a month, and that it turns its own textile waste into patchwork items. Each reworked item is individually assembled, so each one is unique.
RE/DONE (Los Angeles)
RE/DONE launched in Downtown Los Angeles in 2014, founded by Sean Barron and Jamie Mazur, with the idea of taking the old and making it new again. It is best known for reworked vintage Levi’s. RE/DONE also sells new denim and vintage, so check each listing if you specifically want an upcycled piece.
How do you buy upcycled denim that fits?
- Measure a pair of jeans you love (waist, rise, inseam, leg opening) and compare with the size guide.
- Read whether the piece is one of a kind or made in a repeatable size run.
- Expect small shade and wash differences between panels. That is part of the look.
- Check whether the brand offers alterations or repairs. E.L.V. lists repairs and alterations on its site.
- Read the returns policy before you order, especially for unique items.
How do you care for upcycled jeans?
Wash less, wash cold and inside out, and line dry. Pieced denim has more seams than a standard pair, and heat can stress them. When a seam goes, mend it rather than replace the jeans. Simple visible mending helps, and our patchwork clothing guide, show how pieced garments age well. For another craft-led approach to reuse, see kantha clothing.
Flow Check: E.L.V. Denim
- What it is: Jeans and ready-to-wear made in London from upcycled materials.
- Who it’s for: Denim lovers who want a contrast-seam statement pair.
- What to know: Founded 2018; repairs and alterations listed on its site. Visit E.L.V. Denim
Flow Check: KSENIASCHNAIDER
- What it is: Reworked and asymmetrical denim from its own Ukrainian production.
- Who it’s for: Fans of bold, patchwork and experimental cuts.
- What to know: Says it reworks about 500 pairs of jeans a month. Visit KSENIASCHNAIDER
Prefer something softer than denim? Our linen maxi skirt find is cut from deadstock linen in London.
FAQ
It avoids weaving and dyeing new denim, which are resource-heavy steps. The overall impact still depends on transport, labour and how long you wear the piece.
They follow a size guide, but panels and seams can change the feel. Compare measurements with a pair you already own.
Each pair is cut and assembled from varied garments, which takes more labour than cutting from a single roll.
Wash cold, inside out, on a gentle cycle, and line dry to protect the many seams.
Bottom line
Upcycled denim gives old jeans a second life and gives you a pair nobody else has. Pick a brand that is clear about sourcing, measure carefully and plan to mend.