Eco Fashion Brand is Upcycling Over 100,000 Sweaters Every Year - Slow Fashion

In this video, we meet Julia Grieve, the founder of preloved, which is a Toronto-based eco-fashion brand that creates clothing using second-hand vintage wool sweaters, rolls of deadstock fabric, and other sustainably sourced materials.
Preloved was founded in 1995 and has been upcycling and reusing an average of 100,000 sweaters each year. These secondhand sweaters are usually destined for the landfill, but preloved buys them from rag house clothing sorters and deconstructs them into fabric they can use to design new sweaters.
In addition to sourcing sustainable materials for all of their clothes, the brand has also made a conscious decision to manufacture their clothing in Canada instead of outsourcing the work overseas. Their clothes are made by people who are paid a good wage and who have a positive and safe working environment.
Mat and I were impressed with the incredible work that preloved does to design and create clothing with minimal impact on the environment, and without exploiting it's workers.
One of the reasons we've been inspired to look into ethically made and environmentally friendly clothing is because of The True Cost documentary (truecostmovie.com) that we recently watched about the incredibly devastating impact the fast fashion industry has on the planet.
We wrote a blog post with tips about how to create an ethical wardrobe here:
www.exploringalternatives.ca/h...
You can also check out the incredible clothing line made by preloved here:
www.getpreloved.com
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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STAY IN TOUCH!
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Blog: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: /exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: @exploringalternatives
Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.

[@michelleisplanning]

I want to hug that women. She's truly making a difference!

[@prelovedtoronto5769]

Aww, Michelle! That's so sweet of you. Glad you like what we do! And if you're interested, check out our store getpreloved.com!

[@monsta6144]

I made a challenge since the new years to not but anything new except underwear and food unless it's second handed. To my surprise it isn't even hard. It is extremely easy in fact. All I have to do is to be open to the idea I might need to repaint a drawer or sew a line on a pair of pants from time to time. Though I still haven't found myself needing to do that yet, 6 months in.

[@zuzannahelena3446]

I wish there were more brands like this one! Great job Preloved, hopefully others will follow

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Agreed! More ethical fashion brands are needed :D Thanks for watching

[@prelovedtoronto5769]

Thanks, Zuzanna! Here's to slow-fashion!

[@Onegirlonesuitcase]

I have had this idea of setting a goal to make 50% (or maybe 70%) of my clothes myself and this video really spark that idea again, maybe I should try it:)

[@prelovedtoronto5769]

Hey Maria! That's an awesome idea! If that doesn't work out, you can always check out our clothes and you might find something that you'll like. Thanks for watching! xo

[@lorethehobbit]

So good! I hope when i’m older I can work at a company like this, one that is really trying to make a difference.

[@kathyhurrle2966]

Very interesting! We need to slow down fashion. I'm from the US and when I was a kid stores would put away clothes after the season was over and put them back out the next year. If you didn't mind waiting you get an outfit for a better price the second year than you could the first year it was available. I'm just thankful I've learned what my personal style is and for the capsule wardrobe. I no longer look at shopping as therapy and never will again.

[@prelovedtoronto5769]

Great insight, Kathy! In case you're interested in our products, check out getpreloved.com! xo

[@RachelSchell]

OMG! I could sort clothes all day! My dream job. I love what she's doing here!

[@sunnypumkin]

I have follies you guys since you started here on KZbin! Now 96+ thousand followers! KUDOS!! LOVE EVERY VIDEO!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks so much Phyllis! I'm happy you're enjoying the channel and thanks for following us since the beginning =)

[@francineinsogna2103]

i absolutely love and adore what your company is doing!!!! this is only the second company ive seen pop up on youtube about this and it is incredibly inspiring!! thank you guys for what you do! and thank you to anyone doing similar things at home!!

[@kellyclark2806]

Amazing video highlighting an amazing company. LOVE Preloved and all the good they do. Their clothes also fit THE BEST.

[@gwynt909]

I wear my clothes for 20 years or more and repair the ones that have tears and rips. Also I repurpose my clothes eg. I cut T-shirts at the sleeves and add a skirt to the top making another top or dress and the bottom which is usually stained I make into T-shirt yarn and crocheting them into bath mats which are washable and reusable.

[@angelinalozada189]

Great idea.

[@fashionrebelution]

So cool. I’d never heard of rag houses before.

[@skyrocketenglishclass]

What an awsome woman. I've stopped buying excess clothes because of the impact this industry has on the planet. Now I'll only buy something to replace an item that has worn out. I've never felt happier or more confident about my wardrobe.

[@rajendrayarasi9485]

recycing upscaling is the mantra.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thank you, hope you enjoyed the video :)

[@Emergency_Confetti]

If this would be available in my country, I'd definitely buy these clothes! Amazing.

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thank you for sharing this story! Preloved is such an inspiring brand!

[@aubryhall3166]

This is really amazing, what a great thing you're doing!

[@prelovedtoronto5769]

Thanks for watching Aubry Hall! Appreciate the support!

[@russwelday]

Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.

[@prelovedtoronto5769]

Totally agree with you there, russwelday!

[@sunnypumkin]

Amen!

[@darrengaudry]

Love it... love it... love it...

[@arlh2309]

This is fabulous! 👍👍👍

[@noniek749]

Thank you so much for showing that this is happening. Also for the Earthship house video!! Fashion is a difficult thing to step out of so it is just so great that someone is finding a very real solution !!

[@arckocsog253]

It's a great idea, I mostly buy used clothes. I don't really like the final result, though, it too hippiish for me. But I'm sure many do, which is great.

[@prelovedtoronto5769]

Appreciate the feedback, Arc Kocsog! Check out getpreloved.com, there might be something over there that you would like!

[@jessamygoddard4112]

What an amazing lady and business! Take care xxx

[@sunnypumkin]

I LOVE THIS! Thank You!

[@elizabethcorona7704]

How interesting! Thanks for sharing!

[@irtivasived]

let's support the slow fashion movement ;)

[@AnnaHerman]

I like Eco Fashion videos when they tell you whats Eco About the clothes. Good job.

[@cartograp]

Way cool. Great video!

[@philiq18]

Interesting feature. It's a nice change from seeing just spaces (homes). Keep it going.

[@christineloggie4785]

Awesome video!!

[@Kokokittylove]

I just discovered this video today and I'm glad! xoxo

[@boingboomtschak6072]

GOOD. THAT WOMEN CARES. THATS IS GOOD. FOR THE INVIREMENT

[@DorinaRoams]

this is so amazing!

[@UnwillingVegan]

wonderful!

[@Lifeholder]

More like this would be wonderful.

[@Thankful_.]

I luv this!!!

[@bohemianbookworm9361]

I love this idea! Checking out your website

[@katherinepetito3454]

she's my hero

[@caligirlsns]

Amazing!

[@louisacuriel4651]

Her smile reflects her inner beauty.

[@veganchaatparty]

Super Superb!! Super Superb!! Super Superb!! Thanks.

[@tonledesign2445]

We love this brand!!

[@ILOVEMYBABE29]

Wow that's amazing and right here in Canada too awesome !! My mom uses a lot of second hand clothes to make her quilts as well as handbags and home decor she makes !

[@prelovedtoronto5769]

Hey Carolle! We're right behind you and your mom! Thanks for watching! xo

[@magalysoro-fernandez4052]

This is so great

[@Norppanen]

Love the sweaters

[@punkyoliverio]

Very inspiring! 👌🏾

[@maretta1100]

that's AMAZING!

[@susanaaires3979]

I wish everyone would do the same. Well done!

[@PhiltonPhillips]

Awesome!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for checking it out =)

[@leticiacipriani4659]

I love your videos!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks so much!!

[@TheConfigura]

Guys you are so Fucking Awesome. I´m trying to build my dream of living i a tiny hose, too bad for me in Colombia isn´t legal yet, but people like you keep the dream alive.

[@AudreyAL6]

awesome

[@sasasasasasasasasa]

WOW!!! Thank you for being you and inspiring so much.. Wow! 3>

[@RedBunnyFromMars]

I LOVE IT! Go Canada!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for watching :) :)

[@johncnorris]

Pure genius.

[@stilcrazychris]

very informational. thx for teaching us something new. how they used the old stock clothing & up-cycled it to new. good old restanable new cloths. wow, I would of never thought of this @ my age. that's OK, bc I don't think very often anymore. lol...

[@prelovedtoronto5769]

Hey, stillcrazychris! It's never too late to learn, especially when it comes to sustainability! If you wanna check out our store, head to getpreloved.com!

[@clareebear11]

YAAS YOU GO GIRL

[@stringbender57]

Awesome! Re-purposing and recycling help preserve our planet and simply makes good sense. I really enjoy the videos you guys are posting, but how is Matt and Danielle and what are you guys up to?

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks so much, happy you're enjoying the videos! We're living in the van right now and filming lots of videos along the way. We plan to post some update videos about us really soon so definitely stay tuned if you're interested! Thanks for watching :)

[@Deuteronomy-uw8ls]

this is so awesome. I'm slowly building stock for the Etsy store I want to open. All my fabric comes from the thrift stores or from my or my friend donate piles. I'm making totes from woven carpets, little storage buckets out of jeans, produce bags out of sheer curtains and sort linings, I'm making reusable Gift sacks out of upholstery and heavy decor remnants from friends projects and estate sales. I will be using fabric scraps and thread clips, finely chopped, to fill little dolls and accessories. just to name a few projects I've made or are waiting in the que. m planning to open when I have 20-30 items. I have three little crazy kids so I want to have plenty of stock so I don't have to feel rushed to keep the store full. eventually I hope to have more but it isn't realistic right now.

[@PennyGetsItTogether]

Thank you for sharing this! I am glad to be a part of the minimalist journey...less, less, less...

[@PureFun4Me]

perfect

[@nyrew06]

This is my dream. Similar to zero waste Daniel. This is what I want to do with my life.

[@abebenz3316]

wow how do I work with here I love or I'll just do it my self thank you for this good energy namaste

[@lets7121]

there should be a specific video about all the deadstock material that brands throw away. And maybe people will think twice before supporting a company that pollutes heavily. I wonder how much deadstock material Nike + Adidas create.

[@panhradu]

I love this idea. Can i ask u what is your source for this old clothes? In eshop u have particular pieces of clothes in many sizes, so how is this possible when u use old clothes? Thx :)

[@feath7457]

cool

[@qristv1912]

interesting!

[@Vvv-fi8bj]

i would love to work for this company!

[@csikomas8910]

I want to be a part of this!

[@ms.michele357]

I love upcycle only thing is I allergic to wool.

[@gnatanderson5536]

cool concept but extremely expensive!

[@TeacupAndRoses]

Wonderful. And I hope that the prices of these garments also be of type '' ecological '' haha. Because if they help the planet, I hope it will also help to avoid exes consumerism and waste of money ... I hope.

[@TeacupAndRoses]

ok, I answered my own question. I went to the page and unsurprisingly, the prices so high. At least for those who have to change our currency to the dollar. Cuek!

[@prelovedtoronto5769]

Hi, Teacup and Roses! Thanks for watching! Because our clothes are made in Canada, that would mean paying fair wages. We do try our best to keep our prices reasonable though!

[@ReneMartinez99P]

+Teacup and Roses unfortunately everything comes at a price. I too was shocked to see a pair of sweatpants cost $70 USA. It's just sad that we can't have it both ways Eco and affordable. I love with the company is doing and I'm all for it but I can't support it with my cash I don't have plenty of it.

[@VeronicaMoullaianova]

If you love eco fashion and want to help it get rid of the "boring" stigma, read this article and join me and Trend Privé Magazine for the #WAEAH campaign! thefreshissue.me/eco-bore-no/

[@kelb6073]

I'm trying to stop buying fast fashion, but the reason this will never catch on is because it's just too expensive for most people. Especially teens who buy tons of fashion. I understand why the price is high, but $100 for a t-shirt just isn't going to work.

[@kelb6073]

I'm not just talking about their clothes...most clothes that go against fast fashion and are organic/ethical are very expensive.

[@kaylatorres7048]

@@kelb6073 agreed...they're clothes are nice but their items are priced too high. $159 for a jacket is just too much.

[@andreacloyd3426]

The problem is it winds up 2 b so expensive 😫

[@anonanon9367]

would you guys ever consider going vegan? love you two! 💜💜

[@angelwang9836]

Not trying to be mean or anything, but to see it in a critical way. The brand only use around 10% (sometimes more) of upcycled material in each new garments. This is a step to reducing the waste, but producing a ‘mass produced one off’ losses that sentimental feeling of you actually fixing a secondhand garment by yourself ( as opposed to by a factory). Then this idea looses meaning, you would be just buying a piece from an up cycling tend, then feeds into fast fashion mass production again.

[@angelwang9836]

Also how the lady said that slow fashion was like a trend, really contradict the brand purpose.

[@ms.michele357]

But I try to up cycle everything else.

[@jaderebekah]

They don’t offer plus sizes

[@mafuyu9063]

They don't appear to be making any men's clothes :\

[@ReneMartinez99P]

I am all for the 3 R's, but $69 for a pair of sweat pants? I'm sorry. that's not affordable for the masses. I truly love what you're doing but that is just expensive.

[@barnstar2077]

I don't know why, but I hate the term upcycling!

[@Quimquat]

she's going to ruin her voice by forcing the vocal fry on every word