Recycling Process

Check out how the Liz Alig Recycling process works:

Gathering Fabrics to be Recycled

Recycled fabrics used in the production of Liz Alig products are sourced in a variety of ways.  Some of our fabrics come come from Goodwill and other second hand stores like Thrifty Threads. Not only do these companies do good work of their own, but fabrics at these stores are typically sorted, making it easier to find over 150 striped shirts or 100 gray t-shirts at at time. We also hand select designer textiles made from the highest quality silk for our one of a kind pieces. 

Liz Alig also works with local vendors in developing countries were our fair trade producers are located to source t-shirts and other second hand clothes that are ready to be recycled.  Many of these are garments that are not sold in second hand stores in the US and are shipped in containers to developing countries to be resold in those locations.  This allows us to cut down on the amount of travel our textiles take before they are transformed into a different garment.

Washing the Fabrics

After gather fabrics needed, fabrics are thoroughly washed. Everything that we use is washed in a machine with warm water to ensure that it is ready for re-use.

De-constructing the Garments

To cut down on additional time and labor, garments are not completely de-constructed before we start renovating them.  We remove buttons, cuffs, zippers and items we can re-use in other Liz Alig garments and accessories.  Next we take out the least number of seams necessary to make the garment usable as a piece of fabric again.

Cutting out a new garment

As a part of the design process each season, we designate a a specific type and color(s) of post consumer clothing items that will be used for the construction of each item. For example the Tie Skirt is made out of striped button down shirts or the Jeanne Dress is made out of t-shirts.  This allows us to obtain the appropriate amount of recyclable textiles for each item and prepare them for construction.  When the specific textiles for each piece are ready, we then cut out patterns for the garments' silhouette.

A New Garment is Made

Finally the new garment is sewn by seamstresses from one of our fair trade partner groups. Special orders are sewn in our studio located near Indianapolis.