I don’t remember if it was a post on social media or a podcast, but I once heard that most of the clothes we’ve ever owned still exist somewhere on this planet.
As a 33-year-old, realizing that the clothes I wore when I was 6 are probably sitting in a landfill really struck me. I started thinking about every piece I’ve ever owned, and then about all the clothing humanity has ever produced.
It’s all still here. We just don’t see it.
THE GROWING MOUNTAIN OF TEXTILE WASTE
According to the EPA, the United States generates over 17 million tons of textile waste per year. Globally, that number climbs to 92 million tons annually. These figures feel unimaginable, but they’re real. The more unsettling part is that we’re producing more clothing than ever before; up to 100 billion garments globally each year. And many of these garments are poorly made and packed with plastic.
In short, we’re buying more, wearing it less, and then “donating” or tossing it, fueling the growing mountain of textile waste.
SUSTAINABLE ANSWERS THAT AREN'T SUSTAINABLE...YET
So now that I’ve spiked your anxiety, what do we do? How do we break the cycle?
I know that for many of us, shopping exclusively from sustainable brands like Descalza, Eileen Fisher, or Farm Rio isn’t always in the budget, or maybe they just don’t fit our style.
And thrifting, while wonderful, isn’t a perfect solution either. Thrift stores vary depending on where you live. They may not carry your size, their inventory often requires patience to sort through, and the condition of items isn’t always ideal.
REIMAGINING TEXTILES: A GROWING EFFORT
One effort we’ve embraced at Descalza is repurposing textiles. Other brands, such as Patagonia’s Worn Wear and Eileen Fisher’s Renew, are also leading the way in reimagining their textiles.
For me, this work is deeply personal. Growing up as an immigrant in the States, resourcefulness was second nature in my family. My mom turned old t-shirts into rags, butter containers into salsa containers, and plastic bags into trash bags. As a kid, I thought it was because we didn’t have much economically. But as I got older, I realized it was bigger than that; it was cultural.
LEARNING FROM OUR ANCESTORS
When I interned with Maya Traditions in Panajachel, Guatemala (the summer after my freshman year), I saw this resourcefulness on another level. Mayan women would repurpose worn huipiles into bags, transform plastic bags into “yarn” for weaving, and turn leftover threads from the loom into vibrant wall tapestries.
What I learned that summer is this: giving something “old” a new purpose is part of our heritage.
It makes sense, doesn’t it?
Our ancestors lived in close relationship with Madre Tierra. They understood the value of every resource.
That’s why reimagining textiles at Descalza feels so natural; it’s not just about fashion; it’s about continuing the legacy of our ancestors.
START WITH INTENTION
So, what do we do in the face of all this waste? The answer isn't perfection. Instead, it's about intention. Start small.
Each of these steps may feel small, but together they create real change. Finding longevity in our clothes isn't just about creating a new style; it’s about reweaving our relationship with the earth, with our ancestors, and with future generations.
Remember that we’ve done this before. Our ancestors knew how to make things last, how to transform “waste” into beauty. By choosing to reimagine our textiles, we’re not only honoring them, but we’re also proving that fashion can be both soulful and sustainable.
P.S. If you need assistance in finding new outfits with your existing closet, we offer personal styling sessions. Just send us a message to learn more. And don’t miss our newest collection of reimagined pieces, Artela, launching October 2nd.
