Last Updated on May 14, 2025
You may have seen deadstock fabric on a clothing tag before. But what exactly does it mean? And is it sustainable? In comparison to using virgin materials, it is.
Most of the clothes we wear today are made using virgin materials (in fact textile production relies on 99.7% virgin materials). Virgin materials are raw materials that have never been used before, either for manufacturing or any other purpose.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.
This is a problem, considering the environmental impact due to resource extraction, energy consumption, and pollution. Virgin polyester production alone emits 119.59 kg of CO₂ per 100 kg of fabric.
Opting for recycled materials in our clothing is one solution to this problem. Deadstock material is made from recycled fabrics. Here’s what you need to know about deadstock material and which brands use it.
what does deadstock mean?
Deadstock refers to leftover or unused fabric that was originally manufactured for a purpose but never sold or used in production.
This could be due to overproduction, canceled orders, or slight imperfections that prevent it from meeting a brand’s standard.
Instead of being discarded, deadstock fabric is repurposed, giving it a second chance in fashion, upholstery, and other creative industries.
Some examples of deadstock materials include:
- Surplus fabric: Excess fabric from textile mills or factories that cannot be used for other orders or collections.
- Cancelled orders: Fabric produced for a specific order that was later canceled by the brand.
- Fabric samples: Unused fabric samples from designers or brands.
- End-of-roll remnants: Small pieces of fabric left over from larger rolls.
- Slightly imperfect materials: Fabrics that don’t meet stringent quality standards but are still usable.
- Designer excess: Unused fabric from designers or brands that were not incorporated into their collections
Here are some types of clothing that utilize deadstock materials:
- Bathing suits – Some brands repurpose deadstock fabrics to create unique swimwear.
- Dresses – Many sustainable fashion labels craft limited-edition dresses from surplus textiles.
- Jackets & outerwear – Deadstock materials are often used for one-of-a-kind outwear.
- Loungewear and activewear – Leggings and sweatpants can be made from repurposed fabrics.
- Accessories – Scarves, tote bags, and hats frequently incorporate deadstock textiles.
is deadstock fabric good?
Deadstock fabric is good in terms of sustainability because it reduces textile waste. It makes sure fabric scraps that would’ve ended up in landfill get a second chance at life.
It also reduces the demand for new textile production, which saves resources. This helps promote a more circular economy and innovation through creative solutions.
However, it’s worth noting that just because a brand utilizes deadstock materials, doesn’t make them completely sustainable. You should always investigate a company’s ethics and practices in-depth to see what other steps they’re taking to help people and planet.
Also, deadstock fabrics can be natural or synthetic – so keep that in mind when shopping. Natural fabrics generally have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic fabrics. But utilizing deadstock fabrics (be they synthetic or natural) automatically cuts down on emissions simply for being recycled content.
what is a deadstock piece?
A deadstock piece refers to any item created using deadstock fabric. Many brands craft limited-edition clothing, accessories, and furniture using these materials, offering consumers something unique while contributing to waste reduction.
Since deadstock fabric availability varies, pieces made from it tend to be one-of-a-kind or produced in small batches.
is deadstock fabric expensive?
Since deadstock textiles are essentially excess, unused fabrics, they often aren’t as expensive as virgin materials. However, some deadstock materials may utilize high-end, rare designer fabrics, which may elevate the cost of the finished piece.
Deadstock pieces are usually made in small-batch production, considering the designer can only work with the scraps they acquire. This makes them more exclusive, which can also bump-up the final price tag.
sustainable brands that use deadstock
Here are some eco-friendly clothing brands that use deadstock material in some of their garments. All of these brands try to reduce their environmental footprint through using organic materials, low waste packaging, and/or achieving eco certifications.
Keep in mind deadstock pieces tend to be small-batch and may be harder to find, even on these websites. Searching ‘deadstock’ on the brand’s website can help you narrow your search.
I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of my favorite features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.
1. reformation
- Women’s clothing
- Uses deadstock fabrics, recycled materials, and eco-friendly production methods to minimize waste
- Deadstock items: Dresses, tops, skirts, and two-piece sets made from surplus textiles
- 100% recycled paper mailers and compostable bags for shipping
2. altar
- Handmade, ethically produced apparel with a focus on unique designs
- Uses deadstock fabrics and natural dyes to create sweatshop-free clothing
- Deadstock items: Dresses, jumpsuits, and casual wear crafted from repurposed textiles
3. christy dawn
- Women’s clothing
- They support regenerative cotton farming, restoring soil health and promoting ethical sourcing
- Deadstock items: Limited-edition dresses, blouses and accessories
- Every Christy Dawn piece is made by local artisans in downtown Los Angeles
4. all the wild roses
- Women’s clothing based in Australia
- Up to 90% of their designs are made from recycled fabrics, including deadstock
- Deadstock items: Blouses + dresses
- Compostable packaging
- Small-batch production, made-to-order
- Certified B-corp
5. mud jeans
- Women and men’s denim
- Uses deadstock denim + recycled cotton to make jeans and jackets
- Deadstock items: Jeans, denim jackets, + accessories
- Offers a denim leasing program, where customers can return old jeans for recycling
- Certified B-Corp + Certified by Cradle to Cradle
So, would you give deadstock material a shot? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
The post What Is Deadstock Material? Is It Sustainable? appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
There’s something undeniably special about wearing uniquely handcrafted, fair trade jewelry that you can know was made slowly and thoughtfully with care. Equally special is wearing an elevated set of jewelry crafted with recycled materials and sustainable processes.
Whether you’re looking for an investment piece or more affordable pieces, there are options for any budget on this list. The aesthetics of these fair trade and sustainable jewelry brands also vary, so you’ll also be able to discover an ethical brand that matches your unique style.
What is Fair Trade Jewelry?
Fair trade can both be a general term used to describe a brand’s sourcing practices — like direct relationships with artisan cooperatives, wages above local standard rates, and safe working conditions — or a third-party “Fair Trade” verification through an organization like Fair Trade Federation, Fair Trade USA, or World Fair Trade Organization. When a brand doesn’t have a certification, we verify a brand’s practices by their own published information.
In the cases where brands do go the extra mile and get a third-party verification for their fair trade practices, we’ve noted it directly in their entries.
Note that this guide includes affiliate links and partners. As always, we only feature brands that meet high standards for responsibility we love, and that we think you’ll love too!
2. Ana Luisa
Best for: affordable everyday jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Recycled Gold, Lab-Grown Diamonds, Small-Batch Production, Direct-to-Consumer
Ana Luisa creates stunning, elegant jewelry from responsibly-sourced materials including 100% recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds. The sustainable jewelry brand also produces in small batches to minimize waste.
By using a direct-to-consumer model, Ana Luisa is able to provide luxury, high-quality jewelry at accessible prices.
3. Monica Vinader
Best for: recycled demi-fine jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Woman-Founded, Recycled Silver & Gold Vermeil, Traceable Gemstones, Lab-Grown & Conflict-Free Diamonds, Supply Chain Transparency
Price Range: $85 (studs) – $2,495 (diamond ring)
British jewelry brand Monica Vinader was one of the first brands to meet the gap between fashion jewelry and fine jewelry with their “demi fine” jewelry. The women-founded brand has necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings crafted from 100% recycled sterling silver and gold vermeil, fully traceable gemstones, and lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds. Monica Vinader also launched Product Passports, taking an active effort towards full supply chain transparency.
4. WorldFinds
Best for: unique statement jewelry with a story
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Verified, Upcycled Materials, Artisan-Made
WorldFinds provides sustainable employment and just wages for hundreds of women artisans in India and Bali. These artisans handcraft both sleek metal fair trade jewelry and unique recycled Kantha pieces. WorldFinds is Verified by the Fair Trade Federation, which assesses members against fair trade principles including fair wages, safe conditions, and transparent supply chains.
Plus WorldFinds’ signature Kantha jewelry is made from upcycling materials: wood scraps from a furniture factory and locally sourced Kantha fabric remnants.
5. Astor + Orion
Best for: drop earrings and charm necklaces with symbolism
Conscious Qualities: Certified Ethical Factory, Recycled Materials, Designed for Recyclability, Repair Program
Ethical jewelry brand Astor + Orion sources their jewelry from a factory with multiple certifications ensuring worker safety, fair production practices, and responsible environmental management. Astor + Orion’s stunning jewelry is made from recycled materials and designed in a way to make it easily recyclable! Their pieces also come with a quality assurance — the brand will repair any piece within 6 months of purchase.
6. Laura Elizabeth
Best for: non-toxic jewelry in organic shapes
Conscious Qualities: Locally Sourced Recycled Metals, Woman-Owned, Fair Wages, Safe Working Conditions
Price Range: $45 – $330
Crafted from recycled metals sourced locally in LA, Laura Elizabeth creates stand-out sustainable jewelry. All of the brand’s jewelry is sourced ethically from a small, woman-owned studio in Los Angeles that ensures reasonable working hours (35 hr/week), fair wages, and safe working conditions (such as proper ventilation). Check out more on Laura Elizabeth in this post!
The jewelry is also non-toxic, free of cadmium or lead.
7. Ten Thousand Villages
Best for: giftable fair trade jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Production, Artisan-Made
Price Range: $6 – $175
Founded in 1946, Ten Thousand Villages is one of the fair trade pioneers and a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), the global network that verifies fair trade practices across its member organizations.
They’ve developed relationships with artisans around the world, providing valuable economic opportunities for thousands of makers in 30 countries around the world. Their marketplace has handmade necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings, along with a variety of other fair trade goods.
8. Edge of Ember
Best for: gemstone jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Recycled Gold & Silver, Artisan-Made, Ethical Production
Price Range: $49 (ear cuff) – $2,730 (diamond tennis bracelet)
Edge of Ember’s timeless jewelry is responsibly crafted by makers working in artisan groups and small-scale factories. Their delicate necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other pieces are crafted by skilled artisans in India, Hong Kong, Germany, and Thailand. The brand carries out independent social audits to ensure ethical working conditions and environmental responsibility.
Edge of Ember has a wide selection of recycled gold and silver rings, bracelets, and necklaces adorned with stunning gemstones, including many birthstone jewelry options perfect for gifting.
9. Aurate
Best for: ethical diamond fine jewelry
Conscious Qualities: 100% Recycled Gold, Lab-Grown & Conflict-Free Diamonds, Vintage Collection
Price Range: $18 (stainless steel chain) – $19,000 (diamond tennis necklace)
Responsibly-sourced quality jewelry — that’s Aurate’s promise. The jewelry brand’s sleek, timeless pieces are thoughtfully made by seventh-generation craftspeople using 100% recycled gold and lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds.
Aurate also has a curated collection of vintage fine jewelry from cocktail watches to signet rings up to 50% off.
10. SOKO
Best for: modern, minimalist artisan-made jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Above-Market Artisan Wages, Black-Owned
Price Range: $78 – $298
SOKO is an innovative Black-owned ethical jewelry brand using mobile tools to bridge the barriers for artisan entrepreneurs in Kenya. In partnership with SOKO, independent artisans can operate a “virtual factory”, earning 5x more than an average artisan workshop in their local areas.
The jewelry is made with 24K gold or silver-plated brass — an affordable metal that also happens to consist of 90% recycled content on average. Other materials include reclaimed horn and bone, locally-sourced teak wood offcuts, and ceramic beads made by a fair trade women’s collective in Kenya.
10. Raven + Lily
Best for: affordable artisan jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Verified, Artisan-Made, Women-Led
Price Range: $40 – $240
Raven + Lily is an ethical fashion and jewelry brand verified Fair Trade by the Fair Trade Federation. The women-led brand partners with artisan women around the world who use natural materials to craft both classic, elegant pieces and statement jewelry.
11. NAKIIT
Best for: one-of-a-kind, solo-handcrafted pieces
Conscious Qualities: Made-to-Order, Recycled Silver & Gold, Zero-Waste Scrap Recycling
Price Range: $21 – $485
As a small, slow-minded jewelry brand, NAKIIT’s founder + owner handcrafts each piece with intention. In fact, every piece of jewelry the brand sells is made by the founder herself!
Nearly all of NAKIIT’s ethically-made jewelry is either made-to-order or one-of-a-kind, ensuring a minimal ecological impact and the highest attention to quality.
As if we could love this brand even more, NAKIIT also sources recycled sterling silver and gold, plus recycles any remaining metal scraps or dust after production.
