Think about it: when Nike or Banana Republic or Columbia order a hundred thousand pairs of pants to be made, there’s going to be some fabric left over. Usually, it’s not enough to fill a full order for one of these behemoth companies, but enough to make say… 187 pairs of shorts. That’s where Looptworks clothing comes in. Where excess materials normally get thrown away and counted as waste, Looptworks sees opportunity to do something good for the planet and to make some cool clothes along the way.
They call it upcycling, since it’s not using re-worn clothing, but rather new fabric leftovers or pre-consumer waste.
Looptworks was started by two clothing industry veterans who both had the same idea to scoop up other companies’ waste materials and make limited edition clothing out of it. They call it upcycling, since it’s not using re-worn clothing, but rather new fabric leftovers or pre-consumer waste. Since there is a limited supply of any one kind of fabric, you’re not likely to find anybody else wearing exactly the same shirt as you. In fact, the clothes all have a small tab or “loop” fixed to them with the series and article number handwritten, indicating just how limited an edition they are. I got a pair of Kampung Shorts from Looptworks that says it is number 142 out of 187 total number. That’s pretty exclusive.
If you’re not impressed by limited edition clothing or the green nature of the company, maybe their designs will get you. Simple, utilitarian, maybe a little granola but also hip and urban. The Kampung Short has a vaguely board short look, with a long rise and loose fit. They include belt loops, a gusseted crotch, and mesh-lined pockets, all in a lightweight nylon that looks and feels like cotton was as suited for a stroll in town as it would be for an ocean swim. But hurry, if you want a pair that looks like mine, you’d better act fast. There are only 186 pairs left.
Cost: $50 (Kampung Short)
