The Lifecycle of a Garment: Why Circularity Matters More Than Ever

How many pieces of clothing do you own that you’ve only worn once? The truth is, our closets are full, but our planet is paying the price.

The fashion industry has a waste problem. Every year, over 92 million tons of textile waste are generated globally—equivalent to a truckload of clothes ending up in a landfill every second (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017). Millions of garments are discarded—many barely worn, many non-recyclable, and nearly all contributing to an environmental crisis. The solution? Circularity. And at Circlo, we’re not just advocating for it; we’re building it into every step of the fashion lifecycle.

 

The Traditional Lifecycle of a Garment (And Its Flaws)

Most clothing today follows a linear model: produce, sell, wear, discard. Fast fashion has accelerated this cycle, leading to overflowing landfills and immense resource waste. The production of a single cotton t-shirt, for instance, can take 2,700 liters of water—and according to a 2023 report by the Global Fashion Agenda, extending a garment’s lifespan by just nine months reduces its environmental footprint by 20-30%. Yet, in many cases, that same shirt will be discarded within a year.

This take-make-waste system is simply unsustainable. Consumer behavior plays a significant role in perpetuating this cycle—trends change rapidly, encouraging constant consumption, while the allure of cheap, disposable fashion makes replacing garments more appealing than maintaining them. To shift towards circularity, we need to embrace mindful purchasing, prioritize durability over trends, and make resale and recycling the default choices rather than afterthoughts.

 

The Circular Lifecycle: How a Garment Can Live Multiple Lives

In a circular system like the one we're developing at Circlo, clothing doesn’t just reach an endpoint—it evolves. Each garment has the potential to go through multiple life stages, reducing waste and maximizing value.

Design & Production

• At Circlo, we create garments built for longevity, using high-quality materials and thoughtful construction.
• Fabrics are chosen for durability and recyclability, ensuring they can be repurposed later.

First Wearer

• A customer purchases the garment and integrates it into their wardrobe, ideally keeping it for years.
• Proper care extends its life—washing mindfully, repairing small damages, and storing it properly.

Resale & Second Life: Enter Circlo Loop

• Instead of discarding a piece when it’s no longer needed, consumers can resell it through Circlo Loop.
• Think of Circlo Loop as a clothing adoption agency, where pre-loved items find new homes.
• Every resale keeps clothing in circulation longer, reducing demand for new production. Circlo Loop vets each item, provides clear condition details, and offers easy returns—so buyers can shop with confidence. If an item can’t be resold, we ensure it’s properly recycled, so nothing goes to waste.

Upcycling & Repurposing

• If a garment is too worn for resale, upcycling offers a creative solution—turning old fabric into something new.
• Innovations in textile recycling allow fibers to be regenerated into fresh materials

Recycling & Regeneration

• When a garment reaches the true end of its lifecycle, it should be recycled properly.
• Circlo is working toward solutions where every product can be disassembled and turned into new textiles, closing the loop entirely.

 

Circlo Loop: Making Circularity Easy & Rewarding

We believe sustainability and participating in circular models shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why we're creating Circlo Loop—to make circular fashion effortless and beneficial for everyone involved.

• For Sellers: If you own clothing that no longer serves you, regardless of the brand, you can easily send it to Circlo Loop. The process is streamlined, and you’re rewarded for keeping clothing in circulation.
• For Buyers: Shopping pre-loved isn’t just good for the planet; it’s an opportunity to own high-quality pieces at a fraction of the cost, with the added benefit of reducing waste.
• For the Planet: Every item that’s resold means one less new garment needs to be produced, reducing water waste, textile waste, and lowering fashion’s carbon footprint.

The Bigger Picture: Circular Fashion’s Industry-Wide Impact

Circularity isn’t just about individual choices—it’s about shifting the entire fashion industry. By extending the life of garments, we can:

• Reduce waste by keeping clothing out of landfills.
• Lower carbon emissions by decreasing demand for virgin textile production.
• Save water and resources by minimizing excessive production cycles.
• Create a cultural shift where fashion is about longevity, not disposability.

Ready to Join Circlo?

The lifecycle of a garment doesn’t have to end after a few wears. Through Circlo Loop, we’re redefining what it means to own clothing—turning every purchase into a long-term investment, not just a fleeting trend.

It’s time to break free from the wasteful cycle of fast fashion. Let’s make circularity the new standard.

Be part of the change. Sign up for Circlo today and get early access to Circlo Loop when it launches in February 2025. Stay ahead, stay informed, and lead the circular fashion movement. Let’s close the loop—together!