The full article is published in Just-Style and below is the summary:
Market Size
Reflecting fashion companies’ interest in carrying more sustainable apparel products to meet consumers’ demand, there has been a notable increase in clothing using recycled cotton in the U.S. retail market since 2022. For example, based on information collected from US apparel retailers’ websites, only about 100 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) of “Made in the USA” clothing explicitly indicated that they contained recycled cotton in 2022 and 2023, respectively. However, in the first nine months of 2024, this number had already doubled to around 200.
Despite the impressive growth, clothing containing recycled cotton remains a “niche” in the U.S. retail market. As of 2024, the total SKUs of “Made in the USA” clothing containing recycled cotton accounted for only about 0.1% of those made with regular virgin cotton.
Meanwhile, measured by SKU count, 70% of “Made in the USA” clothing containing recycled cotton was sold in the mass and value segments in the U.S. retail market from 2022 to 2024. In comparison, over the same period, “Made in the USA” clothing made with regular cotton catered to a more diverse consumer base, with a relatively balanced distribution across the mass and value segment (57%) and the luxury and premium segment (43%).
Product Features
There appears to be a notable distinction between the product categories of “Made in the USA” clothing using recycled cotton and those made with regular cotton. Specifically, from 2022 to 2024, by SKU count, “Made in the USA” clothing containing recycled cotton mainly focused on basics such as T-shirts (35.6%), jeans (20.1%), other bottoms (20.7%) and other tops (18.4%). Particularly, jeans appear more likely to contain recycled cotton than any other apparel category.
Using recycled cotton also appears to affect clothing’s design patterns. For example, from 2022 to 2024, nearly 85% of “Made in the USA” clothing containing recycled cotton chose plain design patterns compared to only 65% of those exclusively using regular cotton. These results echo findings from previous studies, suggesting that the shorter fiber length and lower quality of recycled cotton may limit the use of more intricate and complex design details.
Fiber Content
Reflecting the significant limitations of the quality and properties of the fiber, clothing labeled as using “100% recycled cotton” was rarely available in the U.S. retail market from 2022 to 2024, regardless of where the item was made. In most cases, recycled cotton accounted for no more than 30% of the total fiber content in a garment, with typical labels read like “49% cotton, 21% recycled cotton, 17% recycled polyester” (jeans), “Made from 70% cotton and 30% recycled cotton” (T-shirt), and “Made from 70% cotton, 29% recycled cotton, and 1% elastane” (skirt).
Results show that over 95% of “Made in the USA” clothing containing recycled cotton was blended with regular virgin cotton, and 92% of imported clothing did the same. According to textile scientists, this blend helps overcome the physical limitations of recycled cotton and enhances the fabric’s durability and softness. Approximately 14% of “Made in the USA clothing” containing recycled cotton was blended with polyester. This blend was commonly used for jeans and T-shirts to improve durability and flexibility and may also reduce production costs. However, compared with “Made in the USA” clothing made from regular cotton, it was uncommon to see recycled cotton blended with specific fiber types such as nylon, spandex, rayon, and linen. This result again revealed the physical limitations of recycled cotton and explained the narrow range of apparel products currently suited for its use.
Sustainability Claims
In practice, the sustainability claims of “Made in the USA” clothing containing recycled cotton in the U.S. retail market appear to be a “mixed bag.” On the one hand, as anticipated, “Made in the USA” clothing containing recycled cotton seems to be more likely to highlight its sustainability attributes than those using regular cotton only. From 2022 to 2024, by SKU count, more than 23.1% of “Made in the USA” items containing recycled cotton mentioned the word “sustainable” in the product description or label, and another 16.2% mentioned “eco-friendly.” In comparison, less than 2% of “Made in the USA” clothing made from regular cotton included these two terms. Similarly, a higher percentage of “Made in the USA” clothing using recycled cotton also featured other sustainability-related terms such as “impacts,” “waste,” and “certified,” compared to those made from regular cotton.
On the other hand, however, the sustainability claims of “Made in the USA” clothing containing recycled cotton are not without concerns. For example, in many cases, the product descriptions or labels provide no detailed and verifiable information about the actual “sustainability benefits” of producing and consuming clothing made from recycled cotton aside from vaguely saying the product was “sustainable,” “eco-friendly,” or “certified.”
To complicate the issue further, as clothing made from regular cotton increasingly emphasizes its sustainability benefits as a natural fiber, it somehow diminishes the exclusivity of recycled cotton as a sustainable option. For example, there is no clear evidence indicating that consumers generally perceive clothing using “recycled cotton” as more or less sustainable than those using “organic cotton” or cotton certified by reputable programs such as the “Better Cotton Initiative, BCI” and the “U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol.” In other words, “recycled cotton” faces intense competition as the preferred sustainable fiber among many choices available to fashion companies, including regular cotton.
Pricing Practices
Results show that “Made in the USA” clothing containing recycled cotton is not always “cheap” for U.S. consumers. For instance, for those targeting the mass market segment, between 2022 and 2024, adding recycled cotton increased the selling price of “Made in the USA” clothing by more than 10% compared to items made with virgin cotton, with jeans being the only exception (i.e., 12% lower).
Price data also show that “Made in the USA” recycled cotton items generally have higher price tags than comparable non-U.S.-made items across both mass and premium markets, particularly in popular categories like T-shirts and bottoms. This trend suggests that higher U.S. domestic production costs, particularly the higher wage level than Asian countries, could contribute to these elevated prices.
Reflections
As the findings highlighted, while visibility is increasing, promoting recycled cotton in clothing still encounters significant challenges. For instance, technical advancements in the quality of recycled cotton fiber are critical to enhancing its competitiveness among other “preferred sustainable fibers,” raising its perceived market value and enabling its use across a broader range of clothing categories beyond T-shirts and jeans.
Notably, due to slow progress in improving the physical properties of recycled cotton, some have seemingly “given up” on using it for clothing and suggest focusing more on repurposing recycled cotton for other categories, such as non-wovens, carpets, packaging, and home textiles. However, as sustainability legislation, such as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law, increasingly mandates fashion companies to recycle textile waste, not promoting recycled cotton could lead to greater reliance on recycled polyester or other man-made fibers in clothing, which may not serve the long-term business interests of the cotton industry.
by Katherine Yasik (Fashion Design and Product Innovation major & Sustainable apparel minor, Fashion and Apparel Studies, University of Delaware) and Sheng Lu
FASH455 Global Apparel & Textile Trade and Sourcing 
This article gives a great overview of the progress and challenges recycled cotton faces in the U.S. apparel market. It’s exciting to see the growth in SKUs since 2022, but it’s clear that recycled cotton is still a niche product. The limitations in fiber quality and design, especially how they restrict intricate patterns is very interesting too. Pricing is another big issue. Why are recycled cotton items more expensive, especially in mass markets? I also found it surprising that sustainability claims lack detail, which could confuse consumers. Overall while promising, recycled cotton clearly has a long way to go to compete with other sustainable options.
Hi Grace! You bring up a good point in asking why recycled cotton items are more expensive. I was wondering the same thing because when I think of recycled cotton I assume that it will be cheaper and less costly than regular cotton. I would love to see a paper done discussing why it is more expensive and comparing the process of creating this cotton in comparison to regular cotton.
Hi Grace, I really liked your take on the recycled cotton article! It’s so true that while the growth in SKUs is promising, recycled cotton still feels like a niche. The limitations in fiber quality and design really stood out to me too, especially how they limit more detailed or trendy patterns. I also agree that the higher price point is a barrier, especially when the sustainability claims aren’t super clear. Like you said, recycled cotton has potential, but there’s definitely work to be done for it to compete with other sustainable materials.
This article is really interesting because of the potential of the United States as a sourcing base for apparel made from recycled cotton is highlighted in this intriguing study! The focus on sustainable techniques and circularity is relevant, particularly in light of the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly fashion. Although the statistics showing the rise in recycled cotton in American textile production are positive, I have concerns about how scalable this technique will be. For example, given that price sensitivity is still a major consideration for both customers and brands, how can American manufacturers overcome the cost concerns related to recycled cotton when compared with virgin materials? It is a good question to ask ourselves
To be honest, most of the results in this study are the equivalent of putting two and two together and making four. The most commonly seen recycled fibers are cotton (mentioned in the study), petroleum-based products (mainly polyester), and wool, the latter two known for their ability to be recycled fully. Of course, each fiber’s ability to be broken down and re-used does depend on the processes in making textiles with it; polyester pellets are spun to strands and the strands can be melted right back down into pellets; the same brushing/carding process to prep wool fibers can be re-used in pre-existing textiles. Perhaps even fibers like viscose and rayon start as cellulose in chemical soup and can be chemically broken down to return to cellulose soup (that is speculation, but serves to prove my point). Cotton, by contrast, cannot do that. That’s why cotton, with its short fibers and plentiful supply, is mostly recycled to form batting and insulation. Personally, I don’t find recycled cotton jeans a worthwhile investment — put that material in puffer jackets and duvets.
Perhaps, it’s the historian in me that longs for days filled with linen and wool and bamboo textiles. Even so, I understand that recycled cotton can be cut with recycled polyester to maximize capturing consumer interest in fabrics made of 100% recycled materials. But even then, I feel as if that solution is just kicking the problem down a generation or two. If there is an abundance of blended recycled materials, is there a possibility of continued re-usage? Or are producers going to end up right back where we started?
While this article does a great job of highlighting the potential and challenges of recycled cotton, it is still apparent there is a long way to go. The doubling of SKUS regarding recycled cotton is a good sign but the fact that recycled cotton only makes up .1% of the market makes one wonder just how committed to sustainability the fashion industry really is. Additionally, many companies will use recycled cotton and claim it is “sustainable cotton”. These claims lack any type of detail and are wildly misleading. This is a prime example of greenwashing, which the industry is notorious for. This is a truly concerning fact that leads consumers like myself to the conclusion that the industry, the recycled cotton industry included, are simply trying to appease the environmentally conscious consumer and that they are not actually trying to make an impact. Similarly, the price of recycled cotton is far more expensive due to labor costs. If sustainability is not accessible, it will not be widely adopted. This furthers my claims that the textile production industry specifically put a lot of effort into sustainability just to appeal to consumers, but their efforts fall short in the long run. That being said, any strides toward a sustainable future (even if it is for the wrong reasons), is a step in the right direction. There are many other topics mentioned that are similarly beneficial to the industry. Overall, the recycled cotton industry is a step in the right direction, there just needs to be a bigger push to use it and more advancements need to be made in order for it to be accessible and widely adopted.
Hi Katherine, your comment shares valid concerns that I completely agree with about the current state of recycled cotton in the fashion industry, particularly regarding greenwashing and accessibility. As you shared the article highlights that while there has been growth in the use of recycled cotton, it remains a niche product at only 0.1% of the market. Which to your point could mean the industry may not be as committed to sustainability. The lack of transparency in sustainability further exacerbates this problem, making it difficult for consumers to trust products. Terms like “sustainable” and “eco-friendly” are often used without factual backing, which supports greenwashing. Moreover, the higher cost of recycled cotton, largely driven by U.S. labor costs, creates a significant barrier to widespread adoption, limiting its potential impact.
While these issues are undeniable there are many efforts being put into place to help. As you mentioned the doubling of SKUs containing recycled cotton and the efforts to blend it with virgin fibers or polyester to improve durability show steps forward. As well advancements in fiber technology and sustainability legislation, like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, could provide the push needed to make recycled cotton more viable. While current efforts may target eco-concious consumers, they still create a foundation for future impact. The industry’s challenge remains in learning to scale these efforts to ensure both affordability and actual environmental impact. While progress is slow and imperfect, it reflects a push towards commitment to sustainability that could grow with further regulation and consumer interest.
This article provides an insightful overview of the potential and challenges of using recycled cotton in the U.S. apparel market. This resonated with me as someone passionate about sustainability and the fashion industry. The growth in SKUs featuring recycled cotton since 2022 is positive, but I was struck by how it still represents only 0.1% of the market. Recycled cotton has potential, but there are still challenges with fiber quality and design, particularly the restrictions on intricate patterns, highlighting the steps that still need to be taken.
I also resonated with the pricing aspect. I try to make more sustainable choices when shopping, but the higher price of recycled cotton items makes it difficult, especially for everyday essentials. I can see how this could also discourage other consumers, which makes the industry’s efforts to scale and lower costs even more critical.
I also found the section on sustainability claims interesting. As a consumer, it can be frustrating to see vague terms like “eco-friendly” and “sustainable” without any evidence to back the statements up. It makes me wonder how much of what we see is genuine progress versus marketing spin. In this industry, transparency is key, and I hope brands take steps to clarify the actual benefits of using recycled cotton.
Hi Matti! I agree that it is quite frustrating that companies overemphasize their use of sustainability. It makes me wonder what other recycled materials brands claim to use a lot of. For example, Free People has a high usage of cashmere and have high price points, so I wonder if they are using recycled materials to make this cashmere or if they are sneaking in other synthetic materials.
As a co-author to this article my key takeaway has been the unexpected use, or lack of use, of recycled cotton in products produced in the U.S.. For example in my research I discovered that many recycled cotton products in the U.S. are non-wovens such as makeup wipes, fememinie products, picture frames, home foundations, and more. This opened my eyes to the application of textiles in non-apparel products. Another thing that suprised me in my research was the lack of structured or regulated recycling programs when producing virgin fiber.
This article is very relevant to both the current events in the fashion industry as well as being very reflective to what I as a student has been learning in the UD fashion program as of recent. The pressure from consumers to fashion companies to implement more sustainable practices is very apparent in the media recently. It really seems like the fashion companies are listening to these demands and making the effort to address these problems in their own practices. The idea of recycling cotton as described in this article is great in the sense that it will decrease waste. The landfills of garments will not grow as rapidly with these practices. However, as we learned in class, recycling cotton is extremely capital intensive. Countries who are under developed have a hard time implementing these practices. Although this initiative is a step in the right direction. There needs to be more affordable options for sustainability practices.
This article answered quite a few of my questions about the state of sustainability in the market. Regarding my question to Elena Hogan regarding marketing sustainability, I was curious whether companies were entirely honest about their usage of recycled resources (such as cotton) or if they overemphasized sustainability. I find it interesting that although out of the total SKUs, only about 0.1% of clothing “Made in the USA” uses recycled cotton in comparison to regular cotton. It’s ironic that from 2022 to 2024, by SKU count that more than 23.1% of items containing recycled cotton mentioned the word “sustainable” in the product description or label, and another 16.2% mentioned “eco-friendly.” Even though Elena ensured me that Ralph Lauren had to commit to a responsible rule standard, that may not be the case for many fashion forward brands in the United States. Thus, this article further makes me skeptical of companies who overemphasize using recycled cotton as it is clearly a very niche market. For instance, does Cotton On use as much recycled cotton as they claim? I don’t believe so, since they are a fast fashion market and likely use only a small percentage of recycled cotton.
Hi Sofia, you pose a really though provoking question about which fashion brands, and how many of them are actually using recycled cotton. We have learned before that “green washing” unfortunately does happen in the fashion industry. As upsetting as it is, some fashion brands don’t use sustainable practices, or they lie about how sustainable they really are. As the years have progressed there has been an increase in brand visibility and how transparent they are about their sustainable efforts. I think that it should continue to be encouraged to be transparent and this niche market of recycled cotton should be looked into further.
This was a really interesting article to read. A takeaway I had is the increasing consumer demand for sustainable products, which is the cause of rising recycled cotton usage. The doubling of “Made in the USA” items with recycled cotton, and it still being a small fraction of overall cotton clothing shows the ongoing challenges in scaling up recycled cotton use, specifically its limited application in high end or more elaborate garments due to the fiber quality constraints. The article also talks about pricing aspects, regarding how recycled cotton is typically priced higher than non recycled cotton, or virgin cotton. I thought that this was super relevant because recent consumer behavior shows that consumers look for high value at a cheap price, so recycled cotton poses a challenge for price sensitive markets.
Hi Claire! I agree that the price of recycled cotton is extremely relevant due to consumer behavior. I tend to reach for cheaper items of clothing but, they are not as eco-friendly as higher-priced items therefore posing a challenge for people who are conscious of how much they are spending.
Hi Claire! I agree that the price of recycled cotton is extremely relevant due to consumer behavior. I tend to reach for cheaper items of clothing but, they are not as eco-friendly as higher-priced items therefore posing a challenge for people who are conscious of how much they are spending.
Hi Claire! I agree that the price of recycled cotton is extremely relevant due to consumer behavior. I tend to reach for cheaper items of clothing but, they are not as eco-friendly as higher-priced items therefore posing a challenge for people who are conscious of how much they are spending.
I find this article very insightful about sustainability within the cotton industry. From the article I have gathered that the use of recycled cotton emphasizes waste reduction and upcycling which aligns with the values of consumer demands. I find this interesting because only 0.1% of clothing “Made in the USA” uses recycled cotton even though it is more than obvious that consumers value sustainability when it comes to purchasing decisions. This is something that is very apparent in today’s culture and is mostly displayed through social media. I have seen on different social media platforms there is a clear need for more sustainable practices within the fashion industry. In the article they dive into the lack of information on products that are made with recycled cotton. To be more specific, products that are labeled “sustainable” or “eco-friendly” have no specifications of how or why they are eco conscious. As a consumer who tends to lean towards more sustainable brands, the absence of information would cause me to be skeptical on the authenticity of the “eco-friendly” claims. I would be especially skeptical because of the commonality of greenwashing within the industry, brands like H&M have claimed to be sustainable but have later come out to be the complete opposite. In my opinion it is hard to trust companies in the fashion industry due to prior greenwashing scandals and this article has helped me realize that other consumers think the same as me. Do you have a hard time trusting companies when it comes to their claims of sustainability?
(for some reason my comments aren’t showing up on my end so I’m commenting again to ensure they are public)
I enjoyed reading this article because it talks about the change between fashion and sustainability which is a subject that is very important as a student who studies fashion. A clear shift toward sustainable production, which is something that today’s customers are demanding more and more, can be seen in the growing popularity of recycled cotton in the US retail market. The article’s explanation of recycled cotton product categories and fiber blends, which shows creative yet useful methods to get around its limitations like blending with virgin cotton or polyester, caught my attention. This is similar to some issues about sustainable fibers and how to incorporate them into fashion production no a days. It was also interesting to see how sustainability was influencing design trends, like the desire for simpler styles. It shows how decisions about materials can effect customer opinion. Which i believe also is very important
Even though a rise in recycled cotton points to a more sustainable future, there are significant challenges that hinder its ability to become a more widely used fabrication. Recycled cotton, being a niche fabric application, struggles to compete with other fabric substitutes like organic cotton or regular cotton. It was interesting to learn how even though fabrication alternatives like organic cotton remain most widely used, recycled cotton is more likely to have characteristics promoting sustainability, which is very contradictory. As consumers and policymakers are urging transparency and sustainability practices, the fashion industry must determine whether recycled cotton is worth the investment or not. While less sustainable fabrics are offered at lower prices and lower quality, they do not seem feasible for the future of the fashion industry and evolving consumer bases.
This article certainly gave me more insight on recycled cotton sourced in the US. I feel like lots of brands talk about using recycled cotton and you are seeing it more and more. Though it is interesting that it still only represents about .1% of the total clothing made with regular cottton. I feel as if recycled cotton can be helpful and sustainable in theory, but it seems that in reality it has a lot of phhysical limitations that restrict being able to produce a diverce product range out of just recycled cotton, it often needs to be mixed in with mostly virigin cotton, so is it really doing good?
I feel as if using recycled cotton in clothing items for a lot of brands is a form a green washing, you will see in stores, there are clothes with tags on them that say “made from recycled cotton”, this then gets consumers to purchase. When really, probably only 5% of the garment or less was made from recycled cotton. I think that if the quality is improved, and it can be used at a higher percentage in apparel, then it could do more good. As of right now, I don’t feel it has a great competitive advantage compared to virgin cotton.
This article looks into the study of the reality and problems that occur within the role of recycled cotton in the U.S apparel market, looking at both its growing presence and the challenges it still faces–such as lower fiber quality and high production cost. The findings of this study are very interesting and resonate with me as they underline the struggles between consumer demand for sustainability and the limitations of recycled cotton. The pricing and marketing challenges make it even harder for recycled cotton to compete in the already crowded market of “preferred sustainable fibers.” This study ultimately highlights the need for ongoing investment strategies in improving fiber quality and for sustainability in the apparel industry.
As a shopper and a student who understands the importance of sustainability in today’s society, I found this article to be both interesting but also frustrating. It is great to see that clothing made in the U.S. is using more recycled cotton. This is especially common to use in basic attire that are universal clothing items such as jeans and t-shirts. However, there is still so much progress to be made. Although I know about sustainable materials because of the fashion classes I have taken, most people don’t know what makes their products sustainable. Labels such as “eco-friendly” are extremely broad, and people tend to stay away from things they don’t know about. Therefore, I think it could be extremely helpful of companies to label products in a way that describes what specifically makes each product sustainable, what the fiber content is, and even how this can impact the environment. Additionally, these products tend to cost more, which is a problem for consumers who cannot afford such products. If there is an explanation for why recycled cotton and other sustainable materials are used and why it drives up the price, I believe more people would be inclined to make higher-price purchases if it means a larger benefit overall.
This article gave me a much clearer understanding of the current state of recycled cotton in U.S. clothing. As a college student trying to shop more responsibly, I’ve noticed a lot of brands using terms like “sustainable,” but I didn’t realize how uncommon recycled cotton actually is. Only 0.1% of U.S.-made cotton clothing includes recycled cotton, which is lower than I expected considering the attention on eco-conscious fashion.
It was also informative to learn how the physical properties of recycled cotton affect how it’s used. Because the fibers are shorter, the material works best in simple items like jeans and T-shirts and often needs to be blended with other fibers to improve durability. Many items are labeled with sustainability terms, but there’s often limited information on what that actually means.
The price point of these products also makes a difference. Recycled cotton clothing made in the U.S. is frequently more expensive than other options, which makes it harder for budget-conscious shoppers to access. Even with these challenges, recycled cotton still has a lot of potential. Improving the quality of the fiber and making the production process more efficient could help make it a more realistic and affordable option for everyday clothing in the future.
This article is eye-opening when thinking about the increase, but still niche nature of recycled cotton in the US fashion industry. Although “Made in the USA” fashion made from recycled cotton has skyrocketed since 2022, overall market penetration of the commodity is still niche and limited mostly to mass-fashion pieces like T-shirts and denim. Due to its poor fiber quality, recycled cotton is saved for application on a small scale, limiting the range of the products and the complexity of the patterns. In addition, most clothing producers mix virgin and recycled cotton to increase strength, which leads one to wonder how “sustainable” these items really are. Consumer confidence is eroded by the absence of transparently verifiable declarations of sustainability, even in the face of increasing marketing with green terminology. Price is still a problem because apparel produced from recycled cotton in the US is frequently more expensive, not always because of the material, but because of more costly production in the home country. Assuming everything else is equal, recycled cotton does have potential, but if it is to gain traction and become a standard sustainable textile option, significant technical and attitudinal barriers must be overcome.
This article made me realize that recycled cotton causes a lot of significant issues in the US textile manufacturing process. While recycled cotton is still small scale, it has great marketability considering sales increased by 10% when US clothing is labeled as recycled cotton fabric. I think textile manufacturers should blend recycled cotton with another natural fiber, or even Lyocell that be biodegradable over time. I don’t think the garment could be recycled after its lifespan, but it least it could biodegrade. Manufacturing companies would have to try out different solutions first to see what would work best in terms of the fabric’s functionalities and if it would still be a sustainable product.
This post was very insightful to me as a design student. The “Product Categories by Fiber Type in the US Retail Market (2022-2024)” chart was particularly interesting to me because I found it interesting that Underwear and Sleepwear used 0% of made in the USA using recycle cotton fabric. Seeing that jeans were more likely to contain recycled cotton most made sense to me. One thing I would love to understand more is the difference between recycled cotton made in the USA verses not made in the USA. I understand that the sourcing options and routes are different, but I confused as to the difference between the two. Questions I would pose here are; is one more costly than the other? and is the quality of the recycled cotton different from other countries verses the US?
This post was very interesting and gave me more insight into the state of recycled cotton in the U.S. fashion industry. Though the use of recycled cotton has grown since 2022, it still only makes up a small amount of the market, just about 0.1% of clothing made in the United States. The majority of recycled cotton is used in mostly basics like T-shirts and jeans, because the shorter length of the fiber makes it difficult to use in more complex designs. The lack of transparency when it comes to sustainability claims is also a huge problem, since it is unclear how the product is specifically beneficial. Another problem is pricing; recycled cotton products are generally more expensive because the U.S. production costs are higher, making it more difficult for budget-conscious shoppers to get these products. I do agree with the argument that the recycling quality of cotton must get better for it to be a more sustainable and cheaper option for clothes in general. Recycled cotton could have a much larger impact if the industry can provide more transparent sustainability claims, as well as make advancements in the technology of recycling.
I agree with this report because it shows the growth of recycled cotton, but it’s still very limited in the U.S. market. Although the number of pieces made from recycled cotton doubled in 2024, it’s still basically a small niche compared to regular cotton. It’s also very realistic to say that the majority of the products are T-shirts and jeans because the fiber is too weak for other items. About the blending point, it’s also realistic: almost every brand has to put in some virgin cotton or polyester just to get the fabric to hold up. And I do agree that the sustainability claims are all over the place. So many brands say “eco-friendly” or “sustainable,” but they give zero information about it, and that makes it hard for people to actually understand what they’re buying.
This study shows how small the recycled cotton niche still is, yet how fast it grows. I find the link between fiber limits, simple product design, and higher prices very clear, especially for “Made in the USA” basics.
The “mixed bag” on sustainability claims stands out. Many products use strong words like “sustainable” or “eco-friendly” with little proof, while recycled cotton must compete with organic and certified cotton for the same green space in shoppers’ minds.
Your reflection on the risk of giving up on recycled cotton for apparel feels important. If brands shift only to recycled polyester, the cotton sector loses ground and policy goals on textile waste face new trade-offs. Stronger fiber technology and clearer, evidence-based claims look key for the next stage.
This article provided me insight with how recycled cotton is being used in the US and what challenges & opportunities come with recycled cotton. Whilst recycled cotton is not marketed for as many categories as regular cotton and is considered “niche”, recycled cotton can be strongly marketed to everyday wear that’s more affordable. Growing this market in the US could be strategic in helping the US build long-term sourcing relationships with suppliers that want to integrate more sustainability efforts into their brands. However this will be a challenge as recycled cotton has limitations in what products can be made due to its lower quality compared to virgin cotton. Recycled cotton is showing steady growth in the market and consumer demand for sustainable products is likely to keep increasing so the US should continue to invest in recycled cotton and they may maintain a competitive advantage in that area.
I found this article interesting because it raises the question of how the US fits into the future of sustainable manufacturing and sourcing, especially as more brands are looking to source recycled materials. I found it particularly interesting how there is a disconnect between consumer demand for ethical sourcing and the constraints that brands face, such as cost, quality, and limited infrastructure. Additionally, the study discussed many of the challenges using recycled cotton can cause, which was extremely eye-opening. For example, the recycled cotton can actually affect the clothing patterns, limiting the use of intricate and complex designs. Overall, I think this article did a good job of highlighting the challenges that come with using recycled cotton that many consumers may not be aware of.
This study provides a really clear snapshot of the potential (and current limitations) of using recycled cotton in U.S.-made apparel. It’s encouraging to see that the number of SKUs using recycled cotton has doubled since 2022, showing real momentum. Yet the fact that recycled cotton still accounts for only about 0.1% of “Made in the USA” cotton clothing underscores how niche it remains. I found it especially interesting that nearly all recycled-cotton garments are blended with virgin cotton (and sometimes polyester), reflecting ongoing challenges around fiber quality and durability. The tendency toward simple designs and basics like T-shirts and jeans also shows the limitations for recycled cotton when it comes to more complex or premium garments. All in all, the article gives a realistic, balanced view: recycled cotton shows promise and growth, but large-scale adoption will likely require improvements in fiber quality, cost, and supply-chain commitment.