What do we mean when we say ‘reclaimed’ fabric?

If you’ve been on our social media accounts, you’ll know that we mention the word ‘reclaimed’ quite a lot. So, we thought we’d explain it here, so you know what you’re getting when you buy a Global Bohemian piece.

Fast fashion is full of endless production cycles made with newly formed fabrics – so when you’re choosing a reclaimed fabric there’s something powerful about choosing a piece that has a past life story.

Reclaimed fabric is at the heart of a slower, more conscious way of dressing. It’s not just about sustainability (although that’s a big part of it). It’s about preserving craftsmanship, reducing waste, and wearing pieces that feel genuinely unique.

What Is reclaimed fabric

In the simplest sense it refers to textiles that have already been created and used in some form, then repurposed into something new rather than discarded.

This can include:

• Vintage silk sarees sourced and transformed into robes or dresses
• Cotton kantha sarees made into layered blankets  

Instead of producing new materials from scratch, reclaimed fabrics give existing textiles a second life.

At The Global Bohemian, almost all our pieces begin as traditional Indian sarees — each one carries a history, a vibrant colour palette, and hand-finished details — before being reimagined into wearable, everyday designs.

What choosing reclaimed actually means

Reduces textile waste

The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to global waste, with millions of tonnes of textiles ending up in landfill every year. Choosing reclaimed fabric helps interrupt that cycle.

By reusing existing materials, we:

• Reduce landfill waste
• Extend the life of textiles
• Avoid unnecessary disposal of wearable fabrics

It’s a simple shift to make for your wardrobe but one that really has a meaningful impact on our planet and the people living on it.

Lowers environmental impact

Creating new fabric requires huge resources — water, energy, chemicals, and labour.

For example:

• Cotton production is water-intensive
• Synthetic fabrics rely on fossil fuels
• Dyeing processes can pollute waterways

Reclaimed fabric bypasses much of this. Because the material already exists, there’s no need to start from scratch — making it a far more sustainable fashion choice.

Preserves traditional craftsmanship

Many reclaimed textiles come from regions with rich artisanal histories.

Take kantha, for example — a centuries-old embroidery technique where layers of fabric are stitched together by hand, often using recycled cotton. Each piece reflects hours of craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

The original sarees are stitched into blankets and sometimes patched to save small holes. Once they’re in the blanket stage, we then use these to create pieces like our Sita Robe or the Studio 54 Jumpsuit. 

Each piece is hand stitched in West Bengal and this process creates jobs for women in rural communities – when we repurpose these fabrics, we’re keeping a tradition alive but at the same time putting a modern spin on it.

Every piece is one of a kind

One of the most beautiful things about reclaimed fabric is its individuality. Every piece is unique due to the fact the material is already in existence. That means that:

• Colours vary
• Patterns differ
• Textures tell their own story
• Folklore and heritage symbols appear throughout

When you buy a Global Bohemian piece, you’ll never get two pieces that are exactly the same. Sometimes when we create a small top, we may cut the top from one blanket so the pattern will be similar – likewise when we create a larger piece like the Epona Duster it’s usually cut from one saree piece.

This creates clothing that feels personal — something you won’t see replicated across mass-produced collections.

Supports a slower fashion mindset

Reclaimed fabric naturally encourages a shift away from fast fashion.

Instead of buying more, faster, and cheaper, it invites you to:

• Choose thoughtfully
• Invest in pieces with meaning
• Appreciate quality over quantity

It’s about building a wardrobe that lasts — not just physically, but emotionally.

A different way to dress

Choosing reclaimed fabric is about being more conscious. It’s about wearing something that’s already lived a life — and allowing it to continue in a new form.

At The Global Bohemian, that philosophy runs through every piece. From hand-stitched kantha layers to reworked silk sarees, each design is created with the intention of preserving what already exists while making it wearable for today.

Because the future of fashion doesn’t have to be new.

Sometimes, it’s about seeing the beauty in what’s already there.

If you want to know when new styles drop then sign up to our Insiders Club, follow us on Instagram or on Facebook and for sneak peeks and VIP access then join The Global Bohemian Community page.