These Upcycling Sportswear Brands Are Rewriting the Fashion Playbook

It’s undeniable that sports jerseys—whether they’re being worn in the bleachers or out to brunch—are having a serious sartorial moment. But behind the style points lies a less-than-glamorous reality: Textile waste is taking over the sports world.

Take soccer, for example. According to Joanna Czutkowna, CEO of sports and sustainability consulting firm 5thread, “60 percent of professional football kits are either incinerated or sent to landfill at the end of the season.” And in the United States, it’s been reported that an average NFL game can generate 35 tonnes of garbage—including plastic, food packaging, merchandise and clothing. The Super Bowl increases that by nearly 50 percent. That’s where upcycling steps up to the plate.

Fuelled by a mix of eco-consciousness and team spirit, these five Canadian brands are giving worn- out jerseys, tired athleticwear and even old gear a second shot at glory. With bold one-of-a-kind designs rooted in the principles of slow fashion, they’re not just reinventing game-day looks—they’re proving they can go the distance.

Abo Project

Aby Stanger, based in Kitchener, Ont., thinks your dad’s old football jersey deserves a second life, and she knows how to turn it into a winner. Presenting at Fashion Art Toronto this past May, the designer behind Abo Project upcycles classic sportswear staples by fusing them with her favourite materials—think rugged strips of denim and delicate lacy touches— to create unique pieces in her signature feminine style. “My approach is very intuitive and hands-on,” she says. “I like to play with the fabrics and see how the piece evolves organically.”

Skalsi

For those nights when you’re catching a Raptors game at 7 and hitting the club at 11, Sukhdeep Kalsi has you covered. The Toronto-based designer and unapologetic sports fanatic is the creative force behind Skalsi, where reworked jerseys get reborn as crop tops, corsets and puffer vests. “People don’t just wear jerseys to games anymore; they’ve become a statement piece in their outfits,” Kalsi explains. “I see more of my designs on the streets than in the arena, which is what I’m trying to do.” Consider it team spirit—tailored for the trendsetters.

Natalya Amres

Ever looked at a football and thought, “This would make a great bag”? If so, welcome to the world of Natalya Amres, where the designer transforms sports gear into whimsical pieces of wearable art. A self-taught designer and thrifting enthusiast, Amres crafts imaginative pieces that blur the lines between function and fantasy—think corsets made of pink basketballs and rugby-ball wristlets. “I always want to use what’s around me before I purchase new materials,” shares the Toronto-based designer. “The sustainability aspect is innately part of me.” Talk about a style slam dunk.

GOAT Vintage

For founder Sumit Nagi, GOAT Vintage is more than her label—it’s her legacy. “I have a daughter, so I’m selfishly preparing for that conversation when she asks what my generation did during the climate crisis,” reflects the CEO, who is based in Hamilton, Ont. “I want to be able to say that I did the best I could and built a brand that didn’t do any harm.” According to Nagi, the key to impactful change is raising awareness—just because you’re eco- conscious doesn’t mean you have to forsake fashion altogether. Case in point: her work with industry giants MLSE, Pacsun and Simons.

Frankie Collective

Vancouver-based Frankie Collective has been championing blokecore fashion since 2014—long before TikTok took it to the major leagues. “At the time, streetwear was really big, but there wasn’t much for women,” reflects Aman Sandhu, head of product and partnerships. “So the idea was to make something cool and sustainable that was tailored to them.” More than a decade later, the brand’s signature aesthetic is now a WAG staple, with both Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes scoring Frankie Collective pieces that rep the Kansas City Chiefs.

This article first appeared in FASHION’s October 2025 issue. Find out more here.