Acceptability of Upcycled Fabrics in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Post-consumer fabrics could constitute a menace to the environment. Sustainable fashion and textile practices support fabric upcycling to minimise risks in the surroundings. Gathering data on the acceptability of upcycled fabrics among consumers is necessary in the quest to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study therefore upcycled old material and examined the acceptability of upcycled items among consumers in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Southwest Nigeria. The study adopted a practical and survey approach. Samples of old skirt material were upcycled into a tote bag and water bottle holder. Patterns were drafted for these new items. The acceptability of the items was assessed among 102 participants using online Google Form. The form included pictures of the new items. Creativity, aesthetics and willingness to purchase the new items were assessed. Participants showed a positive response to the new items with a higher preference for the tote bag ( \(\overline{x }\)  = 3.17) above the water bottle holder ( \(\overline{x }\)  = 2.77). They agreed that they were creative ( \(\overline{x }\)  = 3.30) and had aesthetic qualities. Respondents acknowledged that upcycling is better than burning old items ( \(\overline{x }\)  = 3.37). There is no significant relationship between the acceptability of upcycled fabrics and age (p < 0.05, 3.646), educational status (p < 0.05, 1.228) and income (p < 0.05, 4.751) of the respondents. Since the new items were adjudged acceptable, it is recommended that governmental, and non-governmental organisations should initiate skill training in the production and promotion of the items. This can initiate a new dimension to sustainable textiles in the nation and generate income.