Sloppy Seconds is an upcycled clothing brand that aims to give clothing a second life. We transform secondhand and vintage garments, along with upcycled designs made from deadstock fabric, into one-of-a-kind pieces.
We are committed to sustainable and ethical practices, pioneering a more intentional approach to making clothing. Our collections blend menswear silhouettes with feminine accents to create classic wardrobe staples with elevated details. Every piece we upcycle is carefully sourced, artistically designed, and reworked by hand in NYC.
I (Maddie, the founder) began sewing at age 8 in a week-long summer sewing camp. I learned the basics, and continued sewing, learning and experimenting with small projects. Eventually, I began reworking pieces for myself.
During the pandemic, I sorted through my parents’ donation bin and made myself the very first prototype of the Kevin Top (named after my dad and his dress shirt), which is one of our a signature, most-popular styles.
Sloppy Seconds has evolved significantly since I started it in 2022. It began as a vintage side hustle while I was in graduate school studying and working in public health. I included a few reworked pieces that were always popular among customers, and eventually transitioned away from vintage and exclusively toward reworking and upcycling. This year, I took a bold step and shifted from a full-time career in public health to growing Sloppy Seconds.
Working in an industry far different than fashion gave me a unique perspective on its impacts. I studied environmental public health and learned how waste management - living and working near landfills, recycling sites, and incinerators - can affect human health and how toxic chemicals used in clothing manufacturing impact the environment. In pursuing fashion and building my own brand, I was clear that my part of my mission would be to become part of the solution helping to alleviate the pollution and harm created by the industry. Sloppy Seconds gives clothing a second life by reducing waste and reworking clothing that may otherwise end up in landfills.
Inspiration, for me, comes in all different ways. I get inspired through travel, textiles, looking at art and frequenting markets. I find myself trend spotting in NYC through street style and watching runway shows.
I also study vintage clothing and textiles when sourcing and challenge myself to create pieces using what is in front of me. I think it's the combination of creative people, places, and cultures that spark ideas.
Despite many challenges in our world, I feel a strong sense of hope about the future. I’m especially excited about the direction of the fashion industry. More companies, from small startups like Sloppy Seconds and The Series, to global brands, are becoming increasingly active in the movement to produce sustainable fashion. A recent rise in support for the Fashion Act, which would hold companies accountable for their supply chains, is just one example of activism and legislation that’s gaining traction. These actions, along with continued awareness and interest in intentional consumerism and a focus on wearing what is already in our closets, give me hope.
