Old military uniforms get second life

Soldiers outgrow their military uniforms. Once it no longer fits them, however, they are not allowed to throw or give them away. The old uniforms were either burned or simply kept in the chest and forgotten.

Now, unusable military uniforms are getting a new lease on life under a upcycling project of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and BAYO Foundation, an advocate of circularity in the fashion industry.

The initiative dubbed “Weave for Peace” launched on 6 February break down old military uniforms into fiber which are then spun into yarn to make new fabric or textile through weaving.

The fibers are blended with Philippine cotton to produce woven textiles for making clothing.

“Hand weaving is the most ideal because it doesn’t use electricity, and we have the option to use natural fibers,” BAYO’s co-CEO Anna Lagon said at the launching event.

Beyond upcycling, the project also empowers soldiers’ families by training them how to weave and earn a living.

“We don’t just go in communities, we build our own. This time, for the military’s families, we are getting participants who don’t have any knowledge so we will teach them from basic to advanced weaving,” Lagon said.

“Weave for Peace” has at least 20 participants coming from soldiers’ families. From making handwoven fabrics, they will gradually progress to making clothes as they become more skilled.

The initiative is regarded as the best way to manage discarded military uniforms in a sustainable manner.

AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said old and unused military uniforms are donated to the initiative.

Lagon said every material used is repurposed, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

“Eventually, we have to sustain this [excess materials], so we’re creating garments, accessories and products so that whatever we make from there goes back to the project,” she said.

The social enterprise is very promising by fostering resilience, sustainability and economic stability for families who serve in the AFP.