Deadstock
Surplus fabric, materials, or finished garments that were never sold or used, repurposed by sustainable brands to reduce waste.
Definition
Deadstock refers to unsold or unused inventory, typically surplus fabric rolls, discontinued materials, or unsold finished garments that would otherwise go to landfill or be destroyed. Sustainable fashion brands and designers use deadstock fabric to create new collections, reducing waste and often accessing premium materials at lower cost. While using deadstock is a positive step compared to letting materials go to waste, it is not infinitely scalable and is best viewed as one tool within a broader sustainability strategy rather than a complete solution.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
What is deadstock fabric in fashion?
Deadstock fabric refers to surplus fabric that was produced but never used, such as leftover rolls from cancelled orders, discontinued lines, or overproduction by mills and manufacturers. Sustainable fashion designers and brands purchase this fabric to create new collections, diverting it from landfill. Using deadstock is a practical way to reduce waste and often provides access to high-quality fabrics at lower cost, though it is not a long-term solution to overproduction.
Is deadstock fabric truly sustainable?
Using deadstock fabric is more sustainable than letting it go to waste, but it is not a complete solution. The fabric still required resources (water, energy, chemicals) to produce, and relying on deadstock does not address the root cause of overproduction. The most sustainable approach is to produce only what is needed, use sustainable materials from the start, and design for longevity, with deadstock as one tool among many rather than the primary sustainability strategy.
Explore fashion jobs that match your expertise
Put your industry knowledge to work. Browse roles at fashion brands across Europe.