Have you ever wondered what happens to those crisp, button-down men’s dress shirts once they go out of fashion or develop a stain or tear? At Double Take’s Upcycling Studio, we’ve found a beautiful answer: give them a whole new life. Our talented volunteers have transformed these forgotten textiles into gorgeous women’s dresses, summer tops, baby dresses, and even adorable baby bibs—and they’re all part of our latest Upcycling Drop, now live!
This isn’t just fashion; it’s purpose-driven creativity.
The Art of Upcycling at Double Take Studio
Located in the heart of Cabbagetown, Toronto, the Double Take Upcycling Studio is more than a creative hub—it’s a social enterprise powered by passion and purpose. Under the umbrella of Yonge Street Mission (YSM), every stitch and seam crafted in our studio directly supports YSM’s essential community programs, helping individuals and families transition from surviving to thriving.
The online upcycling collection is a testament to our incredible volunteer makers, who have spent countless hours deconstructing, redesigning, and reworking once-forgotten dress shirts into something truly fresh, functional, and fabulous.
Why Men’s Dress Shirts?
There’s a certain magic in upcycling men’s dress shirts. These garments are made with durable, high-quality cotton blends that are perfect for reworking into structured or flowing designs. Our volunteers start by carefully deconstructing each shirt, separating sleeves, collars, cuffs, and panels. This zero-waste approach ensures that every usable inch of fabric finds a new life.
“A single shirt can yield enough fabric for a breezy women’s top, a baby dress, and even matching bibs,” says one of our lead volunteers. “We love seeing beauty emerge from something considered boring or disposable.”
Made with Love (and Skill)
Each piece is thoughtfully handcrafted—layered with love, patience, and vision. Our studio buzzes with energy as volunteers, many of whom are learning or honing their sewing skills, collaborate on turning discarded textiles into limited-edition, one-of-a-kind items. Whether it’s adding ruffles to a baby dress or repurposing cuffs into decorative shoulder straps, the attention to detail shines through in every design.
These aren’t just clothes—they’re stories stitched in fabric. The soft pastels of a baby bib once lined the collar of a corporate shirt; the breezy cut of a summer top used to be the back panel of a Monday morning staple.
Your Purchase Makes a Difference
When you shop our upcoming upcycled online collection, you’re not just buying fashion—you’re supporting community transformation. Every dollar you spend at Double Take goes back into Yonge Street Mission’s critical programs—from job training and food banks to youth mentorship and housing support.
In other words, your new favourite summer dress is helping someone find stability and hope.
Upcycled, Ethical, Uniquely Yours
Our latest upcycled collection has officially dropped online, featuring eco-friendly, ethical, and one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t find anywhere else. Each item has its own story, crafted from reclaimed materials and transformed with love and creativity.
From bold statement tops to playful dresses and thoughtful accessories, these aren’t just fashion pieces—they’re conversation starters.
Shop the collection now and discover something as unique as you are!
Support. Style. Sustainability.
At Double Take, we believe fashion can—and should—do more. With our Upcycling Studio, we’re not just saving textiles from the landfill; we’re creating new possibilities for people and communities.
So the next time you look at an old dress shirt, remember: it could be your next go-to summer top, your baby’s first handmade dress, or the cutest bib at the baby shower.
Because at Double Take Upcycling Studio, we don’t just thrift—we transform.
