Why We Repurpose: The Heart of Our Handmade Accessories

Apawrel
Apr 26, 2025
2 min read

At Apawrel, every stitch tells a story. Not just of dogs who wear our gear with pride, but of the garments, scraps, and materials that might’ve ended up in landfill—but didn’t. Instead, they were reborn into bandanas, jackets, enrichment toys, and one-of-a-kind accessories. So why do we repurpose? The answer is woven into the very reason we began.

Storm the Yorkie laying on a yellow and white striped beach towel surrounded by scissors and a dressmaker tape — Storm the Yorkie helping the sewing process

From Waste to Woof

It all started when we couldn’t find clothes that truly fit our own dogs—Storm and Dexter. Everything was either too tight, too long, or just didn’t feel right. While searching for better options, we noticed how much perfectly usable material was being thrown out. That’s when the idea sparked: what if we could turn forgotten fabrics into something functional and beautiful for our four-legged friends?

Monty the cream Cavoodle hides under a piece of bright polkadot fabric — Monty the Cavoodle hides in reclaimed fabric

What We Use and Why

We scout op shops, hard rubbish days, donations from friends, and even broken pet products. A torn picnic blanket might become a cozy winter coat. A vintage flannel shirt becomes the softest pj’s. Each piece gets washed, prepped, and paired with love and purpose.

This isn’t just recycling—it’s upcycling with intent.

It’s About More Than the Product

Repurposing lets us:

Reduce waste in the pet fashion industry
Celebrate character—no two items are ever the same
Tell meaningful stories—because each item has a past and a future
Support slow fashion that respects the planet and our pups

It also helps us keep prices accessible. Sustainable shouldn’t mean “exclusive.” It should mean “inclusive and thoughtful.”

Lost shoe concrete art sculpture, Forgot'n by @WillColes — Lost shoe street art, Forgot'n by @WillColes

Your Role in the Circle

When you choose Apawrel, you’re not just buying a cute bandana—you’re choosing to be part of a circular economy. One where waste is just the beginning, not the end.

We even have a give-back program: customers can donate worn-out clothes, broken gear, or sentimental items, and we’ll transform them into something new. Imagine turning your childhood hoodie into a coat for your rescue dog. That’s the kind of connection we believe in.

Our Mother’s Day Relaunch

This May, we’re relaunching our Sorry Not Sorry earring line—repurposed accessories made with sass, scraps, and sentiment. Perfect for the dog mum who walks the talk on sustainability.

The idea was inspired by the familiar moment so many pet owners know all too well: turning around to find their pup gleefully trotting off with a loaf of bread, a toilet roll, or a rogue can from the shopping bag. These earrings playfully celebrate that chaos - and the connection between dogs, homes, and everyday Aussie staples.