Sustainable Uniform

Every year, up to 1.4 million school uniforms are thrown away. This equates to around 350 tonnes of plastic.

Sourcing ethical, plastic-free school uniforms can be a challenge. After years of seeking alternatives to high-street brands, Abigail decided to create her own pattern that could be made using ethically-sourced materials.

In partnership with Derby Museums and the Smedley Uniform Project, Abigail is continuing to research ways to make school uniforms more sustainable and hopes to develop more uniform patterns, with workshop opportunities for students and parents to make their own in the future.

And in Summer 2026 with Derby Makes and Make/Shift the Sustainable Uniform Project is coming to Heanor, Derbyshire, where you can see the students work here on the 2nd of May.

To make your own, download these easy-to-follow guides: