Frequently Asked Questions

  • Relove Fashion is a sustainable fashion competition for young people aged 12–19 in Ireland. It challenges participants to design and create outfits by reusing, upcycling, and repurposing clothing and textiles, promoting practical green skills and circular fashion principles.

  • The competition is open to young people in participating Local Authorities in Ireland, including secondary school students, Youthreach participants, Irish Girl Guides, Scouts, and other youth organisations. Participants can enter individually, in pairs, or in teams of up to five. You can find a list of eligible councils on our website.

  • No! Participation is completely free. The only potential cost is travel to Dublin if your entry reaches the Grand Final.

  • Not necessarily! Relove Fashion is a fantastic entry to the world of sewing, and many participants have taken it on their very first sewing project. Outfits can be sewn by hand or using a sewing machine.

    • Outfits must be made entirely from pre-loved or unwanted textiles

    • New fabrics or items cannot be purchased for the project

    • Creativity, resourcefulness, and circular fashion principles are encouraged.

    • Entries should be wearable, washable, and sustainable.
      Full rules can be found [here].

  • Register your interest online. Students then document their design process, from concept to finished outfit, and submit their entries according to the competition guidelines at the end of January. 

  • Entries are submitted in January. Shortlisted applicants are interviewed, and finalists send their outfits to the Rediscovery Centre in Dublin. Finalist outfits are displayed at the Spring Relove Fashion Exhibit. After the Grand Final, finalists can take their outfit back home. You may be asked if it can be displayed at various events and workshops throughout the year by Relove Fashion.

  • Judging criteria include:

    • Project Diary 20%

    • Sourcing materials 10%

    • Design inspiration and creativity 15%

    • Skills Used 20%

    • Wearability & Functionality of Outfit 20%

    • Research 15% 

  • Yes! There are 18 category winners who each receive a sustainable fashion workshop for their school or group. The overall winner receives €500 towards sustainable fashion equipment. Of the 18 winners, 6 national winners will be chosen. 

  • Fashion is one of the most polluting industries. Relove Fashion:

    • Raises awareness of textile waste

    • Promotes reuse and circular fashion

    • Build practical, green skills

    • Inspires young people to take positive climate action

    • Counters climate anxiety with fun, hands-on activities

  • Participants don’t just design outfits, they take action:

    • Exploring charity shops for the first time

    • Running swap shops

    • Repairing and repurposing items they already own

    These experiences create ripple effects, inspiring friends, families, and communities to embrace sustainable behaviours.

  • Relove Fashion is textile and skills focused, prioritising practical circular fashion techniques such as repairs, alterations, and upcycling.

    Our emphasis on wearability, washability and sustainability encourages students to create outfits they can continue to wear beyond the competition.

    Our applicants now hem their own jeans, darn their own socks, upcycle their own clothes, and showcase their individuality with these skills.

  • Follow us on social media and check our website blog for key dates, entry guidelines, announcements, and tutorial videos covering techniques like embroidery and sewing machine settings. 

    Register your interest to receive emails with reminders, resources and inspiration.

  • Contact us, and we’ll connect with your Environmental Awareness Officer to explore participation options.