Textile Archive

Jedes Kleidungsstück hat einen langen Weg g hinter hinter sich: Fasern aus der Welt, gesponnen, gestrickt, gefärbt und genäht an einem anderer nderen Ort, fft, verkauft, getragen, gewasche gewaschen - und schließlich in einen Altkleidercontainer geworfen.

Die Textilien in diesem Archiv sind keine eine Verschwendung für uns. Si stammen aus Altkleidercontainer inern in Wuppertal und wurden von den von der GESA gGmbH als Textilabfall gesammelt. Bei der Mess-Aktion am 8. Juni 2026 haben wir diese Säcke qemeinsam geöffnet und jedes Teil dokumentiert.

Statt tausender Teile haben wir von Anfang an be e kleine, qualitative Auswahl getroffen. Nicht die Menge zählt, sondern der genaue Blick: Jec Teil wurde einzeln angeschaut, gewogen, d beschrie vird sichtbar, was in der Massensortierung verloren geht Material, Handwerk, Herkunft und Geschichte. Wer genau hinschaut, erkennt den Wert dieser Textilien - und warum es sich lohnt, sie zu pflegen, zu reparieren un Kreislauf zu halten.

Zusammen mit Etikett, Gewicht und Zustand entsteht ein Porträt jedes Teils. Es hilft zu entscheiden, ob ein Kleidungsstück repariert, weitergegeben oder zu neuem Material wird - und zeigt, was Technik noch nicht sieht, z. B. t dickem Strick.

Document a garment by describing its type, brand, materials and condition.

Blazer BASLER (67% Polyester, 28% Virgin Wool, 5% Elastane): This dark blue all season blazer by BASLER is recorded as originating in Germany. Its material tag lists 67% polyester 28% virgin wool 5% elastane. Staining was documented. Repair was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Polyester, Virgin Wool, Elastane

Blazer BASLER (No available composition): Like every piece in the Textile Archive, this dark blue blazer came from a used-clothing container, not a donation box (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 13). Its fabric mixes hopsack, a loose basket weave for suits, with sateen, a smooth satin weave (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 099, 108). Polyester is made from petroleum and is the world's most produced fibre – 59% of all fibre in 2024 (Fashionary, 2021, p. 047; Textile Exchange, 2025).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Blouse Futura Moda (70% Viscose, 30% Polyamide): This black and white all season blouse by Futura Moda was documented. Its material tag lists 70% viscose 30% polyamide. Reuse, repurpose was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Viscose, Polyamide, Elastane

Blouse Futura Moda (88% Viscose, 12% Elastane): Like every piece in the Textile Archive, this black and white blouse came from a used-clothing container, not a donation box (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 22). Its fabric is a mesh tricot: an open, eyelet-like warp knit often used for sportswear (Fashionary, 2021, p. 160). Viscose, the first semi-synthetic fibre (France, 1890s), is made from wood pulp as an 'artificial silk' – soft, but weak when wet (Fashionary, 2021, p. 046).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Blouse Harald Glööckler (72% Viscose, 28% Polyamide): This beige all season blouse by Harald Glööckler is recorded as originating in Germany. Its material tag lists 72% viscose 28% polyamide. Reuse was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Viscose, Polyamide, Polyester

Blouse Harald Glööckler (72% Viscose, 28% Polyester): This beige blouse was found in a used-clothing container and opened at the gesa measuring action (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 21). Its fabric is a mesh tricot: an open, eyelet-like warp knit often used for sportswear (Fashionary, 2021, p. 160). Viscose, the first semi-synthetic fibre (France, 1890s), is made from wood pulp as an 'artificial silk' – soft, but weak when wet (Fashionary, 2021, p. 046).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Blouse ZARA (100% Cotton): This white blouse was found in a used-clothing container and opened at the gesa measuring action (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 18). Its fabric is taffeta: a crisp, smooth weave that rustles when it moves (Fashionary, 2021, p. 105). Cotton, grown for over 6,000 years, is soft and breathable, but conventional cotton uses a lot of water and chemicals (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 018–019).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Coat Hugo Boss (100% Linen): This beige summer coat by Hugo Boss was documented. Its material tag lists 100% linen. Staining was documented. Recycling was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Linen, Cotton, Elastane

Coat Hugo Boss (High Cotton %, Low Elastane %): This beige coat reached the archive straight from a used-clothing container (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 5). Its fabric combines crepon, a crinkled plain weave, with hopsack, a loose basket weave made for summer suits (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 081, 099). Linen comes from flax, worn for over 8,500 years, a plant that grows fast with few chemicals and no irrigation (Fashionary, 2021, p. 020).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Dress Shirt Redmond Bügelfrei (50% Cotton, 50% Viscose): This white/blue dress shirt reached the archive straight from a used-clothing container (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 14). Its fabric is poplin: tightly woven and finely ribbed, the classic shirt fabric (Fashionary, 2021, p. 086). Cotton, grown for over 6,000 years, is soft and breathable, but conventional cotton uses a lot of water and chemicals (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 018–019).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Glove Lotto (100% Polyester): This black winter glove by Lotto is recorded as originating in China. Its material tag lists 100% polyester. Dirty was documented. Recycling was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Polyester

Glove Lotto (No available composition): These black gloves were found in a used-clothing container and opened at the gesa measuring action (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 12). Polyester is made from petroleum and is the world's most produced fibre – 59% of all fibre in 2024 (Fashionary, 2021, p. 047; Textile Exchange, 2025). There is no NIR reading yet, so we only know what the label tells us.

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Hoodie C.W Casual Wear (56% Cotton, 44% Acrylic): Like every piece in the Textile Archive, this red hoodie came from a used-clothing container, not a donation box (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 16). Its fabric is brushed tricot: a warp knit whose surface has been brushed into a soft nap (Fashionary, 2021, p. 160). Cotton, grown for over 6,000 years, is soft and breathable, but conventional cotton uses a lot of water and chemicals (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 018–019).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Hoodie C.W Casual Wear (60% Cotton, 40% Polyester): This red winter hoodie by C.W Casual Wear is recorded as originating in U.A.E. Its material tag lists 60% cotton 40% polyester. Staining was documented. Recycle, repurpose was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Cotton, Polyester, Acrylic

Pullover C.W Casual Wear (100% Cotton): This red winter pullover by C.W Casual Wear is recorded as originating in U.A.E. Its material tag lists 100% cotton. Staining was documented.

Cotton, Elastane

Pullover C.W Casual Wear (56% Cotton 44% Acrylic): Like every piece in the Textile Archive, this red pullover came from a used-clothing container, not a donation box (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 28). Cotton, grown for over 6,000 years, is soft and breathable, but conventional cotton uses a lot of water and chemicals (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 018–019). Polyester is made from petroleum and is the world's most produced fibre – 59% of all fibre in 2024 (Fashionary, 2021, p. 047; Textile Exchange, 2025).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Pullover C.W Casual Wear (60% Cotton 40% Polyester): This red winter pullover by C.W Casual Wear is recorded as originating in U.A.E. Its material tag lists 60% cotton 40% polyester. Staining was documented.

Cotton, Polyester, Acrylic

Pullover C.W Casual Wear (high Cotton %, low Elastane %): Like every piece in the Textile Archive, this red pullover came from a used-clothing container, not a donation box (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 25). Cotton, grown for over 6,000 years, is soft and breathable, but conventional cotton uses a lot of water and chemicals (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 018–019). The label says 100% Cotton, the NIR scanner reads high Cotton %, low Elastane % – labels and reality don't always match, which is why infrared sorting is being developed for textile waste (Riba et al., 2020).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Pullover Joop (50% Merino, 50% Polyacrylic): This dark blue winter pullover by Joop! is recorded as originating in Romania. Its material tag lists 50% merino 50% polyacrylic. Staining was documented. Repair was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Merino, Polyacrylic, Wool, Acrylic

Pullover Joop (71% Wool, 29% Acrylic): This dark blue pullover was found in a used-clothing container and opened at the gesa measuring action (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 9). It is a rib knit: vertical columns of loops make it very stretchy across – the same structure as cuffs and collars (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 144–145). Merino is an ultrafine wool – Merino sheep arrived in Australia in 1797, where the best Merino is still bred (Fashionary, 2021, p. 031).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Pullover MarkAdam New York (100% Polyacryl, Acrylic): This red all seasons pullover by Mark/Adam New York was documented. Its material tag lists 100% polyacryl/ acrylic. Staining was documented. Repurposing was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Polyacryl, Acrylic

Pullover MarkAdam New York (No available composition): Like every piece in the Textile Archive, this red pullover came from a used-clothing container, not a donation box (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 4). It is a plain (jersey) knit, the most basic weft knit (Fashionary, 2021, p. 142). Acrylic, invented in 1941 as an affordable wool look-alike, pills easily and is rarely recycled (Fashionary, 2021, p. 051).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Pullover Murphy & NYE (79% Wool, 21% Polyamide): This beige/orange pullover reached the archive straight from a used-clothing container (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 11). It is a plain (jersey) knit, finished with embroidered appliqués (Fashionary, 2021, p. 142). Wool comes from sheep (over 200 breeds worldwide): warm, elastic and mechanically recyclable, but it felts if washed too hot (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 030–031).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Pullover Murphy & NYE (80% Cotton 20% Polyamide): This gray winter pullover by Murphy & NYE is recorded as originating in Italy. Its material tag lists 80% cotton 20% polyamide. Staining was documented. Repurposing was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Cotton, Polyamide

Pullover Murphy & NYE (High Cotton % Low Polyamide %): This gray pullover was found in a used-clothing container and opened at the gesa measuring action (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 6). Cotton, grown for over 6,000 years, is soft and breathable, but conventional cotton uses a lot of water and chemicals (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 018–019). Polyamide (nylon), the first successful synthetic fibre (1935), is very strong but heat-sensitive (Fashionary, 2021, p. 048).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Pullover No brand (100% Polyester): Like every piece in the Textile Archive, this black pullover came from a used-clothing container, not a donation box (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 10). Its fabric is brushed tricot: a warp knit whose surface has been brushed into a soft nap (Fashionary, 2021, p. 160). Polyester is made from petroleum and is the world's most produced fibre – 59% of all fibre in 2024 (Fashionary, 2021, p. 047; Textile Exchange, 2025).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Pullover No brand (67% Polyacrylic, 30% Polyamide, 3% Elastane): This light blue pullover was found in a used-clothing container and opened at the gesa measuring action (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 3). It is knitted in double jersey: a reversible, stable double knit that doesn't curl at the edges (Fashionary, 2021, p. 143). Acrylic, invented in 1941 as an affordable wool look-alike, pills easily and is rarely recycled (Fashionary, 2021, p. 051).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Pullover Up 2 Fashion (67% Polyacrylic, 30% Polyamide, 3% Elastane): This rose all season pullover by Up 2 Fashion was documented. Its material tag lists 67% polyacrylic 30% polyamide 3% elastane. Staining was documented. Reuse was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Polyacrylic, Polyamide, Elastane

Pullover Up 2 Fashion (No available composition): This rose pullover reached the archive straight from a used-clothing container (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 8). It is knitted in double jersey: a reversible, stable double knit that doesn't curl at the edges (Fashionary, 2021, p. 143). Acrylic, invented in 1941 as an affordable wool look-alike, pills easily and is rarely recycled (Fashionary, 2021, p. 051).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Scarf dm-drogeriemarkt (100% Polyester): This multi-colour scarf reached the archive straight from a used-clothing container (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 20). Its fabric is satin tricot: a warp knit where every column of loops has its own thread, giving a smooth, lustrous surface (Fashionary, 2021, p. 160). Polyester is made from petroleum and is the world's most produced fibre – 59% of all fibre in 2024 (Fashionary, 2021, p. 047; Textile Exchange, 2025).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Shirt Ernsting’s Family (60% Cotton, 37% Polyester, 3% Elastane): This rose all season shirt by Ernsting’s Family is recorded as originating in Germany. Its material tag lists 60% cotton 37% polyester 3% elastane. Pilling was documented. Reuse, repurpose was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Cotton, Polyester, Elastane

Shirt Ernsting’s Family (67% Cotton, 33% Polyester): Like every piece in the Textile Archive, this rose shirt came from a used-clothing container, not a donation box (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 19). Its fabric is corduroy: a sturdy winter fabric with soft corded ridges, once typical of workers' uniforms (Fashionary, 2021, p. 114). Cotton, grown for over 6,000 years, is soft and breathable, but conventional cotton uses a lot of water and chemicals (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 018–019).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Socks No brand (96% Cotton, 04% Polyamide): These brown, multi-colour socks were found in a used-clothing container and opened at the gesa measuring action (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 33). They are an interlock knit: smooth on both sides and firm, often used for baby clothes and sportswear (Fashionary, 2021, p. 146). Cotton, grown for over 6,000 years, is soft and breathable, but conventional cotton uses a lot of water and chemicals (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 018–019).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Socks Self-made (76% Cotton, 24% Polyamide): This beige winter socks by Self-made was documented. Its material tag lists 76% cotton 24% polyamide. Reuse was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Cotton, Polyamide

Socks Self-made (80% Cotton, 20% Polyamide): Like every piece in the Textile Archive, these beige socks came from a used-clothing container, not a donation box (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 34). Someone knitted them by hand – the oldest way of making knitwear (Fashionary, 2021, p. 138). Cotton, grown for over 6,000 years, is soft and breathable, but conventional cotton uses a lot of water and chemicals (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 018–019).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Submissions:

Submissions/20261031090240:

textiles, circular economy, materials

Submissions/20261031112742:

Submit: Document a garment by describing its type, brand, materials and condition.

Sweater Charles Vögele (72% Acrylic, 28% Polyamide): This coral sweater was found in a used-clothing container and opened at the gesa measuring action (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 24). It is an interlock knit: smooth on both sides and firm, often used for baby clothes and sportswear (Fashionary, 2021, p. 146). Acrylic, invented in 1941 as an affordable wool look-alike, pills easily and is rarely recycled (Fashionary, 2021, p. 051).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Sweater Charles Vögele (88% Polyacrylic, 12% Polyamide): This coral summer sweater by Charles Vögele is recorded as originating in Turkey. Its material tag lists 88% polyacrylic 12% polyamide. Reuse was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Polyacrylic, Polyamide, Acrylic

Sweater Murphy & NYE (80% Wool, 20% Polyamide): This gray winter sweater by Murphy & NYE is recorded as originating in Italy. Its material tag lists 80% wool 20% polyamide. Staining was documented. Recycling was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Wool, Polyamide

Sweater Murphy & NYE (No available composition): Like every piece in the Textile Archive, this gray sweater came from a used-clothing container, not a donation box (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 1). It is knitted in double jersey: a reversible, stable double knit that doesn't curl at the edges (Fashionary, 2021, p. 143). Wool comes from sheep (over 200 breeds worldwide): warm, elastic and mechanically recyclable, but it felts if washed too hot (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 030–031).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Sweater S. Oliver (80% Acrylic, 20% Cotton): This grey sweater reached the archive straight from a used-clothing container (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 29). It is a cable knit: groups of loops cross over each other to build the raised 'cables' (Fashionary, 2021, p. 154). Acrylic, invented in 1941 as an affordable wool look-alike, pills easily and is rarely recycled (Fashionary, 2021, p. 051).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Sweater Selfmade (High Cotton %, High Elastane %): Like every piece in the Textile Archive, this melange sweater came from a used-clothing container, not a donation box (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 7). Someone knitted it by hand – the oldest way of making knitwear (Fashionary, 2021, p. 138). Cotton, grown for over 6,000 years, is soft and breathable, but conventional cotton uses a lot of water and chemicals (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 018–019).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Sweater Tom Tailor (100% Cotton): This beige all season sweater by Tom Tailor is recorded as originating in Bangladesh. Its material tag lists 100% cotton. Staining was documented. Recycling was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Cotton, Elastane

Sweater Tom Tailor (Cotton, Elastane): This beige sweater reached the archive straight from a used-clothing container (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 26). It is knitted in double jersey: a reversible, stable double knit that doesn't curl at the edges (Fashionary, 2021, p. 143). Cotton, grown for over 6,000 years, is soft and breathable, but conventional cotton uses a lot of water and chemicals (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 018–019).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Swimsuit Esmara (80% Polyester, 20% Viscose): This black swimsuit was found in a used-clothing container and opened at the gesa measuring action (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 30). Its fabric is jersey tricot: a stretchy warp knit typical of lingerie and swimwear (Fashionary, 2021, p. 160). Polyester is made from petroleum and is the world's most produced fibre – 59% of all fibre in 2024 (Fashionary, 2021, p. 047; Textile Exchange, 2025).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

T-Shirt Futura Moda (70% Viscose, 30% Polyamide): This black/white all season t-shirt by Futura Moda was documented. Its material tag lists 70% viscose 30% polyamide. Reuse was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Viscose, Polyamide

T-Shirt Futura Moda (88% Viscose, 12% Polyamide): This black/white t-shirt reached the archive straight from a used-clothing container (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 17). Viscose, the first semi-synthetic fibre (France, 1890s), is made from wood pulp as an 'artificial silk' – soft, but weak when wet (Fashionary, 2021, p. 046). Polyamide (nylon), the first successful synthetic fibre (1935), is very strong but heat-sensitive (Fashionary, 2021, p. 048).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

T-Shirt Fynich Cotton (100% Cotton): This light blue all seasons t-shirt by Fynich Cotton is recorded as originating in Germany. Its material tag lists 100% cotton. Staining was documented. Repair was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Cotton, Elastane

T-Shirt Fynich Cotton (High Cotton %, Low Elastane %): This light blue t-shirt reached the archive straight from a used-clothing container (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 2). Its fabric is poplin: tightly woven and finely ribbed, the classic shirt fabric (Fashionary, 2021, p. 086). Cotton, grown for over 6,000 years, is soft and breathable, but conventional cotton uses a lot of water and chemicals (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 018–019).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

T-Shirt HEMA (100% Cotton): This blue t-shirt was found in a used-clothing container and opened at the gesa measuring action (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 15). It is a fine jersey knit for children's clothes – soft, light and stretchy (Fashionary, 2021, p. 142). Cotton, grown for over 6,000 years, is soft and breathable, but conventional cotton uses a lot of water and chemicals (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 018–019).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

T-Shirt McNeal (100% Cotton): This green/white t-shirt reached the archive straight from a used-clothing container (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 23). Its fabric is a mesh tricot: an open, eyelet-like warp knit often used for sportswear (Fashionary, 2021, p. 160). Cotton, grown for over 6,000 years, is soft and breathable, but conventional cotton uses a lot of water and chemicals (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 018–019).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

T-Shirt RABE (92% Viscose, 08% Elastane): This multi-colour all season t-shirt by RABE was documented. Its material tag lists 92% viscose 08% elastane. Worn out was documented. Recycle, repurpose was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Viscose, Elastane

T-Shirt RABE (Viscose, Elastane): Like every piece in the Textile Archive, this multi-colour t-shirt came from a used-clothing container, not a donation box (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 31). Its fabric is jersey tricot: a stretchy warp knit typical of lingerie and swimwear (Fashionary, 2021, p. 160). Viscose, the first semi-synthetic fibre (France, 1890s), is made from wood pulp as an 'artificial silk' – soft, but weak when wet (Fashionary, 2021, p. 046).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Trousers Diesel (72% Cotton, 17% Polyester, 11% Rayon-Viscose, Elastane): This blue all season trousers by Diesel is recorded as originating in Tunisia. Its material tag lists 72% cotton 17% polyester 11% rayon-viscose & elastane. Holes was documented. Recycling was proposed as a circularity strategy.

Cotton, Polyester, Rayon-Viscose, Elastane

Trousers Diesel (88% Cotton, 12% Polyester): These blue trousers reached the archive straight from a used-clothing container (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 32). Their fabric is denim: an indigo-dyed twill, the fabric of jeans (Fashionary, 2021, p. 092). Cotton, grown for over 6,000 years, is soft and breathable, but conventional cotton uses a lot of water and chemicals (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 018–019).

fabrics, circular economy, materials

Trousers Up2Fashion (98% Cotton, 02% Elastane-Lycra): This green all season trousers by Up2Fashion was documented. Its material tag lists 98% cotton 02% elastane-lycra. Dirty, staining was documented.

Cotton, Elastane-Lycra, Acrylic

Trousers Up2Fashion (Cotton, Acrylic): These green trousers were found in a used-clothing container and opened at the gesa measuring action (Textile Archive, 2026, canvas 27). Their fabric is chino (drill): a durable twill that started as military cloth – the name comes from the Spanish 'pantalones chinos' (Fashionary, 2021, p. 094). Cotton, grown for over 6,000 years, is soft and breathable, but conventional cotton uses a lot of water and chemicals (Fashionary, 2021, pp. 018–019).

fabrics, circular economy, materials