# The Old T-Shirt Shag Rug Looks Cool and It's Eco-Friendly Too By Cool Hunter | Published 2007-05-21 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-old-t-shirt-shag-rug-looks-cool-and-its-eco-friendly-too References: [wists](http://www.wists.com/cribcandy/353fe33683043bb4e6d48bc5b87974ec) & [gaiam](http://www.gaiam.com/retail/product/05-0433) Artisans in Thailand take your old, ratty t-shirts, tear them apart and hand-hook them into super cool shag rugs. **Implications** - Not only are these [reclaimed t-shirts environmentally-friendly](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crossover-rug-collection), they look great too! Also, they are a great conversation piece because they are created by artisans located in Northern Thailand. The eco movement has traveled a long way in the last few years, and these recycled t-shirts are part of a sub-movement called "upcycling." This movement has a variety of businesses and artists taking [old, discarded materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wu-series) and turning them into something completely new. This is not only great for cutting down the amount of waste in trash dumps, but the end upcycled products are almost always dazzling! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 80% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Bizarre](https://www.trendhunter.com/bizarre) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Upcycling:** Turning old, discarded materials into new products, reducing waste and creating dazzling end products. - **Eco-friendly Textiles:** Using reclaimed materials, such as old t-shirts, to create environmentally-friendly products like shag rugs. - **Artisan Craftsmanship:** Supporting local artisans in Northern Thailand who hand-hook reclaimed t-shirts into unique shag rugs. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Textile Recycling:** Creating businesses that focus on recycling and upcycling textiles, such as t-shirts, into new products. - **Home Decor:** Providing eco-friendly and unique home decor items, like shag rugs made from reclaimed materials, to conscious consumers. - **Artisanal Crafts:** Promoting and supporting the thriving artisan craftsmanship industry, particularly in Northern Thailand, by creating demand for their handmade and upcycled products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hand-Tufted Rug Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floordrobe.md) - [Handcrafted Rustic Pillow Covers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pillow-cover.md) - [Reimagined Tie Dye Rugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tie-dye-collection.md) - [Textile-Topped Table Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tumble-tables.md) - [Recycled Rope-Made Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shore.md) - [Upcycled Sock Dog Beds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/k9-camp-cushion.md) - [Recycled Shoe-Made Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remix-maison.md) - [Hair-Reusing Fabric Companies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dutch-startup.md) - [Sustainable Traveler Towels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eco-travel-towel.md)