Best Denim Upcycler Challenge 2026

Official Rules

Updated: December 29, 2025


1. Who Can Join


Open worldwide to anyone 18 years or older at the time of entry.

Employees, contractors, or representatives of Upcyclers, its affiliates, or sponsors, and their immediate family members, cannot enter.

Void where prohibited by local laws.

2. Contest Dates


The contest runs from January 1, 2026 (12:00 a.m. PST) to March 25, 2026 (11:59 p.m. PST).

During this period, users can upload their creations, share their posts, and collect likes.

3. How to Enter


You can join in one of two ways, depending on whether your item is for sale or just to showcase.


Option 1 – LIST a Product (For Sale, U.S. Only)

If your upcycled item is available for sale within the United States, list it on Upcyclers.com as a product.

You can upload photos or a short video of up to twenty (20) seconds or less, along with a description of your upcycling process.

Once your listing is live, you are automatically entered into the contest


Option 2 – POST a Creation (Showcase Only)

If your upcycled item is not for sale but you want to showcase it, post an image or short video of up to twenty (20) seconds or less on the Upcyclers Social Feed.


Whether you list or post, your entry will be included in the contest as long as it follows the rules below.

Existing listings, posts, or shoppable videos already on the platform also qualify.

4. Upload Guidelines


To make sure your entry is eligible:


  • Upload clear photos or a short video (20 seconds or less) showing your creation.

  • Add a description of how you made it or what materials you used.

  • Participants are encouraged to include the hashtag #bestdenimupcycler in the listing or post description to improve visibility and discoverability of their entry on the platform.

  • Your creation must be original and made mostly from reused materials such as secondhand clothes, fabric scraps, or discarded trims.

  • You can use small amounts of new materials (like thread, glue, or buttons), but the focus should clearly be reuse.

  • Do not use brand logos, designer labels, or copyrighted images (for example, Disney, Nike, or Gucci).

No purchase is required to enter or win.

5. How Winners Are Chosen


Round 1 – Community Voting


  • The Top 5 entries with the most likes on Upcyclers.com by March 25, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST move to the Final Round.


  • Only one entry per person can qualify for the finals.


Round 2 – Judges’ Review


A panel of fashion and sustainability experts will review the top 5 finalists and choose the World’s Top Upcycler based on:


  • Creativity and Originality (40%)

  • Craftsmanship and Quality (30%)

  • Sustainability Impact (20%)

  • Storytelling (10%) – How the upcycler tells the story behind their creation on their Post or Listing.

In the event of a tie, the entry with higher creativity and originality will win.

6. Prize


  • Grand Prize (Global): Five hundred dollars (USD $500) cash, awarded by Upcyclers.

  • The prize will be paid via PayPal or bank transfer within 14 days after the winner is announced.

  • If the winner lives outside the U.S., they are responsible for any currency conversion, transaction fees, or local taxes.

  • Once the five hundred (USD $500) is sent, Upcyclers’ payment obligation is complete.

  • Prizes cannot be transferred or exchanged.

Upcyclers is not responsible for any additional sponsor prizes or third-party fulfillment.

7. Rights to Your Work


You always own your designs.

By entering, you grant Upcyclers a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use your name, photos, and videos to promote:


  • The contest

  • Upcyclers’ platform

  • Future educational or sustainability campaigns.

You confirm that your entry is your own work and does not infringe on anyone else’s rights.

8. Winner Announcement


  • Winners will be announced on March 31, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. PST on Upcyclers.com and all official Upcyclers social channels.

  • Winners will also receive an email notification within seven (7) days after the announcement. Winners must respond within seven (7) days from the date of the email notification to claim the prize.

  • If a winner does not respond within this timeframe, Upcyclers may select another winner.

9. Privacy


Your information will only be used to:


  • Run the contest

  • Notify winners

  • Share Upcyclers news or updates if you opted in

All personal data is handled under Upcyclers’ Privacy Policy.

10. General Conditions


Upcyclers may cancel, suspend, or change the contest if something unexpected happens, such as technical issues or fraud.


Any participant found tampering with the system or violating the rules may be disqualified.


Upcyclers’ decisions about the contest are final and binding.

11. Governing Law


This contest is governed by the laws of the State of California, USA.

Any disputes will be handled in the courts located in San Francisco County, California.


This contest is organized and sponsored by Upcyclers.com, San Francisco, California, USA.

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