What To Do With Old Underwear: 6 Must-Know Tips (2024)

Wondering what to do with old underwear? Here are 6 different ways to get rid of underwear sustainably.

If you have old underwear – new or old – there are ways to get rid of them while also reducing waste in the environment. I just went through repurposing and recycling my underwear the other day and let me share with you the process.

I’ve got 6 different ideas on what to do with unwanted underwear!

1. Donate Unused Underwear

If you have new underwear in excellent condition, consider donating them to organizations. These are a few charities that accept donated underwear.

I Support the Girls: This organization accepts underwear and bras in good condition and donates them to women in need. They accept donations via drop-off and mail-in.
The Bra Recyclers: They help donate bras and panties and have already donated over 4 million bras to 130 non-profits worldwide.

In addition to these specialized organizations, you can also check with local shelters or organizations to donate underwear.

When donating your old underwear, make sure they are clean, in good condition, and hygienic for use.

You may be wondering – where to donate used underwear? Not many places accept used underwear. It’s better to recycle used underwear instead.

2. Recycled Old Underwear

If you have old underwear and cannot donate them, check out companies and organizations that offer recycling programs specifically for old underwear. Here are some options:

Fab Scrap: This organization recycles fabrics, including old underwear, and repurposes them in sustainable fashion projects.
The North Face’s Clothes the Loop: They have a recycling program that accepts used underwear and other clothing items and turns them into new garments.
Subset: This sustainable underwear brand has a recycling program where you can send back your old underwear, and they will break it down into its components for recycling. They partner with Supercircle for this program.
Planet Aid: These clothing recycling organizations accept recycled bras and underwear for you.
Second Life by Parade: This company partners with Terracycle to recycle old underwear and turn them into housing insulation, furniture, and more.
Hanky Panky: They have a textile recycling program where they send you a shipping label for you to send back your old underwear.

3. Sell New Garments Online

Try selling your new underwear online via apps like Poshmark, Mercari, or Depop. You can gain a few extra dollars and also give it a second life.

Make sure to take well-lit photos of the underwear you want to sell. Then, accurately describe the condition, and size.

Create a listing with attractive and enticing descriptions to attract potential buyers. Price your items competitively and offer any special deals or promotions to make them more appealing.

If you have used underwear, it’s better to just recycle them or try out other alternative ways listed below.

Jasmine’s Pro Tip: I’ve had the most success selling clothing items on Mercari. They also take a 10% cut which is a lot less than many other online reselling apps.

4. Repair Your Underwear

What to do with old underwear with a few small holes? Try repairing them!

If it’s a small tear or hole, you can easily sew it up using a needle and thread. Use a matching color if possible to make the repair less noticeable.

If the elastic waistband has become loose or stretched out, you can tighten it by sewing a new elastic band inside. Measure the length you need, cut the elastic, and sew it securely in place.

If you want to make your underwear last longer, repair underwear by hand or on a gentle cycle to prevent additional wear and tear.

Jasmine’s Pro Tip: If you have big holes in your underwear, I find it hard to repair. I recommend recycling it or composting it instead.

5. Compost Natural Fabrics

If you have old underwear made of natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo, don’t just toss them in the trash. Instead, consider composting them to reduce waste.

Natural fabrics are biodegradable and will break down over time in a compost pile. Cut up the underwear into smaller pieces to speed up the decomposition process. Be sure to remove any elastic or synthetic materials before composting.

To create a compost pile, start by layering the underwear pieces with other organic materials such as fruit and vegetable scraps, leaves, and grass clippings. Turn the pile regularly to help it decompose faster.

This process can take several months or even a year for the materials to fully break down. Once the compost is dark and crumbly, it is ready to be used as nutrient-rich soil for your plants and garden.

Jasmine’s Pro Tip: Composting takes longer than most people think. I recommend composting as a last resort. Try recycling or repurposing before composting.

6. Repurpose Your Underwear

When it comes to old underwear, you might think that the only option is to toss it in the trash. However, there are actually some creative and practical ways to repurpose it! Here are some ideas:

Turn your old underwear into cleaning rags. Cut them into smaller pieces and use them for dusting, wiping surfaces, or even cleaning your car. The soft fabric can be gentle on delicate surfaces while effectively absorbing dust and dirt.
Transform your old underwear into reusable fabric bags. Cut off the elastic waistband and sew up the bottom to create a simple drawstring bag. These bags can be used for storing small items, organizing your belongings, or taking to the grocery store for a plastic-free shopping experience.
Make stuffed toys or pet accessories. Stuff them with filling, sew or glue them together, and add some cute details to create unique toys or pet beds.

what to do with old underwear infographic

How To Make Underwear Last Longer

When it comes to taking care of your underwear, there are a few simple steps you can follow to ensure they last longer and continue to provide comfort and support.

Wash with care: Always follow the care instructions on the label. Using a mild detergent and washing them in cold water can help prevent shrinking and fading.
Avoid excessive heat: Exposing your underwear to high temperatures can cause them to lose elasticity. Skip the dryer and let them air dry instead.
Rotate your collection: Having a selection of underwear to wear will reduce the frequency of use and, in turn, decrease wear and tear. Rotate your collection regularly to give them a break.
Handle with care: Pulling and stretching your underwear while putting them on or taking them off can lead to damage. Handle them gently to avoid unnecessary strain.
Invest in quality: Quality underwear is often made with durable natural materials and better construction, allowing it to withstand more wear and wash cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you donate used underwear to Goodwill?

Goodwill doesn’t accept used underwear. They only take brand new underwear.

Can you donate used underwear to the Salvation Army?

Salvation Army also doesn’t accept used underwear. They only take brand new underwear.

Where to donate used socks and underwear?

Most places don’t accept used socks and underwear. It’s better to recycle them or repurpose them.

Final Thoughts On What To Do With Old Underwear

That’s a wrap on what to do with underwear and bras! I find this a really important topic because textile waste takes up 7% of the landfill. This includes old underwear, old blue jeans, and other clothing items. If we can do our part by recycling, upcycling, composting, reusing, and repurposing, that would make a difference in living a sustainable lifestyle.

The EPA found that the recycling rate of textiles was 14.7% in 2018. That number could be higher.

By putting in more thought about how to dispose of old underwear in the most eco-friendly way possible, that would be incredibly impactful.

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