6 Ways To Get Rid Of Unwanted Clothes Sustainably

So you’ve done your closet cleanout, and now you have a pile of unwanted clothes. What do you do with them? Your first instinct might be to throw them away, but that is not sustainable and only adds to the pollution to our planet. Over the past few years, I’ve been researching ways to get rid of my unwanted clothes in a way that aligned with my values and was sustainable.

I’ve always loved my clothes, even the unwanted ones, so I always want to make sure they get as much life and use as possible. So here are some great ways to get rid of the clothes that are good for you, your clothes, and the planet.

1. Give them to a friend

My favorite method is to let my friends rummage through my unwanted clothes and see if they want any of them. When I know my clothes are going to a good home and getting wear, it always makes me happy.

2. Join or host a swap party

Have a swap party or join a swap party. You can do this in person or virtually, which is so amazing! This option is great because you might be able to fill the missing gaps in your closet.

3. Donate to a thrift (charity) store or women’s shelter

Find a donation center or women’s shelter where you can donate your clothes. Be sure to do your research on what they do with the clothing if they don’t take them; that way, you know they’re following best practices.

4. Sell your clothes on a resale site (app)

There are so many ways to sell your clothes online and via apps! My favorites include Poshmark, ThredUp, and eBay. You’ll get more for your money with Poshmark & eBay because you’re selling yourself. However, with ThredUp, they take care of the selling, so you end up getting less, but you also spend less time on it.

5. Find a recycling center

Recycling your clothes is a great option for clothes that are more on the dingy side (stained, soiled, torn) and are beyond repair. Again, be sure to do your research because several recycling places create a lot of pollution.

6. Upcycle, upcycle, upcycle

Another one of my favorites is to upcycle your unwanted clothes. This is such a great option for making your clothes feel like new pieces. Take your favorite pair of jeans and make them short. Cut off a t-shirt and make it a crop top. Or, if the piece is in poor condition, use them as rags or in a DIY project.

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Closing Statement

I guarantee your clothes still have some life left in them, so let’s give them that life. Also, although they may not be bringing you joy right now, they could give someone else as much joy as they once gave you. Let me know if you have tried any of these or if you have any other ideas.

If you’re looking for more articles education on sustainable fashion, you can find them >>here<<.

Any of the brands mentioned above does not sponsor this article. However, some of the links may contain affiliate links which may generate revenue for the site when clicked, or when a purchase occurs. The information in this post is my thoughts and preferences.