8 Clothing Items To Recycle, Repair or Replace
You might be surprised by the potential your old, distressed or even stained clothing still holds. While these items may no longer be suitable for wearing in public — or even at home — they can enjoy a surprisingly long second life with a bit of creativity.
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As we enter the winter season of higher expenses, there are plenty of ways to save money while reducing waste. So, put on your thinking cap because GOBankingRates has rounded up the best ways to recycle, repair and repurpose clothing items, keeping both your wallet and the planet in mind.
Here are eight clothing items you can recycle, repair or replace with a little creativity.
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T-Shirts
T-shirts are among the most versatile items to upcycle, so press pause before tossing them as they still have plenty of potential.
“They can be cut into cleaning rags, stretched over frames to create art or braided into no-sew rugs or headbands,” said Ross Lohr, co-founder of Scrappy Clothing Company. “If you have shirts that you love and want to preserve in a special way, consider turning them into a quilt. It’s a meaningful way to transform cherished shirts into something you can use and enjoy for years.”
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Jeans
Denim, one of the sturdiest fabrics, has an impressive lifespan even after it’s no longer suitable for wearing. “Jeans, with their durable fabric, are perfect for quick and simple upcycles like coasters or braided potholders,” said Lohr.
They can also be transformed into chair cushion covers, shopping bags or table mats, thanks to their tightly woven, strong fabric.
Pajamas
Even delicate fabrics like cotton and flannel can find a second purpose. “Pajamas, with their soft fabric, can be repurposed into reusable makeup wipes or cozy dusting cloths,” Lohr explained.
Flannel pajamas, in particular, can be turned into coasters to add a personalized touch of coziness to your home this winter.
Undergarments
Undergarments might seem impossible — or undesirable — to reuse, but with an innovative mindset, they can serve new purposes.
“Even undergarments can be recycled into fibers for industrial uses or insulation, often through takeback bag programs,” Lohr said.
If they’re in good condition, you can cut them into small pouches for jewelry or coins or repurpose the fabric for patchwork projects.
Anything Stained, Damaged or Ill-fitting
For clothing that’s stained, damaged or ill-fitting, it’s time to breathe new purpose into these unwearable garments. Clothing is designed to withstand wear and tear, constant washing and even a few rough tumbles. A couple of stains or holes are just “bruises” on the fabric — not the end of its life.
Save money and reduce waste by finding new ways to restore or repurpose these items.
Stained
A stained shirt might seem unsalvagable, but it doesn’t have to mark the end of its use.
“Depending on the item and material, dyeing light-colored clothing a darker shade is a great way to hide stains and give it a fresh look,” Lohr said. ” It’s also a fun craft to plan for in the warmer months — Rit Dye is a fantastic, non-toxic and easy-to-use option.”
If dying isn’t your thing or the material isn’t worth the effort, consider turning stained pieces into cleaning cloths or braiding strips of fabric for practical uses like plant ties.
Damaged
Even your most hole-riddled, ripped or soiled garments can still have value if you think creatively.
“Damaged items are great for stuffing DIY ottomans or pet beds, padding for packaging fragile items or shredding for fiber recycling — take back bag programs,” Lohr said.
Clothing That Doesn’t Fit
Ill-fitting clothing doesn’t have to go to waste. Recycling these items with intention can benefit the environment and your community.
“Clothing that doesn’t fit or simply doesn’t get enough love anymore can be shared within your community — through organized clothing swaps, informal trades with friends or donations to local charity shops,” Lohr said. “Resale platforms like Poshmark or thredUP can also give garments a second life. Since 80% of clothing at major thrift stores goes unsold, focusing on local exchanges helps keep items in homes rather than heading to landfills.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 8 Clothing Items To Recycle, Repair or Replace
