What to do with your old clothes

Upcycling your old clothes is a fun and creative way to breathe new life into pieces you no longer wear.

Got a pair of jeans with a tear in them? Turn them into a stylish pair of shorts or a unique tote bag.

Are those old T-shirts piling up in your drawer? They make great fabric for DIY headbands, reusable shopping bags, or even a cosy blanket.

You can also add patches, embroidery, or fabric paint to refresh tired garments with your own personal flair, learn visible mending techniques.

Upcycling not only saves money but also reduces waste by giving your clothes a new purpose. Research from WRAP shows that extending the lifespan of clothes by just 9 months could cut waste by 22% and save 33% of water consumption.

So, grab your scissors, thread, and imagination, and start transforming your wardrobe.

Repairing your clothes is a great way to extend their lifespan and reduce waste while adding a personal touch to your wardrobe.

If you have a sweater with a hole or a pair of jeans with a loose button instead of throwing them aside, consider a simple fix — sewing on a new button, patching up small holes, or fixing worn-out seams can make a huge difference.

Many small repairs are easier than you might think and can be done with just a needle, thread, and a bit of patience.

Maybe start off by darning a hole in a pair of your worn out socks.

By taking the time to mend and repair, you’re not only saving money but also keep your clothes in great shape, giving your clothes a second chance to shine!

Donating your old clothes to charity is one of the easiest ways to make a positive impact — and it feels great too!

But before you throw everything into a bag, take a moment to sort through your items. Focus on pieces that are good condition, clean, and are still in good shape — think no stains, tears, or excessive wear.

Once you've got your pile, check out local spots that accept donations, like your nearest Oxfam shop. 

Before donating items to charity make sure to check their guidelines so you know exactly what they can take.

Try to donate seasonally appropriate items or those that are always in demand, like warm jackets or kids’ clothes.

Unique items are always wanted so if you have any vintage or retro clothing that you no longer wear, donate them so they can become someone else’s treasure.

When you're ready, fold everything neatly, package it up, and drop it off during opening hours. Check Oxfam’s guidelines on donating here.

You can also donate to Oxfam by post, so if there isn't a shop near you, no worries — you can still make a difference! Just order a postal bag, fill it with your clothes, and send it off to support Oxfam’s mission, hassle-free.

Get your free postal bag today.

Recycling your old clothes is another great way to give them a second life.

Perhaps, if your clothes are too worn to be donated or upcycled, you can consider fabric recycling as a option.

Many textiles, like cotton and polyester, can be broken down and turned into new fabrics, insulation, or even industrial materials.

So, if you have a load of worn-out socks or ripped clothing you can take them to a nearby textile recycling centre, or find brands that run recycling programs.

Clothing swaps and renting are becoming increasingly popular as an affordable way to find new-to-you clothes.

If you have clothes you no longer wear or are looking for something new without buying more, this could be an option for you to explore.

Swapping helps you refresh your wardrobe, while renting allows you to enjoy variety for special occasions without the long-term commitment.

Both options aim to reduce the demand for new clothing production by keeping clothes in circulation for longer.

By renting out your clothing, you can earn some extra cash, and instead of using it to support fast fashion, you can give back by donating to charity or refreshing your wardrobe with more pre-loved pieces.