What to Do with Clothes You Don’t Want: Best Ways to Resell, Donate, or Recycle

You’ve made it through the hard part! You’ve finally edited down your wardrobe and are now staring at a pile of unwanted clothes. Not sure what to do with old clothes? Whether they no longer fit, aren’t your style anymore, or are just taking up space, there are plenty of ways to clear them out responsibly. Instead of throwing them away, let’s explore the best ways to sell, donate, or recycle them responsibly so they don’t go to waste.

Selling Your Clothes

Selling your clothes not only helps you make extra cash but also extends the life of garments, reducing textile waste. If you’re wondering what to do with old clothes, selling them is a practical solution. If you have trendy or in-demand pieces, selling can be a great way to recoup some of your investment while helping others access quality fashion at a lower cost.

Your best option is often local consignment stores, which handle the selling for you and typically offer higher returns than online platforms. Check with boutiques in your area to see their consignment policies and preferred brands. If you have designer or luxury pieces, consider platforms specializing in high-end resale like The RealReal, which authenticates and sells luxury items for you.

Selling your gently used clothing and accessories is a great way to make a little extra cash and keep fashion more sustainable. Here are some additional options to consider, including luxury consignment platforms:

• Poshmark: Think of this as the Instagram of resale. Snap a few pictures, add a detailed description (brand, size, original price), and name your price. Listings typically start at 50% off the original price. The secret to selling quickly? Stay active—follow other users, share your listings often, and engage with the community. It takes a little effort, but I’ve made over $1,000 selling my own items here! Keep in mind, Poshmark requires some work. To make money you’ll need to be proactive about sharing and responding to buyers to be successful.

• ThredUp: If the idea of listing and shipping each piece sounds exhausting, ThredUp is a hassle-free option. They send you a pre-labeled bag, you fill it up, and they handle everything—photographing, pricing, and shipping. The downside? You’ll make less per item than if you sold it yourself. But if you just want stuff gone, it’s a good option. ThredUp is low maintenance, but don’t expect a big return.

• Vinted: Another easy-to-use platform for selling pre-loved fashion. A word of caution—while it’s gaining popularity, avoid sharing personal images, as there have been some reports of unauthorized use of photos.

Where to Donate Clothing

Donating clothing is one of the easiest ways to declutter while helping those in need. If you’re not sure what to do with old clothes that are still in good condition, donating them ensures they find a second life. Many charitable organizations accept gently used clothing to support community programs, disaster relief, and individuals in need. Always ensure the clothes are clean and in wearable condition before donating.

Selling can be more work than it’s worth. And donating your clothes can make a big difference to those in need. Be sure to ask for a receipt for tax purposes when donating to registered charities—it can help you claim deductions when filing taxes. Here are some great donation options:

• Goodwill: With locations nationwide, Goodwill is a reliable option. Your donations help fund job training programs and community services.
• Planet Aid: Their yellow donation bins make it easy to drop off clothing, and proceeds from reselling support education and development programs worldwide.
• Local Initiatives: Many cities have donation programs that keep items within the community. If you’re in Philadelphia, check out the city’s Recycling & Donation Finder to find local organizations accepting clothing donations.

Recycling Old Clothes

When clothes are beyond repair or reuse, recycling is the best option. If you’re wondering what to do with old clothes that are too worn out for donation, recycling them helps reduce landfill waste. The fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to landfill waste, so choosing to recycle helps reduce environmental impact. From old t-shirts to worn-out jeans, there are various ways to recycle textiles responsibly.

Some clothes just aren’t in good enough shape to sell or donate (looking at you, hole-ridden T-shirt from 2010). Instead of tossing them in the trash, consider recycling:

• Textile Recycling Centers: Many cities offer drop-off locations for fabric recycling. Check with your local waste management service to find one near you.
• Retailer Programs: Some brands encourage recycling by offering discounts in exchange for old clothes. For example, H&M accepts garments from any brand in any condition and often provides a discount for your participation.

How to Responsibly Get Rid of Clothes

Decluttering your wardrobe can be overwhelming, but if you’re not sure what to do with old clothes, following a structured approach makes it easier. Set aside time to go through your items, sort them into categories (sell, donate, recycle), and take action quickly to avoid second-guessing. Responsible disposal ensures your clothes have a second life, whether through a new owner or a sustainable recycling process.

• Quality Check: If it’s stained, ripped, or just plain worn out, skip selling or donating and go straight to recycling.
• Stay Informed: Some donation bins are run by for-profit companies rather than charities. A quick online search can help you find ethical donation options.
• Protect Your Privacy: When selling online, avoid sharing personal images to prevent unauthorized use.

No matter how you choose to part with your clothes, you’ll be making room for items you truly love while reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable fashion industry.

FAQs About What to Do with Clothes You Don’t Want

How do I decide what to keep and what to get rid of? Ask yourself: Have I worn this in the past year? Does it fit well and make me feel good? If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go.

What’s the easiest way to get rid of clothes fast? Donating to local charities or using ThredUp for low-maintenance resale are your best bets for quick decluttering.

Can I recycle shoes and accessories too? Yes! Many retailers, including Nike and The North Face, have recycling programs for shoes, bags, and other accessories.

By using these strategies, you’ll create a wardrobe that truly reflects your style while helping others and reducing waste.