We’re all guilty of it. Every season, we buy clothes that we think we’re going to wear but never do. They sit in the back of our wardrobes, gathering dust. Maybe they just don’t fit you anymore, or they’re definitely not in fashion. We have all bought something on a whim and then regretted it. Instead of letting your clothes go to the landfill, we have a few ideas on how you can give them a new lease on life.
1. Donate To Charity
While your clothes are sitting unloved, they could make a real difference for someone else. Whether you have a formal dress or a pair of PJs that you want to donate. WomensAid operates a program where you can donate old clothes for women in refuges.
Do you have workwear clothing that you don’t use anymore? Maybe it doesn’t fit you, or you’ve changed jobs. Smart Works, of which the Duchess of Sussex is a patron, is your perfect solution. Smart Works provides clothes to women who are attending job interviews, giving the confidence to get on the employment ladder.
2. Organise a Swap With Friends
Have you ever wanted to borrow your friend’s clothing? A clothes swap is a simple way to refresh your wardrobes. You can organise a get-together with friends and encourage everyone to bring a few old pieces of clothing. You’ll each get some new-to-you clothes, and the chance to spend time together.
3. Get Creative
Embrace your creative side and make something new. The internet is full of inspiration for how you can reuse clothing. Pinterest is a rabbit hole that we love to fall down. Sewing is easier than you think, and the internet is the perfect teacher. You can take an old t-shirt and tie-dye it, or cut it into a crop top. With a pair of scissors and some embroidery thread, you can change old jeans into denim shorts. Instead of buying new clothes, save your pennies and get creative.
4. Turn Your Old Clothes into £
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Maybe you’ve grown bored of that dress you bought last year, but someone could be searching for it high and low. With Depop, eBay and Facebook Marketplace, it’s never been easier to sell your old clothing. One of the worst things about clothes going to waste is that you don’t get your money’s worth out of it. While you might not be able to get all your money back, you can send it on to another home and recover a few pennies.
5. Donate For A Discount
As fashion brands all work on their sustainability, some are starting to offer discount incentives to donate. Not only are you helping the environment, but you’re also saving yourself some money. Everyone from M&S to New Look and H&M has taken part in this trend. It’s best to check online ahead of time to see which stores offer this promotion at any kind time.
