Where Can I Bring Clothes For Money? A Comprehensive Guide

Where Can I Bring Clothes For Money? You can turn your unwanted clothes into cash or store credit at various retailers and online platforms, contributing to a sustainable fashion cycle and boosting your finances. This guide from money-central.com explores numerous options, helping you find the best fit for your clothing and financial goals. Discover how to make money recycling clothes, find clothing resale programs, and learn about sustainable fashion.

1. Why Should I Sell or Donate My Old Clothes?

Selling or donating your old clothes is beneficial for several reasons:

Environmental Impact: Fast fashion significantly contributes to carbon emissions and landfill waste. By recycling or reselling clothes, you reduce this impact.
Financial Benefits: Many retailers offer discounts, store credits, or even cash in exchange for old clothes.
Helping Others: Donating clothes provides those in need with essential items, supporting community welfare.

1.1. The Environmental Cost of Fast Fashion

The fast fashion industry’s impact on the environment is alarming. According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the fashion industry is responsible for 8-10% of global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. Textile production also consumes vast amounts of water and contributes to pollution through the discharge of untreated wastewater into rivers and oceans.

1.2. Financial Incentives for Recycling Clothes

More retailers are offering incentives to encourage customers to recycle their old clothes. These incentives include discounts on future purchases, store credit, and even direct cash payments. By participating in these programs, you can reduce waste and earn financial rewards.

1.3. Social Benefits of Donating Clothes

Donating clothes to charities and non-profit organizations helps people in need. These donations provide essential clothing items to individuals and families who may not be able to afford them, improving their quality of life and overall well-being.

2. Retailers Offering Money or Credit for Clothes

Several retailers offer programs where you can exchange your old clothes for money, discounts, or store credit. Here are some notable examples:

H&M
American Eagle
The North Face
Madewell
Levi’s
Gap
Universal Standard
Uniqlo
Soma
Patagonia
Reformation
Carter’s

2.1. H&M

H&M’s garment collection program accepts all types of clothing, regardless of brand or condition. When you drop off your old clothes at an H&M store, you receive a 15% discount coupon for your next purchase. This initiative encourages recycling and reduces textile waste, aligning with H&M’s sustainability goals.

2.1.1. How H&M’s Garment Collection Program Works

H&M’s garment collection program accepts any kind of clothing from any brand, in any condition. When you bring your old clothes to an H&M location and hand it in at the register, the company will give you a “thank-you coupon” that gives you a 15% discount on your next H&M purchase. This program is a great way to declutter your wardrobe while also contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry.

2.1.2. Benefits of Participating in H&M’s Program

There are several benefits to participating in H&M’s garment collection program. First, it’s an easy and convenient way to get rid of unwanted clothing. Second, you’ll receive a 15% discount coupon, which can help you save money on your next H&M purchase. Finally, you’ll be contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry by helping to reduce textile waste.

2.2. American Eagle

American Eagle’s RealRewards program allows members to bring any old pair of jeans into a store and receive $10 off a new pair. The jeans do not need to be American Eagle branded. This is part of the company’s RealGood initiative, focused on recycling materials like polyester, nylon, and cotton, and reducing water consumption.

2.2.1. Details of American Eagle’s RealRewards Program

Members of American Eagle’s RealRewards program can bring any old pair of jeans into a store for $10 off a new pair of jeans. The jeans turned in don’t need to be from American Eagle to count towards the program. This program is a great way to recycle your old jeans and save money on a new pair at the same time.

2.2.2. American Eagle’s RealGood Initiative

The RealGood initiative is American Eagle’s commitment to sustainability. The initiative focuses on recycling polyester, nylon, and cotton and reducing water use. By participating in the RealRewards program, you are supporting the company’s broader sustainability efforts.

2.3. The North Face

The North Face’s XPLR Pass program offers a $10 credit for used North Face gear brought into their stores, applicable to online or in-store purchases. The company inspects, washes, and repairs the returned gear for resale. Items that cannot be repaired are recycled or donated.

2.3.1. How the XPLR Pass Program Works

Members of the North Face’s XPLR Pass program can bring used North Face gear into a store and get a $10 credit to use toward their next online or in-store purchase. Gear turned into the program will be inspected, washed, tuned up, and resold. If your gear can’t be repaired, it will be recycled or donated as part of their commitment to circularity.

2.3.2. The North Face’s Commitment to Circularity

The North Face is committed to reducing its environmental impact through circularity. This means designing products that are durable, repairable, and recyclable. The XPLR Pass program is one way the company is working to keep gear out of landfills and extend its lifespan.

2.4. Madewell

Madewell allows customers to trade in old jeans of any brand at their stores. The jeans are either resold or recycled into housing insulation. Customers receive $20 off their next pair of Madewell jeans for each trade-in. Alternatively, you can mail in jeans and other clothing for store credit using a Clean Out Kit.

2.4.1. Madewell’s Denim Recycling Program

If you have old jeans of any brand, you can bring them into any Madewell store location, and the clothing chain will either resell your old pants or recycle them into housing insulation. Customers get $20 off the next pair of jeans bought from Madewell after trading a pair in.

2.4.2. Clean Out Kit Option

You can also mail in jeans and other clothing made out of any fabric for store credit with a Clean Out Kit. This is a convenient option if you don’t live near a Madewell store or have a large number of items to recycle.

2.5. Levi’s

At participating Levi’s locations, you can trade in Levi’s jeans and Trucker Jackets for credits ranging from $5 to $35, based on the item’s age, condition, and original retail price. Items not suitable for resale are donated or properly disposed of.

2.5.1. Levi’s Trade-In Program Details

If you make an appointment at a participating Levi’s location, you can trade in your Levi’s jeans and Trucker Jackets for a credit ranging from $5 to $35 based on your item’s age, condition, and original retail price.

2.5.2. What Happens to Clothes Not Suitable for Resale?

If your clothes aren’t in good enough condition to resell, you won’t get a gift card, but the denim retailer will donate or properly dispose of your items for you. This ensures that even items that can’t be resold are handled responsibly.

2.6. Gap

Gap has partnered with ThredUp, an online clothing reseller, to offer customers shopping credit for certain Gap items. You can request a free shipping label, fill a box with quality pre-loved items from any brand, and receive credit based on the number of items sold on ThredUp, the quality of the items, and the brand.

2.6.1. Gap’s Partnership with ThredUp

Gap has a partnership with ThredUp, a popular online clothing reseller, that helps their customers get shopping credit on certain Gap items. This partnership makes it easy for customers to recycle their old clothes and earn credit towards new purchases.

2.6.2. How to Get Credit with ThredUp

You can print a free shipping label and fill a box with quality pre-loved items from any brand to get the credit. The amount of credit you get depends on how many of the items in that box get sold on ThredUp within a certain amount of time, the quality of the items, and the brand of those items.

2.7. Universal Standard

Universal Standard, known for its size-inclusive clothing, allows customers to order a bag for under $5, fill it with up to four pieces of clothing from any brand, and mail it back. Customers receive up to $100 off their next Universal Standard order. The textiles from the old clothes are repurposed into new materials.

2.7.1. Universal Standard’s Recycling Program

Customers can order a bag for under $5 and fill it with up to four pieces of clothing from any brand, then mail it back and get a reward of up to $100 off their next Universal Standard order.

2.7.2. How Textiles Are Repurposed

The textiles from the old clothes get turned into everyday necessities. Old cottons will become yarn used for manufacturing new pieces, and polyesters will turn into pellets used for manufacturing plastic household goods.

2.8. Uniqlo

Uniqlo customers can bring old Uniqlo clothing to designated “RE.Uniqlo” boxes in some stores. The company either donates the clothes to people in need worldwide or recycles unwearable clothes into other materials.

2.8.1. The RE.Uniqlo Program

If you’re a regular Uniqlo customer, you can bring old Uniqlo clothing to a “RE.Uniqlo” box in some Uniqlo stores.

2.8.2. Where Do the Clothes Go?

The company will then deliver them to people in need worldwide in the form of emergency clothing aid for refugee camps and disaster areas together with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), NGOs, and NPO, or recycle unwearable clothes into other materials.

2.9. Soma

Lingerie brand Soma allows customers to trade in new or gently used bras at any store and receive up to $10 off a purchase every month. The donated bras are given to women experiencing homelessness and poverty.

2.9.1. Soma’s Bra Donation Program

Lingerie brand Soma has donated bras to women experiencing homelessness and poverty for years. Now customers can trade in any new or gently used bras at any store and get up to $10 off a purchase every month.

2.9.2. Who Benefits from the Donations?

The donated bras are given to women experiencing homelessness and poverty, providing them with essential items and improving their quality of life.

2.10. Patagonia

Patagonia lets customers trade in old Patagonia clothing and outdoor gear for up to 50% of the resale price through credit at any Patagonia or Worn Wear store, in person and online. Items that cannot be reused are either returned to the customer or recycled.

2.10.1. Patagonia’s Trade-In Program

Patagonia lets customers trade in old Patagonia clothing and outdoor gear for up to 50% of the resale price through credit at any Patagonia or Worn Wear store, in person and online.

2.10.2. Options for Items That Can’t Be Reused

If your old stuff can’t be reused, the company will either return it to you or recycle it for you to keep the materials out of landfills.

2.11. Reformation

Reformation, a sustainable clothing brand, pays customers with store credit for turning in their old Reformation items. The retailer breaks down the old clothes, shoes, bags, and activewear into fibers and materials to create new items.

2.11.1. Reformation’s Recycling Program

Reformation, a high-end sustainable clothing brand is now paying customers with store credit to turn in their old Reformation items.

2.11.2. How Old Items Are Repurposed

The retailer will break down old clothes, shoes, bags and activewear into fibers and materials to then make new items, using as few new materials as possible.

2.12. Carter’s

Carter’s, a kid-and-baby clothing brand, allows you to recycle any brand of kid’s clothing for free through their TerraCycle program. Rewarding Moments members can earn points toward future purchases for every box sent in.

2.12.1. Carter’s TerraCycle Program

Kid-and-baby clothing brand Carter’s will let you recycle any brand of kid’s clothing for free through their TerraCycle program.

2.12.2. Earning Points with Rewarding Moments

Rewarding Moments members can earn points toward future purchases every time they send a box in. This is a great way to recycle your kid’s old clothes and earn rewards at the same time.

3. Online Platforms for Selling Clothes

In addition to retailer programs, several online platforms allow you to sell your clothes directly to other consumers:

ThredUp
Poshmark
eBay
Depop
The RealReal

3.1. ThredUp

ThredUp is an online consignment store that accepts women’s and children’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. You can send in your items using a prepaid shipping label, and ThredUp will evaluate, photograph, and list them for sale. Once your items sell, you’ll receive a portion of the sale price.

3.1.1. How ThredUp Works

3.1.2. Getting Paid on ThredUp

Once your items sell, you’ll receive a portion of the sale price. The amount you earn depends on the item’s original price and its condition.

3.2. Poshmark

Poshmark is a social marketplace where you can buy and sell clothing, shoes, and accessories. To sell on Poshmark, you’ll need to create an account, take photos of your items, write descriptions, and set prices. When an item sells, Poshmark takes a commission, and you’ll receive the remaining amount.

3.2.1. Selling on Poshmark

To sell on Poshmark, you’ll need to create an account, take photos of your items, write descriptions, and set prices. Poshmark is a social marketplace, so engaging with other users can help you increase your sales.

3.2.2. Poshmark’s Commission Structure

When an item sells, Poshmark takes a commission, and you’ll receive the remaining amount. Poshmark’s commission is $2.95 for sales under $15 and 20% for sales of $15 or more.

3.3. eBay

eBay is a popular online marketplace where you can sell a wide variety of items, including clothing, shoes, and accessories. To sell on eBay, you’ll need to create an account, list your items, set prices, and manage shipping. eBay charges fees for listing and selling items.

3.3.1. Selling Clothes on eBay

eBay is a popular online marketplace where you can sell a wide variety of items, including clothing, shoes, and accessories.

3.3.2. eBay’s Fees for Selling

eBay charges fees for listing and selling items. These fees can include insertion fees, final value fees, and optional fees for features like promoted listings.

3.4. Depop

Depop is a social e-commerce platform popular among younger generations. It focuses on unique and vintage clothing items. Setting up a shop is straightforward: create an account, upload photos of your items, and add descriptions. Depop charges a 10% fee on sales.

3.4.1. Depop’s Focus on Unique Clothing

Depop is a social e-commerce platform popular among younger generations. It focuses on unique and vintage clothing items.

3.4.2. Fees on Depop

Depop charges a 10% fee on sales. This fee is deducted from the sale price, and you’ll receive the remaining amount.

3.5. The RealReal

The RealReal is a luxury consignment store that sells designer clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories. To sell on The RealReal, you can schedule a free in-home consultation or ship your items to them using a prepaid shipping label. The RealReal will evaluate, photograph, and list your items for sale. Once your items sell, you’ll receive a portion of the sale price.

3.5.1. Selling Luxury Items on The RealReal

The RealReal is a luxury consignment store that sells designer clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories.

3.5.2. Getting Paid on The RealReal

Once your items sell, you’ll receive a portion of the sale price. The amount you earn depends on the item’s original price, its condition, and the demand for the item.

4. Factors to Consider When Choosing Where to Sell

When deciding where to sell your clothes, consider the following factors:

Type of Clothing: Some platforms specialize in certain types of clothing (e.g., luxury items, vintage clothes).
Convenience: Consider the ease of sending in your clothes or listing them online.
Fees and Commissions: Understand the fees and commissions charged by each platform.
Payout Method: Check how and when you will receive your money or credit.
Sustainability Goals: Choose programs that align with your values regarding environmental impact.

4.1. Matching the Platform to Your Clothing Type

Different platforms cater to different types of clothing. For example, The RealReal specializes in luxury items, while Depop is known for unique and vintage clothing. Matching the platform to your clothing type can help you maximize your earnings and reach the right audience.

4.2. Weighing Convenience vs. Potential Earnings

Consider the convenience of each platform. Some platforms, like ThredUp, handle the entire selling process for you, while others, like Poshmark, require you to take photos, write descriptions, and ship items yourself. Weigh the convenience of each option against the potential earnings.

4.3. Understanding Fees and Commissions

Understand the fees and commissions charged by each platform. These fees can vary widely, so it’s important to factor them into your decision. Some platforms charge a flat fee, while others charge a percentage of the sale price.

4.4. Checking Payout Methods and Timelines

Check how and when you will receive your money or credit. Some platforms offer direct deposit, while others offer PayPal or store credit. Also, check the timeline for receiving your payout. Some platforms pay out immediately after a sale, while others pay out on a monthly basis.

4.5. Aligning with Sustainability Values

Choose programs that align with your values regarding environmental impact. Some platforms, like Universal Standard, are committed to sustainability and have programs in place to reduce textile waste. By choosing these platforms, you can support companies that are working to make a positive impact on the environment.

5. Tips for Maximizing Your Earnings

To maximize your earnings when selling clothes, keep these tips in mind:

Clean and Repair: Ensure your clothes are clean and in good repair.
Take Good Photos: High-quality photos can significantly increase sales.
Write Detailed Descriptions: Provide accurate and detailed descriptions of your items.
Price Competitively: Research similar items to set competitive prices.
Be Responsive: Respond promptly to inquiries from potential buyers.

5.1. Preparing Your Clothes for Sale

Before selling your clothes, make sure they are clean and in good repair. Wash or dry clean items as needed, and repair any minor damage, such as loose buttons or small tears. Presenting your clothes in the best possible condition can help you maximize your earnings.

5.2. Creating Compelling Listings

High-quality photos and detailed descriptions can significantly increase sales. Take clear, well-lit photos of your items, and write accurate and detailed descriptions that highlight their features and condition. Include information such as the brand, size, color, and any unique details.

5.3. Pricing Your Items Effectively

Research similar items to set competitive prices. Check what other sellers are charging for similar items, and price your items accordingly. Keep in mind that you may need to lower your prices if your items aren’t selling.

5.4. Providing Excellent Customer Service

Respond promptly to inquiries from potential buyers. Providing excellent customer service can help you build a positive reputation and increase your sales. Be polite, helpful, and responsive to any questions or concerns that buyers may have.

6. Alternatives to Selling: Clothing Donation Options

If your clothes are not suitable for selling, consider donating them to charitable organizations:

Goodwill
Salvation Army
Local Shelters
Dress for Success

6.1. Donating to Goodwill

Goodwill is a non-profit organization that provides job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs. When you donate clothes to Goodwill, you’re helping to support these programs and provide opportunities for people in need.

6.1.1. How Goodwill Helps the Community

Goodwill uses the revenue generated from the sale of donated items to fund its job training and employment placement programs. These programs help people develop the skills they need to find and keep jobs, improving their economic stability and overall well-being.

6.1.2. Items Accepted by Goodwill

Goodwill accepts a wide variety of items, including clothing, shoes, accessories, household goods, and electronics. However, they may not accept certain items, such as those that are damaged or hazardous. Check with your local Goodwill for a list of accepted items.

6.2. Donating to the Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is a non-profit organization that provides a variety of social services, including disaster relief, homeless shelters, and food banks. When you donate clothes to the Salvation Army, you’re helping to support these services and provide assistance to people in need.

6.2.1. The Salvation Army’s Social Services

The Salvation Army provides a wide range of social services, including disaster relief, homeless shelters, food banks, and addiction treatment programs. These services help people overcome challenges and improve their quality of life.

6.2.2. Items Accepted by the Salvation Army

The Salvation Army accepts a wide variety of items, including clothing, shoes, accessories, household goods, and furniture. However, they may not accept certain items, such as those that are damaged or hazardous. Check with your local Salvation Army for a list of accepted items.

6.3. Donating to Local Shelters

Local shelters often accept donations of clothing, especially items that are in good condition and suitable for the current season. Contact local shelters in your area to inquire about their specific needs and donation procedures.

6.3.1. Supporting Your Local Community

Donating to local shelters is a great way to support your local community and provide assistance to people in need. Local shelters often serve vulnerable populations, such as the homeless, victims of domestic violence, and people with disabilities.

6.3.2. What Shelters Need Most

Local shelters often need a variety of items, including clothing, shoes, toiletries, and household goods. However, their specific needs may vary depending on the population they serve and the time of year. Contact local shelters in your area to inquire about their current needs.

6.4. Donating to Dress for Success

Dress for Success is a non-profit organization that provides professional attire and career development services to women in need. If you have professional clothing that you no longer wear, consider donating it to Dress for Success.

6.4.1. Helping Women Achieve Economic Independence

Dress for Success helps women achieve economic independence by providing them with professional attire, career development services, and a network of support. These services help women gain the confidence and skills they need to succeed in the workplace.

6.4.2. Types of Clothing Accepted by Dress for Success

Dress for Success accepts professional attire, such as suits, dresses, blouses, and skirts. They also accept accessories, such as shoes, handbags, and jewelry. However, they may not accept certain items, such as those that are outdated or damaged. Check with your local Dress for Success for a list of accepted items.

7. The Future of Sustainable Fashion

Sustainable fashion is gaining momentum as consumers become more aware of the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry. Innovations in textile recycling, circular business models, and conscious consumerism are driving the shift toward a more sustainable future.

7.1. Innovations in Textile Recycling

Innovations in textile recycling are making it easier to recycle old clothes and turn them into new materials. These innovations include mechanical recycling, which breaks down old clothes into fibers, and chemical recycling, which dissolves old clothes into their chemical components.

7.1.1. Mechanical Recycling

Mechanical recycling involves breaking down old clothes into fibers that can be used to create new textiles. This process is relatively simple and inexpensive, but it can only be used to recycle certain types of textiles, such as cotton and wool.

7.1.2. Chemical Recycling

Chemical recycling involves dissolving old clothes into their chemical components, which can then be used to create new textiles. This process is more complex and expensive than mechanical recycling, but it can be used to recycle a wider variety of textiles, including synthetic fabrics.

7.2. Circular Business Models

Circular business models aim to minimize waste and maximize the lifespan of products. These models include clothing rental services, resale platforms, and repair services. By embracing circular business models, the fashion industry can reduce its environmental impact and create a more sustainable future.

7.2.1. Clothing Rental Services

Clothing rental services allow customers to rent clothes for a specific period of time, rather than buying them outright. This can be a more sustainable option than buying new clothes, as it reduces the demand for new production and minimizes waste.

7.2.2. Resale Platforms

Resale platforms allow customers to buy and sell used clothes. This extends the lifespan of clothing and reduces the demand for new production.

7.2.3. Repair Services

Repair services help customers extend the lifespan of their clothes by repairing damage and making alterations. This reduces the need to replace clothes and minimizes waste.

7.3. Conscious Consumerism

Conscious consumerism involves making purchasing decisions that are aligned with your values. This includes buying clothes from sustainable brands, choosing durable and long-lasting items, and taking care of your clothes to extend their lifespan.

7.3.1. Supporting Sustainable Brands

Supporting sustainable brands is a great way to promote sustainable fashion. Sustainable brands use eco-friendly materials, ethical production practices, and circular business models.

7.3.2. Choosing Durable Clothing

Choosing durable and long-lasting items can help you reduce your clothing consumption and minimize waste. Look for clothes that are made from high-quality materials and are well-constructed.

7.3.3. Caring for Your Clothes

Taking care of your clothes can help you extend their lifespan and reduce the need to replace them. Wash your clothes in cold water, hang them to dry, and repair any damage as soon as possible.

8. Conclusion: Make Money and Support Sustainability

Turning your old clothes into cash or donating them is a win-win situation. You can declutter your wardrobe, earn some money, and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. Explore the options discussed in this guide, choose the methods that best fit your needs, and start making a positive impact today.

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Clothing Donation Box

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

9.1. What types of clothes can I sell for money?

You can typically sell clothes that are in good condition, clean, and in style. Luxury and designer items often fetch higher prices.

9.2. How do I maximize my earnings when selling clothes online?

Take clear, well-lit photos, write detailed and accurate descriptions, price your items competitively, and be responsive to potential buyers.

9.3. What should I do with clothes that are not suitable for selling?

Consider donating them to charitable organizations like Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or local shelters.

9.4. Are there any retailers that accept clothes in any condition?

Yes, H&M’s garment collection program accepts clothes in any condition, although you’ll receive a discount coupon rather than cash.

9.5. What is ThredUp and how does it work?

ThredUp is an online consignment store where you can send in your clothes using a prepaid shipping label. They evaluate, photograph, and list your items for sale, and you receive a portion of the sale price.

9.6. Can I get a tax deduction for donating clothes?

Yes, you can typically deduct the fair market value of donated clothes from your taxes if you donate to a qualified charity.

9.7. What is sustainable fashion and why is it important?

Sustainable fashion is an approach to designing, manufacturing, and using clothes in a way that minimizes environmental and social impacts. It’s important because the fashion industry is a significant contributor to pollution and waste.

9.8. How can I tell if a clothing brand is sustainable?

Look for brands that use eco-friendly materials, ethical production practices, and circular business models. Certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) can also indicate sustainability.

9.9. What are some tips for making my wardrobe more sustainable?

Buy clothes from sustainable brands, choose durable and long-lasting items, take care of your clothes to extend their lifespan, and consider renting or buying used clothes.