There are a lot of reasons why you might not wear your clothes anymore (some of which are easier to accept than others)–but what can you do with them, instead? There is a lot you can do with old clothes that makes getting rid of them feel more productive, sustainable, and manageable. Here are a few ideas:
Donate/sell
This option is best for items that are still in good shape but maybe don’t fit you or your style very well. Selling is usually more successful when your garment is a high-quality material or name brand. Donation requires less time and effort than selling and provides an easy and sustainable outlet for discarding your clothes.
Take pictures first
If you have an article of clothing that you love too much to get rid of outright but just don’t wear, take pictures in it before getting rid of it. That way, you can appreciate it without hoarding it–-plus, if there is something about it that you don’t like, you can always use safety pins, strategic angles, or other photography tricks to mask it.
Embrace the flaws
If your clothes are stained or otherwise damaged, you might not be able to wear them as they are, but with a little adaptation, you can work around the flaws. Stains and holes alike can be covered with patches or appliques. Depending on the stain, you might be able to dye or paint your clothes to match or hide the stain (tie-dye is another fun option). Holes can also be enlarged for an edgy look. Cropping shirts and enlarging the neckline are trendy ways to alter your clothes, too.
Layer
If you can’t wear something visibly for one reason or another, but it is otherwise in good shape, you can always layer it under something else for modesty or a little extra warmth.
UpcycleÂ
Anything you find undesirable about a garment can be fixed with upcycling. It does require a lot of work, but for items that have some charming quality that you feel bad about just getting rid of, this option might be right for you. Tailoring, cropping, lining/repurposing as lining, and combining with other textiles are just a few of the possibilities.Â
Pajamas/paint shirt
If a garment has no value for any other reason but is still reasonably comfortable, you can use it as loungewear or stain protectant. Sleepwear (if you go to bed clothed) is subject to a lot of friction in the bed, making it prone to damage–-so it might be beneficial to wear something that could be damaged without consequence. Messy activities, like painting or gardening, can ruin your nice clothes, so it may be in your best interest to wear clothes you don’t particularly care about whilst doing those activities.
Design a costumeÂ
If you really don’t care about being able to rewear something, go ahead and glue random things on it and wear it as a costume. Glue is a great way to affix things to a garment that can cover up stains and holes, but it isn’t suitable for higher-quality garments meant to be worn consistently. If you’re looking for a cheap, creative costume, this might be an option worth exploring.
Make a mannequin
If you are creative, you can use an old shirt (or possibly another article of clothing) and create a mannequin out of it for future projects. Simply put it on, wrap it tightly around yourself with tape, carefully cut it off, stuff it, and close it.Â