Staring at a wardrobe bursting with clothes you never wear is a universal experience. That pile of denim in the corner or the stack of sweaters collecting dust takes up physical space while adding unnecessary mental clutter.
While tossing everything in a donation bin feels efficient, a smarter way exists to handle those unwanted garments. You can clear out space and earn money toward pieces you actually want to wear.
Retailers increasingly recognize the value circularly. To encourage sustainability and customer loyalty, many brands now offer trade-in programs. You hand over your gently used items, and they hand over store credit or discounts. It keeps textiles out of landfills and keeps cash in your pocket.
Below is a guide to the best buy-back and recycling programs available right now, including what they accept and how to maximize your return. If these don’t turn out or you don’t have these brands, reselling is always an option for the nicer garments in your closet too.
1. Madewell
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Madewell leads the way with its “Madewell Forever” initiative, one of the most accessible denim recycling programs around. Simply bring any pair of jeans (from any brand and in any condition) into a retail store to receive a $20 credit toward a new pair. Since quality denim is an investment, this is a fantastic way to lower the cost of an upgrade.
If you can’t make it to a store, you can participate via their partnership with ThredUp. Just print a free shipping label and mail your old jeans to receive your $20 credit. You can even include other clothing, shoes, or handbags, which may earn you additional store credit if they sell on the platform.
Pro Tip: For in-store drop-offs, condition doesn’t matter. Madewell recycles unwearable denim into housing insulation, so even your most heavily distressed pairs qualify for the discount.
2. Patagonia
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Outdoor enthusiasts know that Patagonia gear holds its value well. The brand’s “Worn Wear” program allows you to trade in functional gear that you no longer use. Accepted items include men’s, women’s, and kids’ clothing, as well as luggage. You can drop these items off at a store or mail them in for a small shipping fee.
The credit amount depends on the item type and condition. For a heavy-duty parka or technical shell, that credit adds up quickly.
Pro Tip: Patagonia is strict about functionality. Zippers must work, and there should be no major rips. Wash your items thoroughly before trading them in to maximize the likelihood of acceptance.
3. Lululemon
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Activewear is notorious for being difficult to recycle, but Lululemon has changed the narrative with its “Like New” program. You can trade in gently used Lululemon gear, including leggings, tops, and jackets, at participating stores. In return, you receive an e-gift card usable online or in-store.
The trade-in values vary. You might get $5 for tank tops and up to $25 for outerwear. It provides a fantastic opportunity to refresh your gym rotation without paying full price for premium athletic wear.
Pro Tip: Check the seams and logos carefully. They will not accept items with peeling logos, pilling, or stretched-out elastic.
4. H&M
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H&M offers perhaps the most accessible recycling program for the average shopper. You will find a garment collecting box next to the checkout counter in nearly every store. They accept textiles of any brand and in any condition. This includes mismatched socks, old sheets, and t-shirts with holes.
For every bag of textiles you drop off, you receive a voucher for 15% off (on one item) on your next purchase. It is a straightforward way to handle items that are too worn to be donated to a thrift store or sold on consignment.
Pro Tip: Keep a dedicated bag in your laundry room for items that get ruined or stained. Once the bag is full, take it to H&M, so you always have a discount voucher ready.
5. Levi’s
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Vintage Levi’s are a commodity, and the brand knows it. Their SecondHand trade-in program invites customers to bring used jeans and denim jackets back to the source. A store stylist assesses the age, condition, and original price of the items to determine a trade-in value. You then receive a gift card ranging from $5 to $30.
This program specifically looks for men’s and women’s denim. The gift card can be used to purchase new items or snag a unique vintage piece from their SecondHand collection online.
Pro Tip: You can trade in up to five items per visit. Make an appointment if you have a large batch to save time during the evaluation process.
7. Eileen Fisher
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Eileen Fisher’s “Renew” program is a pioneer in the fashion take-back space. You can bring any Eileen Fisher garment back to their stores or ship it to their recycling center. Regardless of the condition, you receive a $5 reward card for each piece.
The brand cleans and resells the items in excellent condition. Pieces with flaws are often remade into entirely new designs or felted into art and home decor. It is a robust system that ensures nothing goes to waste.
Pro Tip: The $5 reward accumulates. If you have a stack of old tunics or pants from this brand, you could cover a significant portion of a new purchase.
Start Earning From Your Wardrobe
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Your closet likely holds hundreds of dollars in untapped value. Instead of letting those clothes sit in the dark, sort through them this weekend. Separate them by brand and condition to figure out which program offers the best return for your specific items. You will clear your space and fund your next favorite outfit in the process (just don’t get carried away and accumulate more stuff you won’t ever wear).