Laundry
24 Things To Do With Old Clothes
Jul
Every year, billions of pounds of clothing are thrown away — most of it still wearable or reusable. Whether you’re cleaning out your closet, changing your style, or simply downsizing, tossing old clothes into the trash should be the last option. Instead, turn them into something useful, profitable, or even beautiful.
This comprehensive guide outlines 24 practical, unique, and creative things you can do with old clothes. Whether you’re into crafts, sustainability, or just want to declutter responsibly, there’s something here for you.
1. Turn Old T-Shirts into DIY Tote Bags
T-shirts are soft, sturdy, and surprisingly versatile. One of the most popular and practical projects is turning them into reusable tote bags. You can use a sewing machine or even go completely no-sew by tying knots at the bottom.
Use it for: grocery shopping, gym clothes, beach trips, or library books.
2. Make a Memory Quilt
A memory quilt is a meaningful way to preserve the fabrics of your life — baby clothes, band t-shirts, team jerseys, uniforms, or pieces from special events. Cut your garments into squares and sew them together into a quilt top. Add a backing and some batting, and you’ve got a cozy keepsake.
Tip: If sewing isn’t your skill, many Etsy shops and local quilters offer custom memory quilt services.
3. Create a Braided Rag Rug
Cut old clothes into long strips, braid them together, and coil them into a rug. These work especially well in bathrooms, kitchens, or entryways.
Best materials: old jeans, flannel shirts, or thick cotton dresses.
4. Cut Them Into Cleaning Rags
Why buy paper towels or microfiber cloths when you can cut up old t-shirts, pajamas, or flannels into rags? They’re absorbent, washable, and cost nothing.
Use them for: cleaning windows, polishing silverware, washing your car, or wiping down counters.
5. Host a Clothing Swap
Get a group of friends or neighbors together and trade your unwanted clothing. What’s old to you may be a treasure to someone else. Add snacks, music, and a mirror, and it becomes a mini event.
Bonus: Leftovers can be donated to a shelter or charity afterward.
6. Sell Clothes Online or at a Flea Market
If your clothes are still in good shape, try selling them on platforms like Poshmark, Depop, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. Vintage, name brands, and unique pieces can sell quickly.
Tip: Take clear photos, write honest descriptions, and offer bundle discounts.
7. Donate to Shelters or Charities
There are many places that welcome donations of clean, wearable clothing:
- Homeless shelters
- Women’s crisis centers
- Refugee organizations
- Local churches or community centers
Call ahead to ask what they currently need.
8. Turn Denim into a Wall Organizer
Use the pockets of old jeans to create a hanging organizer. Sew them onto a fabric backing and attach to a hanger or dowel rod. Use it in your office, bathroom, or craft room.
9. Make Pet Clothes or Toys
If you have pets, you can use your old clothes to make:
- Small dog sweaters
- Catnip-stuffed mice
- Pet bedding covers
- Tug toys (just braid strips of fabric)
10. Sew Hair Accessories
Scrunchies, headbands, and hair ties are easy DIY projects that take just a few minutes and scraps of fabric. Old dresses, blouses, or pajamas work well.
11. Try Visible Mending
Visible mending is a growing trend where you repair worn spots and holes with colorful stitches or patches — on purpose. Not only does it extend the life of your clothes, but it also turns them into conversation pieces.
12. Make Pillow Covers
Transform button-up shirts, dresses, or skirts into stylish pillow covers. The button placket can double as a built-in closure.
Perfect for: couch cushions, reading nooks, or dorm rooms.
13. Use as Garden Ties or Plant Covers
Old t-shirts and leggings make soft plant ties that won’t cut into stems. You can also use larger garments to cover sensitive plants during unexpected frost.
14. Craft Drawer Sachets
Cut small squares from clothing, sew them into pouches, and fill them with dried lavender or cedar chips. These make great natural drawer fresheners.
15. Wrap Gifts in Fabric
Use scarves, flannel shirts, or large t-shirts as reusable gift wrap using the Japanese furoshiki method. It’s stylish, zero-waste, and surprisingly easy.
16. Make Iron-On Patches
Cut cool logos or artwork from old clothes and turn them into patches. Apply heat-activated adhesive or sew them onto jackets, bags, or jeans.
17. Use Fabric for Art Projects
Stretch colorful or patterned fabric over a wooden frame and use it as a backdrop for art, embroidery, or mixed media projects. Or simply hang it as a textile wall piece.
18. Sew Stuffed Toys
If you’re into sewing, turn soft, old clothes into stuffed animals or plush toys. This is especially sweet when using baby clothes for keepsakes.
19. Make a Pet Bed or Cat Hammock
Stuff an old sweatshirt with other fabric scraps, sew the openings shut, and you’ve got a soft pet bed. You can also turn old jeans or sturdy fabric into a DIY cat hammock using a small frame.
20. Weave a Wall Hanging
Using a basic loom or cardboard frame, weave strips of old fabric into a decorative wall hanging. It’s an easy way to add texture and color to your space without buying new materials.
21. Sew Reusable Napkins or Kitchen Towels
Cut and hem old shirts or sheets into napkin-sized squares. They’re great for everyday meals and save on disposable paper products.
22. Practice Altering or Sewing Skills
Use your old clothes as a test run to learn how to alter or sew. Try adding darts, adjusting hems, or completely redesigning garments.
23. Send to a Textile Recycling Program
Many municipalities or clothing brands offer textile recycling for items too worn to donate. These programs turn old fabric into industrial materials, insulation, or new textiles.
Check programs like:
- H&M Garment Collecting
- The American Textile Recycling Service
- Local city or county waste services
24. Build a Capsule Wardrobe from What You Have
Before you get rid of everything, reassess. Can any items be restyled, layered, or altered into something you’d actually wear again? You might be surprised how many basics you already own that can be repurposed into a minimalist, mix-and-match wardrobe.
Final Thoughts
Old clothes aren’t waste — they’re potential. Whether you upcycle them into something new, pass them along to someone in need, or use them for practical everyday tasks, you’re keeping fabric out of landfills and adding creativity to your life.
The next time you’re tempted to throw away that stretched-out shirt or faded pair of jeans, think again. With a little effort, your old clothes can live a second (or third) life.
