As time goes by, it is normal for clothes to accumulate in our closets. Often, clothes that go out of style, that we no longer like as much or that we have worn many times, start to take up space without knowing what to do with them. In these cases, looking for stores that pay for used clothing It can be an interesting option. In addition to avoiding waste, you could recover some money for clothes you no longer use.
We don't always know what to do with this type of clothing so as not to throw it away. Fortunately, today there are many alternatives to donate, sell or exchange our clothes, prolonging their useful life and doing our bit towards more responsible consumption.
In this article, we'll tell you which are the best stores that pay for used clothing and offer you tips on what to do with it to get the most out of it.
What to do with used clothing in good condition
The first step is to reorganize our closets and gather all the clothes we no longer wear. It is important that these clothes are in good condition if we plan to sell or exchange them. This is especially true for those pieces that are almost new, branded or of good quality, as they can have a significant value on the second-hand market.
If you have clothes that you no longer know what to do with, donating them to non-profit organizations is always a great option. It is also possible to exchange them in markets or barter groups, which allows you to exchange clothes that you no longer use for items or accessories that better suit your current tastes and needs.
Textile recycling and reusing clothing help extend the life of products, reducing the production of new garments and their environmental impacts. It is estimated that up to one million tons of clothing are recycled in Spain each year, a figure that reflects a significant effort towards sustainability.
In addition to saving water and energy by reducing clothing production, textile recycling contributes to reducing environmental pollution. Microfibres from the textile industry account for more than 80% of ocean pollution, so every garment that is reused or recycled is a step towards a cleaner world.
Buy second-hand clothes
Buying second-hand clothing has gained popularity worldwide, with more and more people turning to these alternatives instead of buying new garments. Among the main advantages of buying used clothing are affordable prices and the possibility of finding high-quality items at a fraction of their original price.
In addition, second-hand clothing often includes unique and exclusive pieces that allow you to create a more varied and personal wardrobe. Second-hand stores offer the opportunity to mix clothes from different decades and styles, making the process of dressing more creative and sustainable.
Joining the sustainable fashion trend is beneficial not only for your pocket, but also for the environment. As mentioned above, textile microfibres are one of the main sources of ocean pollution, and reducing the demand for new clothing also reduces the production of these fibres.
Options for selling second-hand clothes
There are numerous ways to sell clothes you no longer wear, both online and in physical stores. Some of the most popular options are:
- Thrift shopping: Many brick-and-mortar stores will buy used clothing, offering you cash or store credit. It is also possible to sell clothing at flea markets or secondhand fairs.
- Online platforms: Sites like Vinted, Wallapop y micolet They offer the possibility of selling used clothing through their platforms, allowing you to reach a much wider audience.
- Charities: Stores of organizations such as the Red Cross o Caritas They also accept used clothing, selling it in their shops to fund their charitable activities.
- garage sales: Organizing a garage sale or yard sale can be a fun and effective way to get rid of clothes you no longer need.
- Trades: Barter groups and exchange fairs are an interesting alternative to exchange clothes for other garments or accessories.
Stores that pay for your used clothes
There are many stores that are willing to pay you for your used clothes, especially if they are in good condition. Here are some options:
- H&M: For every bag of clothes you deliver, H&M will reward you with a 5 euro discount coupon. In addition, if you bring your own bag for delivery, you can earn additional points that are added to your user profile in the store.
- Kiabi: The Kiabi store accepts used clothing in exchange for 5 euro discount vouchers. You just need to pack up your used clothing and take it to the store or send it through their app.
- Unequal: With its sustainability initiative, Desigual offers you a €10 discount for every three items you deliver to its physical stores.
- Forum Sport: By handing in five used sports items at selected Forum Sport stores, you can get a 10 euro voucher.
Home collection of clothes and options to sell by the kilo
For those who have large quantities of clothing, selling it by the kilo can be a quicker and easier option. There are companies specialising in collecting clothes from your home that buy used fabrics by weight, making a prior assessment of the condition of the garments.
Some shops and cooperatives, such as micolet o PERCENTILE, offer home collection services. It is also possible to access this service in cities such as Barcelona, where communities such as Solidarity y Training and Work They are responsible for the collection, classification and recycling of textiles.
This home collection service is ideal for those who want to get rid of large amounts of clothing without worrying about transport. Also known as «fast fashion» or fast fashion, this model helps to give a second life to clothes that are no longer used, making their reuse or recycling possible.
Companies that buy used clothing often grade items based on their condition. Items in good condition or brand names are evaluated individually, while the rest are purchased by weight.
If you are looking for a convenient and easy option, stores that offer home pickup are an excellent alternative.
For those interested, there are also several organizations that accept used clothing as donations, giving it to people in need or recycling fabrics that can no longer be reused.
With all these alternatives, it's now much easier to find a destination for the clothes you no longer wear. Whether by selling them, exchanging them or donating them, you'll prevent them from becoming waste, helping to reduce the environmental footprint of fashion consumption and generating additional profits. Make sure to check out all the options available in your area before deciding on one.