How to donate wearable clothes

What this guide covers

Steps to follow

1. 1

   Make a keep, repair and give pile

   Try on uncertain items. Keep what you use, put simple faults such as a loose button in a repair pile, and give items that are ready for another person.

2. 2

   Check each item as a recipient would

   Look at the front, back, cuffs, collar and underarms in good light. Test zips and fasteners. Empty every pocket and remove personal labels or notes.

3. 3

   Choose the route before you pack

   A charity shop is useful for saleable clothes. A clothes bank can have different rules. Read the bank sign or the named operator's page rather than relying on the word textiles.

4. 4

   Clean and dry the donation

   Remove odours and loose dirt. Let washed items dry fully. Fold them so that you can spot any damage that you missed.

5. 5

   Pack for the chosen service

   Use secure bags if the service asks for them. Keep sets together. Do not add hangers unless the recipient requests them.

6. 6

   Check the point when you arrive

   Confirm the operator name and accepted-item notice. If the shop cannot take the donation or the bank is full, keep the bags and use another route.

Choose reuse before textile recycling

• Offer valuable or specialist items to a suitable charity shop.
• Use local exchange groups or resale for items that need a specific size or buyer.
• Repair a small fault when the likely value and useful life make that practical.

Make the handover easy to process

• Close bags so that rain cannot get in.
• Keep sharp objects and loose batteries out of pockets.
• Ask before taking a very large donation to a small shop.

Other routes to consider

Repair or alteration

Use this for a sound item with a fixable zip, hem, seam or fit problem.

Sell or give directly

Resale sites, swap events and local reuse groups can match useful clothes to a new owner.

Confirmed textile recycling

Use a service that clearly accepts worn or damaged textiles when an item is not fit for reuse.

Related local and item guidance

• Recycle damaged clothes and textiles

  Sort items that are not suitable for another person to wear.

• Donate shoes, linen and duvets

  Check the different rules for paired shoes and household textiles.

• What to do when a clothes bank is full

  Keep donations safe and find another confirmed route.

Common questions

Must I wash every item before donation?

Give items clean, dry and ready to handle. Follow the charity's own condition rules. Do not donate an unhygienic item.

Can a charity shop use clothes that it cannot sell?

Some charities can raise funds through textile recycling, but this is not a rule for every shop. Ask the shop before you include damaged items.

Should I put clothes in a bag?

Follow the receiving service's instructions. A closed bag usually protects clothes in transit, but the service can specify a bag type or another handover method.

Can I donate uniforms or clothes with a company logo?

Ask the recipient first. Remove names and personal details. The organisation that issued workwear or a uniform can also have a return scheme.