Guide · Giving
How to give away clothes so they actually get worn
Donation bins are easy, but a big share of donated clothing never reaches a person who wears it. Giving clothes directly to someone in the right size takes a little more effort and almost guarantees a second life. Here's how to do it well.
By the Gift N Thrift team · Updated 2026-10-01 · SOTF Express Publishing, LLC
Step 1: Sort into three piles
Go through one closet or one bin at a time. Make three piles:
- Give: clean, no holes or heavy stains, zippers and buttons work. Would you hand it to a friend? Then it's a give.
- Repair or repurpose: a missing button, a small seam split. Fix it in five minutes or move it to the next pile.
- Recycle: stained, torn, stretched out. These go to textile recycling, not to a person.
Be strict. Giving away worn-out clothes doesn't help anyone. It just moves the trash.
Step 2: Clean and check sizes
Wash everything, and remove pet hair. Then write down the size from the tag. If the tag is cut out, measure: for adults, armpit-to-armpit and length; for kids, compare against a garment with a known size.
Group kids' clothes by size and season — “Girls 4T, summer, 8 pieces” is a listing parents jump on.
Step 3: Photograph it like you'd want to see it
- Lay it flat on a plain surface in daylight.
- One full-front photo, one of the back, one of the size tag.
- Close-up of any flaw. Honesty prevents disappointment.
- For bundles, one group shot plus a few individual pieces.
Step 4: Choose where to give it
| Option | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Gift N Thrift | Specific sizes, kids' clothes, shoes, anything that should reach a particular person anywhere in the US | You pack and ship (the claimer pays postage) or arrange pickup |
| Buy Nothing / local free groups | Quick local handoffs | Only reaches your neighborhood |
| Community closets, shelters, schools | Basics in high demand: coats, kids' clothes, work clothes | Call first; needs vary |
| Thrift stores | Large mixed bags | Much of it may be resold in bulk or exported |
| Textile recycling | Worn-out items only | Not reuse, but better than landfill |
Step 5: List it at $0 and let it go
On Gift N Thrift you choose PICKUP (the claimer collects it for free), SHIP (the claimer pays postage plus a $2 packing buffer and a $2.99 fee, and you get a prepaid label), or both. You never set a price, and you never pay anything to list.
When it's claimed, pack it in a poly mailer, add the label, and drop it off. Our shipping guide covers packing tricks that keep postage low for the claimer.
What not to give away
- Used underwear and socks (new in package is welcome).
- Anything recalled — some kids' sleepwear and drawstring hoodies have been recalled.
- Clothes with smoke, mildew or pet odor that washing didn't remove.
Why direct giving beats the bin
The EPA estimates the US generated about 13 million tons of clothing and footwear waste in 2018, and roughly 9 million tons of it went to landfill. Bins and thrift stores do valuable work, but they receive far more than they can sell. A listing aimed at one person in one size skips that bottleneck. More numbers in our textile waste facts.
Frequently asked questions
How can I give away clothes for free?
List them at $0 on Gift N Thrift with photos and sizes. Choose pickup, shipping, or both. The claimer pays any postage. Listing is free.
What's the most eco-friendly way to get rid of clothes?
Give wearable clothes directly to someone who will wear them, repair what's fixable, and send only truly worn-out textiles to recycling.
Can I give away clothes online and have them shipped?
Yes. On SHIP claims the claimer pays postage plus $2 and a $2.99 fee, and you receive a prepaid label.
Do I get a tax deduction?
Giving to an individual isn't the same as giving to a charity, so don't count on a deduction. Ask a tax professional about your own situation.
