How long do you wear a piece of clothing before donating it?

[Anonymous]

Everyone doesn’t clothe themselves with the interest of having a low carbon footprint. Everyone doesn’t have an interest in buying the same types of clothing. Everyone doesn’t wear or fabric at be same rate of use.

Retail is a huge markup market that has an entire economic ecosystem built around consumer purchasing behavior and a constantly fluid environment.

Also, arguably, many designers are manufacturing with a lower quality production, period. Nordstrom’s liberal return policy came from standing behind their production standards.. as did the ability to establish a banking institution, much like Apple is now. Cost can be, but isnt always the driving factor of an investment piece.

The most I’ve spent on any article of clothing is $1000. I’d say that isn’t the highest price point, but it’s high. Most all of my designer pieces like YSL Chanel Dior are consigned. Women can have a market like this with clothes because of our buying behaviors. A lot of people shop to resell and make a living, too. I don’t get too bothered by that, it’s a pebble in a stream.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes never. I like the idea of giving people in need new things. Not just things that have been used. But as long as it is in good condition, I donate it. There are some things donation centers won’t take.

Please tell me you are not donating these new items to Goodwill or Salvation Army but to a very specific local organization. The vast majority of donated clothing just ends up in the landfill.

It is a myth that there are people out there in the 21st century in need of clothing (though there are groups in need of specific clothing, like professional wear, coats for kids etc, but the issue there is matching the people in need with the clothing that exists, not obtaining the clothing in the first place). The world is saturated with clothing. Even markets in the poorest parts of Africa that used to readily accept shiploads from Goodwill are now refusing because it is overflowing their trash piles. Clothing production damages the environment (most is made of plastic these days) and is totally unsustainable.

The best thing you can do, by far, is buy only what you need, buy higher quality (ie, natural fibers), wear your clothing for as long as possible, and donate to a local organization what you no longer use (they do a better job at matching specific needs than huge places like Goodwill).

Pp. I don’t mind goodwill or sa reselling items to help Puerto Rico victims in disaster areas, etc. it’s not a business, but it can’t non-profit doesn’t mean no-money. There are operational, staff, vocational rehabilitative costs. Etc.


That said, yes I donate there, Salvation Army, Vietnam veterans of America, SOME, my home church, local organizations, shelters, causes. I enjoy giving when I can and don’t discriminate.

Actually, it would be a good idea to do some discrimination about donating thoughtfully. https://scienceline.org/2018/06/the-troubled-second-life-of-donated-clothes/

Agree. And the point of donating should not be that you "enjoy" it. Without discriminating you are basically sending your clothes to the landfill the long route. You don't get to pat yourself on the back for that.

[Anonymous]

When it wears out or doesn't fit anymore. I've also started to rework / alter some of my pieces to give them a longer life.

[Anonymous]

Usually items get donated due to lack of use, rather than extended use. When it sits an extended period of time in my closet or drawer without being worn, then time to pass it on.

[Anonymous]

I recently lost a ton of weight so I have been donating clothes nonstop this past summer. Sized 14 women are going to have a great time with what I gave away, as all of it was in great condition.

[Anonymous]

The stuff I like, I’ll keep forever. Most of what I donate falls into the category of “never really fit right” or “that color looks bad on me.” Sometimes you don’t realize it until you’ve worn something a couple times and catch sight of yourself in a mirror.

[Anonymous]

I throw out stained or ruined clothes. If they are clean and look OK, I post them on my local WhatsApp group for free. They're always taken within an hour.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes never. I like the idea of giving people in need new things. Not just things that have been used. But as long as it is in good condition, I donate it. There are some things donation centers won’t take.

Please tell me you are not donating these new items to Goodwill or Salvation Army but to a very specific local organization. The vast majority of donated clothing just ends up in the landfill.

It is a myth that there are people out there in the 21st century in need of clothing (though there are groups in need of specific clothing, like professional wear, coats for kids etc, but the issue there is matching the people in need with the clothing that exists, not obtaining the clothing in the first place). The world is saturated with clothing. Even markets in the poorest parts of Africa that used to readily accept shiploads from Goodwill are now refusing because it is overflowing their trash piles. Clothing production damages the environment (most is made of plastic these days) and is totally unsustainable.

The best thing you can do, by far, is buy only what you need, buy higher quality (ie, natural fibers), wear your clothing for as long as possible, and donate to a local organization what you no longer use (they do a better job at matching specific needs than huge places like Goodwill).

Really? I regularly hit both goodwill and Salvation Army and see a lot of people in need shopping there. In line buying stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes never. I like the idea of giving people in need new things. Not just things that have been used. But as long as it is in good condition, I donate it. There are some things donation centers won’t take.

Please tell me you are not donating these new items to Goodwill or Salvation Army but to a very specific local organization. The vast majority of donated clothing just ends up in the landfill.

It is a myth that there are people out there in the 21st century in need of clothing (though there are groups in need of specific clothing, like professional wear, coats for kids etc, but the issue there is matching the people in need with the clothing that exists, not obtaining the clothing in the first place). The world is saturated with clothing. Even markets in the poorest parts of Africa that used to readily accept shiploads from Goodwill are now refusing because it is overflowing their trash piles. Clothing production damages the environment (most is made of plastic these days) and is totally unsustainable.

The best thing you can do, by far, is buy only what you need, buy higher quality (ie, natural fibers), wear your clothing for as long as possible, and donate to a local organization what you no longer use (they do a better job at matching specific needs than huge places like Goodwill).

Pp. I don’t mind goodwill or sa reselling items to help Puerto Rico victims in disaster areas, etc. it’s not a business, but it can’t non-profit doesn’t mean no-money. There are operational, staff, vocational rehabilitative costs. Etc.


That said, yes I donate there, Salvation Army, Vietnam veterans of America, SOME, my home church, local organizations, shelters, causes. I enjoy giving when I can and don’t discriminate.

Actually, it would be a good idea to do some discrimination about donating thoughtfully. https://scienceline.org/2018/06/the-troubled-second-life-of-donated-clothes/

Agree. And the point of donating should not be that you "enjoy" it. Without discriminating you are basically sending your clothes to the landfill the long route. You don't get to pat yourself on the back for that.

Exactly.

[Anonymous]

I see my salvation army bailing up clothes in large bales wrapped with wire. I asked them wear they ship the
bales (looked like 4' x 4' bales). They said they
ship to Baltimore and women make quilts out of the
clothes. I find this hard to believe.

[Anonymous]

Recycling clothes and other fabric items is a bigger problem for me than donations. So far I have taken bags to H&M but would love to learn about other local options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I see my salvation army bailing up clothes in large bales wrapped with wire. I asked them wear they ship the
bales (looked like 4' x 4' bales). They said they
ship to Baltimore and women make quilts out of the
clothes. I find this hard to believe.

Our garbage is getting shipped back to China - so they can repurpose it and sell it back to us!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some old favorites I've had for decades. Other pieces never worked for me and they go after a season. Or if they are cheap, after one wearing.

So much waste...

[Anonymous]

Probably 5-7 years or so.

[Anonymous]

I only wear things once. That way I never have to worry about washing/dry cleaning etc.