Think your old jeans or that blouse you wore once last winter are just taking up space in your closet? You’re not alone. Most people hold onto clothes they never wear-not because they love them, but because they don’t know what to do with them. Enter buy-back programs: a simple way to turn unused clothes into store credit, clear out clutter, and shop smarter without spending more cash. This isn’t just a trend-it’s a practical shift in how people build wardrobes on a budget while cutting down on waste.
How Buy-Back Programs Actually Work
Buy-back programs let you send in gently used clothing from specific brands in exchange for store credit. It’s not recycling. It’s not donation. It’s a direct trade. You send your clothes. They inspect them. They give you credit. You use that credit to buy something new-often at a discount.
Brands like Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, REI, and Madewell have had these programs running for years. They don’t just take anything. They look for items in good condition: no stains, no rips, no stretched-out elastic. The cleaner and more recent the piece, the more credit you get. A barely worn Eileen Fisher linen dress might earn you $40. A pair of worn-out Madewell jeans? Maybe $15. It’s not about the original price-it’s about resale value.
Here’s how the process breaks down:
- Check if your brand offers a buy-back program (most list it on their website under "Sustainability" or "Take Back").
- Sort through your closet. Pick items you haven’t worn in 6+ months.
- Wash and fold them neatly. No need to dry clean-just clean.
- Print a free shipping label from the brand’s site and mail them in.
- Wait 2-3 weeks. You’ll get an email with your credit amount and a code to use online.
You don’t need to be a fashion expert. You just need to be honest about the condition. Brands know the difference between "worn with love" and "discarded." If you’re unsure, take a photo before sending. Most programs let you see the credit estimate before you ship.
Why Store Credit Beats Cash
You might wonder: why not just sell on Poshmark or Depop? It’s easier, right? Not always. Selling online takes time-taking photos, writing descriptions, answering messages, shipping packages, dealing with returns. And you don’t always get paid right away. Some sellers wait weeks for buyers.
Store credit is instant. No hassle. No waiting. And here’s the kicker: most programs give you 10-30% more credit than you’d get selling privately. Why? Because the brand knows they can resell your item at full price later. They’re not trying to undercut you-they’re trying to bring you back.
For example, if you trade in a $120 Patagonia fleece, you might get $50 in store credit. On Poshmark, you’d likely sell it for $30-$40 after fees and shipping. Plus, you get to use that $50 right away on something new. That’s real savings.
Which Brands Have the Best Buy-Back Programs?
Not all programs are created equal. Some are generous. Others are strict. Here’s what’s working right now in 2025:
| Brand | Credit Value | Eligible Items | Expiration | Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patagonia | Up to 50% of original price | Worn or unworn gear (all conditions) | Never expires | Free |
| Eileen Fisher | 30-50% of original price | 100% natural fiber pieces only | Never expires | Free |
| Madewell | $20 per pair of jeans, $10-$30 for other items | Jeans, tops, dresses | 1 year | Free |
| REI | Up to 70% of original price | Outdoor gear, apparel | Never expires | Free |
| Everlane | Up to $50 total credit | Any Everlane item | 1 year | Free |
Patagonia leads the pack. They take even worn-out items and repair or recycle them. Eileen Fisher is the most selective-they only take natural fibers (cotton, linen, wool, silk) and pay top dollar for them. Madewell is the easiest for casual shoppers. REI is ideal if you own outdoor gear. Everlane caps your credit, but it’s simple and fast.
What You Shouldn’t Trade In
Not every item qualifies. Avoid sending these:
- Undergarments or swimwear (hygiene reasons)
- Items with strong odors (smoke, perfume, mildew)
- Stained or torn clothing (even if you love it)
- Items from other brands (most programs only take their own products)
- Accessories like belts, scarves, or shoes (unless specified)
One person sent in a $200 coat with a small stain on the cuff. Got rejected. Another sent in a pair of unworn boots with the tags still on. Got $100 credit. It’s not about how much you paid-it’s about condition and demand.
How to Maximize Your Credit
Want to get the most out of your trade-in? Here’s how:
- Wait for seasonal promotions. Some brands double credit during Earth Day or Black Friday.
- Bundle your items. Sending 5+ pieces often triggers bonus credit (Madewell sometimes adds $10 extra).
- Trade in before you shop. That way, you know exactly how much you have to spend.
- Use credit on sale items. Many programs let you combine store credit with sales-so you can get even more value.
- Keep receipts. Some brands give higher credit if you can prove you bought it full price.
One New York resident traded in six Madewell items-two jeans, two tops, a dress, and a jacket. Got $135 in credit. Used it to buy a new winter coat on sale for $140. Paid only $5 out of pocket. That’s how budget fashion works.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
Every year, Americans throw away 11.3 million tons of clothing. Less than 15% gets recycled. The rest ends up in landfills or gets shipped overseas, where it often piles up in unsellable heaps.
Buy-back programs cut that cycle. They keep clothes in use longer. They reduce the need for new production. And they give people like you a way to refresh your wardrobe without guilt or overspending.
It’s not just about saving money. It’s about changing how you think about clothes. Instead of buying something new every season, you’re building a system: wear, trade, repeat. That’s the real win.
What Happens to Your Clothes After You Send Them?
Some brands resell your items as secondhand. Others repair and relabel them. Patagonia’s Worn Wear program fixes damaged gear and sells it online at 50% off. Eileen Fisher re-dyes and re-stitches pieces into new styles. Madewell sends worn jeans to a partner that turns them into insulation for homes.
You’re not just getting credit. You’re helping close the loop. And that’s worth more than the dollar amount.
Start Small. Think Long-Term.
You don’t need to clean out your whole closet at once. Start with one item. A blouse you never wore. A pair of shoes that pinched. A sweater that went out of style. Send it in. Get your credit. Buy something you actually love.
That’s the rhythm of smart, sustainable fashion. No extremes. No guilt. Just steady, simple choices that add up.
Next time you’re scrolling through your closet and think, "I’ll wear this someday," ask yourself: "Is that true-or am I just holding onto it?" If it’s the latter, trade it in. Your wallet-and the planet-will thank you.
Can I trade in clothes from any brand?
Most buy-back programs only accept items from their own brand. Patagonia takes Patagonia. Madewell takes Madewell. Some exceptions exist, like REI’s program that accepts outdoor gear from other brands if they’re in excellent condition-but this is rare. Always check the brand’s policy before shipping.
Do I need to pay for shipping?
No. All major programs offer free return shipping. You’ll print a label from their website, stick it on your box, and drop it at any UPS or USPS location. Some even let you schedule a pickup at your door.
How long does it take to get store credit?
Most brands process trade-ins within 2-3 weeks. You’ll get an email with your credit amount and a code. Some, like Everlane, send it faster-sometimes in under a week. If it’s been over 4 weeks, check your spam folder or contact customer service.
Can I use store credit with other discounts?
Usually, yes. Most brands let you combine store credit with seasonal sales, student discounts, or loyalty rewards. But you can’t stack multiple promo codes. Always check the fine print-some programs restrict credit use on already discounted items.
What if my item gets rejected?
If your item doesn’t meet their standards, most programs will return it to you-for free. You’ll get an email explaining why. If you don’t want it back, some brands will recycle it for you. You won’t get credit, but you won’t have to deal with it either.
Want to keep building a smarter wardrobe? Start with one trade-in this month. Then do it again next season. Over time, you’ll spend less, own less, and feel better about what you wear.