Thredup and Reformation to Team Up to Turn Used Clothes into Shopping Credits

By Yelena Mandenberg Yelena Mandenberg has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team
Published on October 18, 2018

Thredup, the world’s largest online thrift store, and sustainable women’s brand, Reformation have teamed up to turn used clothes into shopping credits, in order to eliminate some of the waste created by the fashion industry.

They’ve created a way you can donate and upcycle your old clothes (provided they meet the guidelines – they’re strict about selling clothes in good condition, because, don’t you want to buy clothes that are in good condition?), and receive discounts on merchandise from various designer brands or a total shopping credit for Thredup. Check out the deal here.

It’s a pretty good trade for anyone, but the environmentally conscious buyer can appreciate this as well. With so many companies trying to find ways to evolve and decrease their eco-footprint, this collaboration is not the first of it’s kind, but definitely helps spread awareness about these new shopping systems.

Thredup CEO and founder James Reinhart says that the goal of Upcycle is to “extend the life of clothes and the positive impact reuse can have on our environment.” The company’s research says that about 26 billion pounds of clothing are dumped into landfills every year. The Fashion Spot reports that, when you sell or donate an item of clothing, “it extends its life on average by 2.2 years, reducing its carbon, waste and water footprint by 73 percent.”

From companies that are dedicated to using only recyclable materials in their clothing to companies that sponsor thrift stores or sessions, environmentally conscious fashion brands seem to be the future.

Reformation is one of those brands. Their clothing is made from “TENCEL (a branded lyocell semi-synthetic fiber that closely resembles cotton, made by Austrian company Lenzing from renewable wood materials), and viscose (fiber made from renewable plant material).” Prices vary, but are on the upper end. However, you know you’re getting quality clothes that didn’t disrupt the environment.

The collab website explains that, “Americans now buy 5 times as much clothing as they did in 1980. Between 1999 and 2009, the volume of textile trash rose by 40 percent.” If they don’t end up re-selling the garments you’ve sent in, they will responsibly recycle them for you. So either way, it’s a great way to clean out your closet and get rid of the clothes you never wear. And we all know we have those.

And if you don’t feel like you want to ship all that out – it’s very likely that shops near you will take your old clothing and help upcycle it. Many thrift shops engage in environmentally ethical practices, and will actually sell what you bring them, as well as pay you a fair amount. Stores like H&M now take back old clothing as well and give you discounts or shopping credits. This field will be growing, so keep an eye out.

By Yelena Mandenberg Yelena Mandenberg has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team

Journalist verified by Muck Rack verified

Yelena Mandenberg is the Ideas Editor at Grit Daily with a passion for news of all sorts. Finishing Brooklyn College with a degree in Print Media Journalism as the industry died out, she began working as a freelancer.After spending some time working in the retail industry, Yelena started BK Riot Writing, a marketing company that caters to small and local businesses, creating content that helps them compete. From her South Brooklyn apartment where she lives with her cat & tortoise, Yelena is always seeking something new and interesting to cover.

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