When I recently did a major wardrobe clear-out, I found myself staring at a drawer full of old underwear and asking a simple question: do charity shops take underwear?

While donating clothes is second nature to many of us in the UK, underwear tends to fall into a grey area. So I decided to dig a little deeper, and here’s what I discovered.

Why I Looked Into Donating Underwear in the First Place

Like many people, I’ve become more conscious about sustainability and reducing textile waste. Throwing away perfectly usable items just doesn’t sit right with me.

But when it comes to underwear—especially used pieces—I wasn’t sure what the right approach was. That led me to research charity shop donation policies, recycling options, and hygiene guidelines.

Do Charity Shops Take Underwear?

Generally speaking, most charity shops in the UK do not accept used underwear, regardless of how clean or lightly worn they are.

It’s primarily due to health and hygiene concerns. Underwear, by its very nature, is considered an intimate item, and charities often have strict policies to avoid any potential risk to staff or customers.

However, there are exceptions:

• New and unworn underwear, preferably with tags still attached, is often accepted.
• Some charity shops may take packaged underwear, particularly during clothing drives or for homeless support initiatives.

Always call ahead or check a charity’s website before including underwear in your donation bag.

Which Charities Accept Bras or New Underwear in the UK?

While pants and knickers are usually a no-go, bras are a different story. Several UK-based charities and organisations accept new or gently used bras for donation, and some even send them overseas to women in need.

Here’s a quick comparison of who accepts what:

Charity Name	Accepts Bras	Accepts New Underwear	Accepts Used Underwear
Smalls for All	Yes	Yes	No
Against Breast Cancer	Yes	Yes	No
Oxfam	Sometimes	Yes	No
British Heart Foundation	Rarely	Yes	No

These organisations often provide postal addresses or donation drop-off points. If you’re unsure, check their websites for up-to-date guidance.

What Should I Do With Used Underwear That Can’t Be Donated?

If your underwear is used, damaged, or just not suitable for donation, don’t throw it in the bin just yet. Textile recycling is a much better alternative to do with the underwear and readily available throughout the UK.

What Are the Common Options for Recycling Underwear?

• Council textile recycling bins – Often located in supermarket car parks or near recycling centres.
• Clothes banks – Many accept all types of clothing for sorting and recycling.
• Retailer take-back schemes – Some brands like H&M or M&S have garment collection points.

These facilities either recycle the fabric or send it to industrial textile reuse centres, where materials are broken down and repurposed into things like insulation, industrial rags, or mattress stuffing.

Is It Safe and Hygienic to Donate Underwear?

It’s a fair concern—and one that charities take seriously. Because of hygiene standards, even clean used underwear is usually declined.

In contrast, new and sealed underwear is considered safe, especially when donated directly to organisations that support refugees, homeless individuals, or vulnerable communities.

If you’re donating new items, make sure:

• They’re still in packaging or have the original tags
• You clearly label the bag
• Items are clean and unused

What Are Tips for Donating Clothing Responsibly in the UK?

Over the years, I’ve learned that donating responsibly means more than just offloading unwanted stuff. Here’s a quick checklist I now follow:

• Wash everything before donating
• Check what your local shop actually accepts
• Separate undergarments from general clothing
• Clearly label bags with “new underwear” if applicable
• Use official donation drop-off points or postal programs

This helps avoid waste and ensures that your good intentions don’t create more work for charity shop volunteers.

Can I Donate Underwear Online or by Post?

Yes! Some brilliant organisations allow you to post donations directly to them—especially when it comes to bras and new underwear. For example:

• Smalls for All has a postal donation program supporting women and girls in Africa.
• Post Your Panties (an initiative from several smaller charities) accepts brand new packaged underwear for distribution to shelters and aid centres.

These are ideal options if you live far from a major charity shop or prefer a more direct route.

What I Learned About Donating Underwear in the UK?

Through this journey, I learned answer for do charity shops take underwear, and it isn’t as straightforward as other clothes, but there are still ethical ways to dispose of or rehome them.

Whether it’s donating new items to specialised charities or recycling used ones responsibly, there’s always a better alternative to throwing them in the bin.

So the next time you’re clearing out your drawers, take a moment to check your options. It’s a small act—but one that can make a meaningful difference.

What Are FAQs About Do Charity Shops Take Underwear?

1. Can I donate socks or tights?

Generally, only new and unworn socks or tights are accepted. Used items should go into textile recycling.

2. Are sports bras and shapewear accepted?

Yes, in many cases! Gently used sports bras are often accepted by bra donation charities. Shapewear, if clean and lightly worn, may be suitable too.

3. What happens to underwear sent for recycling?

Most textiles are shredded and reused in industrial settings. Some may be exported to countries where textile reuse is more common.