Bras are essential undergarments that provide women of all ages comfort and support. Sadly, these essentials face a sad fate when they're past their prime.
But as they are with us through all events and journeys of life, it’s hard to let go sometimes. Based on a survey by Wacoal, 61% of women prefer not to dispose of unused bras as trash. So how do we dispose of our well-loved bras? What if there was a way to give your old bras a new life?
Before we answer all of these questions, first of all let’s clear up our definition of what an “old bra” actually is.
How Do You Know If A Bra Is Old?
1. Your bra is old if it’s lost its shape and support
Bra fit problems can be normal, but old bras are a different story. For example; stretched-out bands, bra cups that overflow or deformed bra underwires can hinder the bra in providing proper support for your breasts. What’s worse is that an exposed underwire that pokes out can dig into your skin and cause much more damage than just an uncomfortable feeling.
2. A bra is old if there are signs of wear and tear
Visible fraying, rips, or pilling on the fabric are signs of significant wear and tear. You can also look into broken hooks and clasps as indicators that your bra’s hardware that doesn't fasten securely is frustrating and can damage other clothes.
3. Old bras reduce the comfort they provide
Even if you bought the most comfortable bra out there— a worn-out bra can cause discomfort due to rough fabric or ill-fitting straps, which can then cause irritation or itching. There’s also the possibility of digging straps or bands that feel too tight are signs the bra needs replacing.
What To Do With Old Bras
1. Donate your old bras to Wacoal's Bra Recycling Initiative
We understand how underwear can have a limited life capacity to provide the expected support, that’s why Wacoal created a program designed to transform pre-loved bras into something remarkable.
Women can bring their old, worn-out, or ill-fitting bras to any Wacoal store location near you. The store will provide special bra recycling bags that can contain approximately 4 bras for discreet collection. Then deposit your old bras in our bra recycling bin, which can be used in a couple of ways:
- Fuel Conversion: Bras can be broken down and transformed into a type of alternative fuel called "Fluff Fuel." This fuel source can then be used in cement production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Material Recycling: In some cases, bras might be recycled to create new materials like recycled yarn. These materials can then be used to manufacture new clothing items, closing the loop on the textile lifecycle.
What’s more exciting is, Wacoal will be giving you a Wacoal Katsa bag in return for your donation!
So go ahead and drop off your bra bins at these Wacoal Boutiques:
- UPTOWN Mall, BGC
- Mitsukoshi Mall, BGC
- Venice Grand Canal Mall
- Okada Manila
- Newport World Resorts
- SM Megamall
- Eastwood Mall
- Vertis North
- Robinsons Place Manila
- Festival Mall Alabang
- Vista Mall Laguna
- Centrio Mall, CDO
- SM Seaside, Cebu
- Evia Lifestyle Mall
Or visit our Direct Sales Branches at:
- Makati - 3rd floor, Makati Skyplaza Building, 6788 Ayala Avenue, Makati City
- Quezon City - 2F, JR Building 1520 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
- Alabang - GF Entrata Urban Complex, Filinvest Corp. Alabang
- Pampanga - Unit 7B G/F Northwalk 1 Complex, Gapan Olangapo Road, Jasa, Dolores, San Fernando City Pampanga
- Davao - Door #2, Regina Commercial Complex C.M. Recto Avenue, Davao City
- Iloilo - GF Guadarrama-Jalandoni Bldg., J.M Basa cor. Ortiz St., Iloilo City
- Cebu - 3F, JL Building, Don Jose cor. Don Gil St., Capitol Site, Cebu City
- Cagayan De Oro - Door # 1 EL Elyon Building Cruz Taal Cor. Tiano Bros St. Divisoria, Cagayan De Oro City
- Tacloban - Door A Zabalana Bldg 101, Gomez St Bray 17, Tacloban City
Do your old yet reliable support systems a favor and bring new purpose to them by helping us convert your old bras into a new source of environmentally friendly energy.
2. Repurpose old bras into something else
Even if you know how to take care of your bra, if it’s time then let it be. You can bring new life to it by getting creative!
The fabric and materials in old bras can be repurposed for various crafting projects like using the bra cups for pin cushions, stuffing for plushies, or creating coasters from the straps.
With some sewing skills, you can even repurpose the cups into small pouches as travel organizers for your toiletries, jewelry, or other travel essentials.
If you’re up for a challenge, then transform old bras into other clothing items like headbands, or even attach them to existing clothing items like tops and whatnot!
You can think outside the box to make sure they have a new life after.
3. Old bras need responsible bra disposal
Old bras aren’t like any other clothing item you can freely give away to donation drives and thrift markets. But check out some local recycling centers if they accept this material.
If your bras have metal clasps or underwires, you might need to remove them before disposal. Some recycling centers may not accept items with metal components. These clasps can be recycled separately at designated metal recycling facilities.
Why can’t you just donate old bras or under?
While donating clothes is a great way to be sustainable, there are some limitations with undergarments like bras and underwear.
Here's why they might not be accepted by donation drives or thrift markets:
- Hygiene Concerns: Underwear comes in close contact with the body, raising hygiene concerns for potential recipients. Even gently used items might carry some level of discomfort for those receiving them.
- Condition and Fit: Bras and underwear are highly personal items with specific size and support needs. Donated items may not fit well for someone else, and worn-out undergarments wouldn't provide the necessary support or comfort.
- Marketability: Thrift stores and donation drives prioritize items that are likely to sell. Underwear, due to the reasons mentioned above, might be less appealing to potential buyers and take up valuable space for other donations.
Recycle your old bras with Wacoal!
From recycling initiatives like Wacoal's to creative DIY projects, there are plenty of ways to give your old bras a new lease on life.
Launched a decade ago, Wacoal’s Bra Recycling campaign has evolved into a transformative force in responsible consumption and environmental consciousness. The initiative encourages customers to deposit old bras at any Wacoal stand-alone store, regardless of the brand.
So before tossing them in the trash, consider these sustainable options. And if convenience is key, participating in Wacoal's Bra Recycling Initiative allows you to easily contribute to a greener future for fashion. Remember, every recycled bra makes a difference!
