At some point, we all face the same question: what should you do with your old underwear? Whether it’s a worn-out pair of cotton underwear or pouch underwear that's lost its shape, it can feel wasteful to toss it straight into the bin. At Crossfly, we believe in performance, comfort, and longevity — and that includes making thoughtful decisions about what happens when it's time to part ways with your favourites.
This guide offers a few ideas to handle old men’s underwear and socks in ways that are practical and more environmentally conscious.
Why Does Underwear Wear Out?
Even the best socks for men and high-performance underwear will eventually show signs of wear. Fabrics stretch, elastics fade, and breathability lessens over time. Although Crossfly underwear is designed with durable modal and cotton blends that provide long-lasting testicular support, everything has its lifecycle. Understanding what causes underwear to age helps you choose better replacements and decide what to do when a pair has reached the end of its usefulness.
Can You Recycle Underwear?
You can’t typically recycle underwear through your usual household bins. However, some UK clothing banks and textile recycling centres do accept underwear and socks, even if they’re damaged. These items are often shredded and repurposed into industrial rags or insulation materials.
Services such as Recycle Now can guide you to locations that take worn-out garments. It’s best to wash items first and label them as textiles.
Creative Ways to Repurpose Old Underwear
If your old men’s underwear isn’t in donation-worthy condition but still has life left in it, consider repurposing it:
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Cleaning cloths: Modal and cotton underwear make excellent dust cloths.
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Stuffing: Use cut-up material as filler for cushions, pet beds, or draft excluders.
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Gardening ties: Soft elastic waistbands are great for gently tying plants without damage.
For socks, especially older pairs of our Crossfly socks for men, you can reuse them as shoe polish cloths or hand warmers by filling them with rice and microwaving for a few seconds.
The Case for Buying Better Underwear
Investing in quality underwear means buying fewer replacements and reducing textile waste. Breathable designs like our pouch underwear offer comfort and scrotal support while holding up to regular wear and washing.
Crossfly products are crafted with thoughtful materials like modal and combed cotton, known for their softness and longevity. With flat toe seams, ball support, and moisture-wicking properties, our men’s underwear and socks are made to last — meaning you’ll throw out fewer pairs over time.
Donating Underwear: Is It an Option?
While donation centres generally do not accept used underwear, new and unworn items (still in packaging) can be donated to homeless shelters or charity shops. If you’ve got unopened packs or gifts that don’t fit, these could make a real difference for someone in need.
At Crossfly, we’re proud to offer underwear for men that stands the test of time. Choosing breathable, high-quality items means you’ll feel better while reducing waste. When it does come time to let go, you’ll now have the tools to do it responsibly.
Looking for underwear that goes the distance? Explore our full range of Crossfly underwear and socks for men. If you have any questions or want help finding the right fit, feel free to contact us — we’re always happy to help.
