Can You Donate Underwear to Op Shops? (2026)
You cannot donate used underwear to op shops. Charity stores across Australia, including Vinnies, Salvos, and Lifeline, reject worn knickers, briefs, and socks for hygiene reasons. Brand-new underwear in original packaging is accepted. Worn bras in good condition are usually fine.
Your old items do not have to go to landfill. This guide explains the rules and where to send textiles instead.
Why used underwear is not accepted
The policy is standard across most of Australia’s op shop chains for two reasons:
- Hygiene and safety: Reselling intimate apparel that has been worn risks spreading bacteria. Charities must protect customers. See second-hand clothes hygiene for context.
- Disposal costs: Unsellable donations cost charities money to landfill or recycle. Putting worn underwear in a donation bin creates work without raising funds.
What op shops accept vs reject
| Item | Usually accepted? | Condition required |
|---|---|---|
| Used knickers and briefs | No | Not resold |
| Used socks (worn) | No | Same hygiene rules as underwear |
| New underwear (packaged, tagged) | Yes | Original packaging intact |
| Used bras | Yes, at most stores | Clean, good elastic, working clasps |
| Swimwear (used) | Usually no | Treat like underwear |
The exception: new underwear
Op shops accept underwear that is brand new in original packaging with tags attached. Charities often need new basics for people they support through crisis programs.
What about bras?
Bras are generally an exception. Most op shops accept pre-owned bras if they are clean and in wearable condition (not stretched out, no broken clasps).
What to do with old underwear instead
Do not put worn underwear in charity donation bins. Use textile recycling:
- UPPAREL: Australian textile collection including underwear and socks (fee applies).
- H&M in-store collection: Drop off textiles from any brand at participating stores.
- Worn Up: Recycles non-wearable textiles into new products.
For items you can donate, see what to donate to op shops and what not to donate.
Underwear rules in practice
Op shop staff reject worn underwear at sorting; donors sometimes hide it in bags anyway. That wastes volunteer time. Sort at home before you leave: recycling pile vs donate pile.
Brand-new multipacks from warehouse sales (still packaged) are welcome donations and help charities supply crisis accommodation.
Bras in good condition remain one of the most useful donated garments because op shops can resell them legally and affordably unlike worn underwear.
What Australian op shops do with rejected underwear
When worn underwear slips through in a donation bag, sorters pull it at the back room and pay commercial waste fees. That cost comes out of the same pool that funds crisis accommodation and meal programs. Vinnies and Salvos publish donation guides online; reading them takes two minutes and saves volunteer hours.
Cotton On, Bonds, and supermarket multipacks on clearance make affordable “donate new” purchases. A $10 three-pack of new socks helps more than a bin bag of mixed worn items with one good shirt on top.
UPPAREL and council textile bins accept worn underwear nationwide. Check your local council website for permanent clothing drop points if UPPAREL collection fees do not suit your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put old knickers in a clothes bank?
No. Clothes banks and op shop bins are for sellable donations. Used underwear should go to textile recycling, not charity retail.
Can I donate new socks still in the packet?
Yes. Packaged, unused socks are welcome at most op shops, same as new underwear.
What happens if I donate used underwear by mistake?
Staff sort it out and pay to dispose of it. That diverts funds from charity programs. Remove worn underwear from bags before donating.
Are there charities that specifically want bras?
Some campaigns collect bras for recycling or overseas programs. Check current Australian bra-recycling drives online; rules differ from standard op shop drop-offs.
