Why Bra Recycling Month Matters for Survivors of Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence

Every October, the conversation turns to breast cancer and domestic violence awareness. These are moments to honor survivors’ courage and to reflect on the support still needed.

Bra Recycling Month brings those realities into focus. Survivors of breast cancer often struggle to afford post-surgery bras or prostheses on top of medical bills.

Survivors of domestic violence may arrive at shelters with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.

Essentials like bras and underwear are not luxuries — they are the first steps toward dignity, comfort, and healing.

At The Undie Chest, we share this mission of restoring dignity.

While recycled bras provide critical support, our role is to ensure survivors also have access to brand-new underwear and essentials — items that can’t be donated secondhand but mean the world when starting fresh.

Ways You Can Restore Dignity for Survivors

The theme for Bra Recycling Month 2025 is Empowering Lives Beyond Circumstances.

It’s a reminder that no matter what survivors have faced, they deserve to rebuild with dignity and confidence.

And it’s a call to action for all of us to take part.

Here’s how you can join The Undie Chest in empowering survivors this October:

• Make a monetary donation so we can purchase the sizes and items most needed but not often donated.

• Shop our Amazon wishlist to send brand-new underwear and essentials directly to survivors.

• Host a collection drive in your workplace, school, or community to gather new underwear and basics.

• Spread the word about Bra Recycling Month and the need for essentials. Share our posts, tag us, and invite others to join.

Through our Undie Power Program, we make sure donations from Bra Recycling Month reach survivors in the most practical way.

This program is designed to support people in shelters, transitional housing, and women recovering from breast cancer without insurance coverage — ensuring they have access to clean, new underwear when they need it most.

The Impact of Donations on Survivors and the Planet

• Nearly 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will face breast cancer in their lifetime. Many are weighed down by treatment costs that make even essentials out of reach.

• 1 in 4 women experience severe intimate partner violence. For those leaving abuse, having clean underwear to change into can mean comfort and dignity on the very first night in safety.

• At the same time, the U.S. discards about 17 million tons of textiles each year. Campaigns like Bra Recycling Month help survivors while reducing waste.

This year’s campaign alone is expected to divert more than 400 pounds of textiles from landfills — proof that every donation, large or small, has ripple effects.

🗓️ Bra Recycling Month launches October 1, 2025.

To host a drive or discuss partnership opportunities this October, contact us at contactus@undiechest.org.

Every new pair of underwear represents more than clothing — it represents dignity, care, and the chance to move forward.