Can You Donate Bras? And Here’s Where and How.
Founder, Elaine Birks-Mitchell
We all have bras that don’t fit, still have tags, or were bought for a different time in life. But what do you do when you want to give them away? Can you donate bras?
Many people think bras can be donated like regular clothes. Sadly, this is often not true. Most groups don’t accept any underwear, including bras. Sorting through underwear donations takes a lot of work. If the items need washing, it’s even harder. That’s why many nonprofits don’t take them.
Let’s look at what really happens with bra donations, why new bras and underwear are important, and how The Undie Chest helps bring dignity and comfort to those who need it.
🌍 Can I Donate Bras?
Yes — new bras and underwear are among the most needed but least donated items. Most charities and thrift stores can’t take them because of hygiene rules. Even gently used bras often get thrown away or sent to landfills.
That’s why The Undie Chest only accepts new bras and underwear. Many people in shelters, Title 1 schools, or temporary housing don’t have these basic items.
At The Undie Chest, every donation gives more than clothes — it gives dignity. We send new underwear through schools, shelters, and partners across the U.S. and beyond, helping people have clean, comfortable essentials they can feel proud to wear.
“I don’t have to make excuses to skip school anymore. I feel like I can focus on my classes and my future. ”
🌍 I am a Retailer. Can I Donate My Overstock and Returns?
Yes—you can, and it’s a powerful, eco-friendly choice for retailers. Instead of storing or throwing away unsold or returned bras, you can give them a second life through our Recycling Partner Program. We’re here to help you manage extra stock, returns, and samples in a sustainable way.
By donating to The Undie Chest, you join a community of Impact Retailers who use business to do good. Your company helps reduce waste, support dignity, and encourage thoughtful shopping.
When you donate with us:
Your extra inventory brings dignity.
Your returns become a lifeline.
Your retail space drives positive change.
If you’re a retailer or distributor with large donations (pallet or LTL shipments), please contact us at contactus@undiechest.org to arrange it.
📍 Where Can You Donate Bras?
If you’ve searched “where to donate bras near me,” you’ve probably realized options are limited. That’s where The Undie Chest steps in.
We want to make it easy for you to donate your new bras and new underwear.
Mail Your Bras. Please fill out the online Give Undies form. If you don’t need a tax-deductible receipt and just want to mail them to us, you can mail your packages to: The Undie Chest, 4904 S Power Rd, Ste 103-441, Gilbert, AZ 85212.
Drop Your Bras Off. Because The Undie Chest is the nonprofit arm of The Bra Recyclers, we have partnered with them on drop-off locations. If there is a drop-off location in your area, please put your new bras in a bag and drop them off at a location near you. Please not if you are dropping off your donations and would like a tax deduction receipt, pleaes fill out the online Give Undies form.
Receive Tax Deduction Receipt. If you have filled out the Give Undies donation form online, you will receive a tax deduction form about a month after completing the form.
When we receive your donations, we inspect, sort, and then distribute them through trusted nonprofit partners serving:
- Survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking
- Women affected by breast cancer
- Students and families experiencing hygiene poverty
If you also have gently used bras that are still wearable, there are sustainability-focused companies that can recycle or repurpose them responsibly — helping reduce textile waste.
We also appreciate monetary donations to help us cover the operational expenses of donating bras throughout the U.S. and worldwide.
💙 Why New Bras and Underwear Matter
Underwear and bras are among the least donated but most requested items at shelters and outreach programs. For many people rebuilding their lives, receiving new undergarments provides an immediate sense of relief, confidence, and care. Check out the stories of the impact of underwear donations.
New items are essential for:
- Hygiene and health — clean, unused garments reduce the risk of infection and discomfort.
- Self-esteem — wearing something new reminds recipients they are valued and respected.
- Consistency — new products ensure equal quality for every person served.
Your donation may seem small, but for someone facing hardship, it can make all the difference.
💌 How to Donate Bras and Underwear with The Undie Chest
Getting involved is simple, whether you are a retailer or a consumer:
1. Collect new items. We accept only new bras and underwear in all sizes and styles.
2. Package your donation. Place items in a clean, sealed bag or box.
3. Ship or drop off. Visit undiechest.org for mailing details and collection opportunities.
4. Host a drive. Encourage your workplace or community group to collect new undergarments..
5. Share your story. Post your impact using #UndieGroundMovement to inspire others.
Every package you send supports The Undie Chest’s mission to provide dignity through essentials.
❓ FAQs About Donating Bras
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No — The Undie Chest only accepts new bras and underwear. Gently used bras can be sent to recycling organizations that handle textiles responsibly.
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To ensure the health, safety, and dignity of recipients, we aim to provide every individual with clean, safe, and personal items.
Furthermore, many of the nonprofit organizations we support require that underwear be new, either in its original packaging or with tags.
The other important point of why only new bras is that for many organizations they do not have the staff, volunteers, or resources to sort through old bras.
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Most do not, which is why specialized programs like The Undie Chest exist.
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Absolutely! Individuals and companies can host drives. Please contact us for more information.
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We acccept:
Women and girls new underwear
Men’s and boy’s new underwear
Breast Prosthesis
New Bras all sizes and styles, regular bras, sports bras, bralettes, etc.
New Mastectomy Bras
New Athletic apparel (e.g., leggings, etc.)
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Yes, we can accept large donation. A large donation would be any donation that needs to be palletized or shipped via a freight company. Furthermore if you have several large boxes that you would like to ship, please contact us because we might provide you with a different shipping address.
For large donation shipments please send an email to contactus@undiechest.org.
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Yes, you can receive a tax deduction for your donation, if you fill out the online donation form and provide a valid email address. We do not mail tax deduction receipts out.
Tax deduction receipts are sent out on a monthly basis. So please allow for time to receive your receipt about a month after mailing it to us.
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Absolutely you can make a monetary donation. We encourage monetary donations to help cover the cost of operations (e.g., shipping, storage, sorting, purchase of non-donated items) for our programs.
Please visit our website to make a donation of any size. We appreciate your support. https://undiechest.org/donate