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Photo: isteadicam/Getty ImagesWhether it’s that old sorority T-shirt from college, a concert tee from one of Taylor Swift’s many eras, or a promotional freebie from an event you attended years ago, you likely have a few old T-shirts stashed in your dresser or resting on top of your closet.
But don’t be so quick to throw them away. Old T-shirts can be upcycled into a wide range of useful and creative items, keeping them out of the landfill and giving them new life. Here are seven fresh ideas for what you can do with your worn-out tees.
Turn Old T-Shirts Into Cleaning Rags
Stop wasting money on paper towels and give your old T-shirts a second life as cleaning rags. This is one of Siobhan Alvarez-Borland's top suggestions for upcycling old T-shirts. The DIY expert and lifestyle blogger recommends cutting your old tees into squares or strips to make reusable rags. Since T-shirts are often made from cotton, they’re soft, absorbent, and perfect for dusting, wiping surfaces, or cleaning up spills around the house.
Turn Them Into Reusable Grocery or Produce Bags
Reusable bags at the supermarket aren’t always cheap, but you can easily create your own from old T-shirts. Simply grab a sharp pair of scissors and cut up your tees to save some cash! “Cut off the sleeves and neckline, then sew the bottom hem to form a bag,” suggests Alvarez-Borland.
“Add handles made from extra fabric or sturdy ribbon, and you’ve got a stylish reusable tote for grocery shopping, errands, or carrying books and other essentials.” (Old concert T-shirts are perfect for this—who knew they could be so fashionable?)
Turn It Into a Throw Pillow
Have a T-shirt with vibrant colors or an interesting pattern? Cut it into a square and sew up three sides. Attach a zipper or buttons on the fourth side, then stuff it with cotton or place a pillow insert inside for the perfect cushion. This is a great way to repurpose old college tees, sweatshirts, and sports jerseys.
Reinvent It Into a Stylish New Piece
Got an old T-shirt with a stain or a hole? Don’t toss it yet! You can still wear it. Transform it into a v-neck or crop it into a trendy short top. You could even remove the sleeves for a fresh look. The options are endless.
Make a Fun Hair Accessory
One of Alvarez-Borland's favorite ways to repurpose old T-shirts is by crafting braided headbands. All you need is an old T-shirt, a pair of scissors, and a ruler. Simply lay the T-shirt flat and cut it into strips, each approximately one to two inches wide.
Alvarez-Borland suggests gently stretching each strip to round the edges, making braiding easier. Then, braid the three strips tightly, just as you would with hair. Once finished, secure the end with a small piece of fabric or a hair tie. Wrap the braid around your head and stitch or glue the ends together to form the headband. Finally, trim off any excess fabric.
Transform Your Old T-Shirt into a Cozy Pet Blanket
A soft, worn-out T-shirt can make a perfect blanket for a small dog or cat. Place it in your pet's bed during colder days, and because the shirt carries your scent, they will be drawn to it and likely snuggle with it.
Repurpose Old T-Shirts as Hair Towels
Traditional hair towels can be rough on your hair, and high-end specialty towels can be pricey. But an old cotton T-shirt is just as effective at absorbing moisture. Just make sure to use a clean, cotton shirt—avoid polyester or blends, as those fabrics aren’t as absorbent and may damage your hair.
After stepping out of the shower, wrap your hair in a T-shirt turban after gently squeezing out excess moisture. Leave it on for a few minutes, then remove it as you would with any standard hair towel.
