How to Recycle T-Shirts

Although recycling is often associated with materials such as plastic, glass, and metal, clothing of any material is nearly 100 percent recyclable. Clothing takes up a significant portion of household waste, up to 5 percent of what is thrown out and an average of 68 lbs per household annually. Some cotton clothes may break down in the landfill, but non-biodegradable materials remain there. However, owners can recycle old t-shirts, even if they are not in the best condition. It does not take much effort and it keeps waste out of landfills. Three options to pursue for recycling are reusing the t-shirts at home, donating them to outside organizations, and simply reselling them.

Reuse T-Shirts
Start recycling t-shirts by repurposing them. They make for great craft materials. For example, people with basic sewing skills can easily turn a T-shirt into a reusable grocery or tote bag, a pillow, or a patch quilt, among other household uses.

Making a T-Shirt Bag
Flip the shirt inside out and sew the bottom shut. Turn the shirt right side out and cut off the sleeves at the seams. Widen the neckline to create an opening for the bag. An easy way to do this is by tracing along the edge of medium sized bowl and cutting along that line. Modified patterns allow crafty people to add decorative straps rather than using just the t-shirt material.

Making Pillows
Create a free form pillow by cutting two identically sized panels from the t-shirt. Flip them so the right sides face each other and then simply sew three edges together and most of the fourth edge. Leave enough of a gap to flip the pillow right side out and stuff it with filling. Then, hand sew the remainder of the pillow closed.

Another option is to make a pillow cover for an existing plain throw pillow. Cut one panel to size of the pillow. The other side of the pillow needs a lapped edge, which can be made by cutting two pieces of fabric, each about two-thirds the final width of the pillow (and the same length of the pillow). Using the bottom edges of the shirt, which are already hemmed, cuts down on work. Overlap the two panels with the hemmed edges facing each other so that they measure the total final width of the t-shirt panel. Then, pin the two sides of the pillow together, right sides facing in, and sew all the way around. Flip inside out and slip the pillow inside.

Other Uses for Repurposing T-Shirts
T-shirts with special significance can be turned into patches for a quilt. Users can also cut them up and repurpose them as cleaning rags. For people more inclined to fashion or crafts, t-shirts make great sources of fabric for bracelets, DIY rugs, fabric flowers, and jewelry. The shirts can be changed or added to make a new look. This can involve adding trim to the neckline, painting on a new design, or cutting holes for a style choice. Women can even re-appropriate them for hair styling by cutting the fabric into strips for tying rag curls.


Donate T-Shirts
If the shirts are in good condition, charities such as AmVets and local thrift shops may accept them. These donations are often tax-deductible as an added incentive. Another option is simply to take the shirts to a clothing recycling center, which redistributes the clothes that are wearable. Other shirts can be recycled and turned into yarn, insulation, and other products.

5 Summer Wardrobe Basics Every Woman Needs

A summer wardrobe includes more than a bathing suit, shorts, and sandals. Women also need something to wear when out on the town with family or friends. They also need something for summer weddings. Women should consider adding a few graphic T-shirts, some ballerina flats, and a fashionable cap-sleeve dress to their summer wardrobes. Whatever the occasion, summer wardrobe basics abound. To help women make the most of the summer fashion season, they should consult our list of the 5 summer wardrobe basics every woman needs.

From bathing suits, to dresses, to T-shirts, when searching for summer fashion items, shoppers should check out the latest fashions, popular designers, and available options before making a purchase.

History of Summer Clothing
Originally intended solely to shield the body from the elements, clothing has been around for a long time, some even say 500,000 years or more. And throughout the ages, clothing has evolved to fit the times and climate. For those in colder climates, this has included coats and other warm clothing; while in warmer, summer-type weather, clothing has turned lighter and has consisted of articles that allow the breeze to evaporate the perspiration from the body.

Footwear, an important part of today's fashion industry, was not considered an essential requirement until the founding of the Empire of Rome. It was the Romans who insisted that footwear was a necessary part of any civilized society.

Since that time, clothing has blossomed and taken on a more fashionable application. Now, clothing serves the purpose of practicality, still providing protection from the elements, as well as fashion.

Discover Summer Wardrobe Basics
Summer fashion is embodied by light clothing that keeps the body cool on hot summer days. The beach, a club downtown, or a lazy day barbecuing in the backyard all embody summertime, and shoppers should dress the part. Using the sections below, shoppers can make sure to buy the summer clothing that best fits their particular style.

5 Summer Wardrobe Basics
A light green dress, a comfortable pair of jeans, a stylish t-shirt, and a pair of wedges make for perfect summer wear. The following list includes the 5 summer wardrobe basics that every woman needs, including dresses, jeans, T-shirts, swimwear, and shoes.

1. Dresses
Short and light dresses are a favorite staple of summer wear. A light summer dress can be used for many occasions, from a night at the clubs to a cookout in the backyard. Add a pair of pumps or ballerina shoes, and shoppers are set for any social situation.

The section below details the different types of dresses that are great for summer wear. Shoppers should have an idea what size they wear and what kind of dress they want before purchase.

2. Jeans
A pair of jeans and a plain T-shirt are also a favorite summer fashion staple. They can be worn casually for a trip to the park, around the house, or working in the yard. The sections below help give shoppers an idea of jean types and styles.

3. T-Shirts
A staple of summer fashion, the T-shirt comes in different types, from plain tees to graphic tees. Worn with jeans, shoppers can make the perfect fashion statement, especially when topped off with the right pair of shoes.

4. Swimwear
Swimming allows shoppers to keep cool in the summer heat, and the swimsuit is a critical part of the summer season. The table below lists the different styles of swimsuits available, from a one-piece suit to stylish bikinis.

5. Shoes
Shoppers should also buy shoes to match the outfits they purchase. Whether a pair of pumps to go with that adorable sundress, or sandals to wear to the beach with a favorite swimsuit, shoes can be almost as important as the clothes themselves. The section below lists some of the more popular summer shoe types.