Used underwear for men is a niche market, but it also raises a broader question: what should happen to garments when their original use comes to an end?
This guide looks at how used men’s underwear can be bought, sold, reused or recycled, with a focus on hygiene, privacy, traceability and responsible handling.
At ZLCOPENHAGEN, we also explore this from a product life-cycle and circular design perspective. Selected prototypes, fitting samples and production variations can enter a controlled life-cycle process rather than simply becoming textile waste.
WHERE TO BUY OR SELL USED MEN’S UNDERWEAR
Used men’s underwear is a niche market and may be exchanged through specialised platforms, private communities or controlled life-cycle initiatives. Requirements can vary between platforms and locations, so sellers and buyers should check the applicable rules before exchanging used garments.
SELLING USED MEN’S UNDERWEAR RESPONSIBLY
For anyone considering selling used men’s underwear, hygiene, privacy and transparency about the condition and history of the garment are important. The same principles apply to samples, prototypes and other garments that have previously been worn or handled.
At ZLCOPENHAGEN, selected prototypes, fitting samples and production variations may be considered for controlled reuse, recycling or material recovery rather than simply being discarded.
A PILOT PROJECT — COLLABORATION & CONTACT
This life-cycle initiative currently operates as a pilot project exploring how selected garments and textile materials can move beyond a conventional use-and-discard model.
We are interested in collaboration with individuals and partners who encounter surplus, archived or non-standard underwear through production, sampling, fittings or other controlled textile flows.
If you work with underwear, socks or similar textile products — or have experience with surplus materials, samples or textile waste — you are welcome to get in touch. These collaborations can help us explore practical approaches to reuse, recycling and responsible material handling.
HOW OUR CIRCULAR PROCESS WORKS
Our approach looks at the garment as part of a wider product life cycle. Depending on its condition, a garment or its materials may be considered for controlled reuse, recycling or material recovery.
The aim is to explore ways of extending useful material life and reducing textile waste while keeping hygiene, privacy and traceability at the centre of the process.
THE LIFE CYCLE OF USED UNDERWEAR
FROM GARMENT USE TO MATERIAL RECOVERY
ZLCOPENHAGEN’s life-cycle project looks at what can happen to men’s underwear, prototypes, fitting samples and archived garments when they reach the end of their original use.
Instead of treating every garment as waste, we consider different pathways depending on its condition: continued use, controlled reuse, recycling or material recovery. This creates a more systematic approach to the garment’s product life cycle.
The project connects practical textile handling with broader principles of circular design, resource use and waste reduction. Read more about our sustainable fashion and recycling approach.
LOCAL RECYCLING AND MATERIAL HANDLING
We collaborate with a local recycling station to explore responsible pathways for selected model samples, customer donations and other garments that are no longer suitable for their original use.
Items are assessed according to their condition and may be directed towards reuse, recycling or material recovery. This helps us better understand how small-scale textile flows can be managed while considering hygiene, traceability and waste reduction.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT USED MEN’S UNDERWEAR
Frequently Asked Questions
BUYING, SELLING AND RECYCLING USED UNDERWEAR
Is there a market for used men’s underwear?
Yes. Used men’s underwear exists as a niche market, including resale, specialised communities and circular textile projects. Demand varies depending on the garment, its condition and the platform or marketplace being used.
Where can you sell used men’s underwear?
Used men’s underwear may be sold through specialised platforms or communities that permit previously worn garments. Before listing anything, check the platform’s current rules, hygiene requirements and restrictions.
Can you sell used men’s underwear online?
Some online platforms permit certain types of used garments, while others prohibit previously worn underwear. Sellers should check the marketplace’s current terms and any applicable local requirements before listing an item.
Where can you buy used men’s underwear?
Used men’s underwear is generally found through specialised resale platforms and private communities rather than conventional clothing stores. Buyers should consider hygiene, privacy, garment condition and the rules of the platform being used.
Do second-hand shops take used underwear?
Many second-hand shops restrict previously worn underwear. Acceptance varies between organisations, so check the individual shop’s donation and resale policy before bringing in garments.
Can you donate old underwear?
It depends on the receiving organisation. Some may accept selected textiles for recycling or material recovery, while others require donated underwear to be new and unworn. Always check the organisation’s current policy first.
THE LIFE-CYCLE INSPIRED COLLECTION
Our life-cycle principles also influence how we develop new products, with a focus on durability, responsible material use and longer product life.
Alongside the Life-Cycle initiative, ZLCOPENHAGEN continues to develop new, unworn products. These remain separate from the used, archived and sample garments described on this page.
We are also exploring a dedicated space for archived and life-cycle garments, including selected prototypes, fitting samples and production variations that can be redirected instead of automatically becoming textile waste.
COLLABORATION ON CIRCULAR TEXTILE FLOWS
We welcome contact from individuals, manufacturers and other partners with garments, surplus materials or experience with textile reuse and recycling. The aim is to explore practical approaches to circular design, product life-cycle thinking and responsible material flows.





































