HOW
WE DO WELL

HOW WE
DO WELL

Check out our Do Well Report to get the full scoop on all our responsibility efforts. Did you know that more than half our styles are sustainable?

we've made it easier than ever to extend the life of your denim. trade in preloved jeans and you'll get $20 off brand-new pair (it's a win-win)

HOW TO DO IT

BRING IN OLD JEANS

Any brand, any color—just drop them off at your nearest store.

OR MAIL THEM TO US

Get a Cleanout Kit and print out a free shipping label.

WE'LL RESELL OR RECYCLE

Bonus: You’ll score $20 off a fresh pair just for helping us keep the landfills clean.

A NEW WAY TO DO WELL

Introducing our latest plan to extend the life of your clothes. Resell or recycle them and buy preloved styles as well. Here’s how it works:

IT’S OUR GOAL TO KEEP OLD JEANS OUT OF THE TRASH AND IN CIRCULATION

By 2023, we pledge to collect two million pairs through Madewell Forever (that’s twice as many as we’ve saved from landfills in the last six years).

1.4

MILLION

Pieces of denim collected for recycling.

2.8

MILLION

Square feet of insulation created and 703 tons of waste diverted from landfill.

PERCENT

of carbon emissions are saved by buying secondhand denim instead of new, according to research from Green Story, Inc

SEE NEXT PAGE▸

Your jeans

are trash

(but they don’t have to be)

SHOP ALL JEANS

THE FALL COLLECTION

A new season means a new
perspective.

man standing in front of a parachute with classic beige shorts, white top, and a beige shirt

Your jeans

are trash

(but they don’t have to be)

TRADE IN YOUR DENIM SHOP ALL JEANS

your jeans are trash

(but they don’t have to be)

TRADE IN YOUR DENIM SHOP ALL JEANS

the most-wished list #1

ULTIMATE ESSENTIALS

the most-wished list #2

MERRY MUST-HAVES

the most-wished list #3

COMING SOON

TRADE IN OLD JEANS WITH US

We’ve made it easier than ever to keep your old denim out of landfills and in circulation. Trade in preloved jeans and you’ll get $20 off a brand-new pair.

DROP OFF AT A STORE

how it works

1) Grab an old pair of jeans from any brand.

2) Bring them into one of our stores.

3) We’ll resell or recycle them into housing insulation.

4) You’ll get $20 off a fresh pair.*

FIND A STORE

OR MAIL THEM TO US

how it works

1) Get a Clean Out Kit and activate it here or print out a free shipping label to use on any box (hint: we love reusing old packaging).

2) Load up your package with women’s preloved clothing, handbags, shoes and accessories (of any brand). Then, drop it off at your local USPS or FedEx.

3) For each pair of jeans you send, you’ll get $20 off new ones from Madewell,* plus you’ll earn shopping credit in exchange for any other clothing that sells within the listing window.**

ACTIVATE A KIT PRINT A FREE LABEL

Ready to refresh and find your perfect pair?

Book a stylist appointment.

THE FAQ

Can I trade in jeans from brands other than Madewell?

Yes, we accept denim from any brand.

Do you take denim shorts, skirts, jackets and overalls?

Yes, we do.

If I bring in multiple pairs of jeans, will I get $20 for each one?

Yes. For every pair of jeans you donate, you’ll get $20 off a new pair.

Are maternity jeans accepted?

Yes, you can donate maternity jeans, jackets, shirts and skirts.

Can I trade in jeans that aren’t 100% cotton?

We ask that denim be made of 90% cotton or above. Be sure to check your tag beforehand.

Does the $20 offer ever expire?

You can either use your discount on the day of or we’ll give you a Do Well card for you to redeem at your convenience.

Can I trade in my old jeans through the mail instead?

Yes, get a Clean Out Kit and activate it or print out a free shipping label to use on any box.

What condition can used denim be in for trade in?

Any condition of denim is eligible (ripped, stained and even scraps are okay).

Where and how do you recycle the old denim?

Once we receive your items, thredUp (the experts in secondhand) will assess the condition and value, and pairs with life left in them will get listed on Madewell Forever to find a home with someone new. Denim that doesn’t qualify will be repurposed into housing insulation through Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program or other partners.

Can I use the $20 offer on jeans that are on sale?

Our trade-in discount can only be applied to full-price Madewell denim.

Are only blue jeans accepted?

We accept jeans of any color, including pairs with print and embellishments.

Can I trade in my old denim at all locations?

Yes, find your nearest store.

Is there a limit to how many jeans I can trade in?

Feel free to bring us as many pairs as you want.

Do you take men’s, women’s and children’s jeans?

Yes, we’ll gladly accept them.

Can I trade in pants that are made from other materials, like corduroy?

Stores only accept denim but you can recycle other clothing, shoes and accessories by mail with our Clean Out Kit.