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
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)

your jeans are trash

(but they don’t have to be)

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.**

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.

Can I use more than one $20 off card on a single pair of jeans?

No, sorry, this offer is not stackable. You can only use one $20 discount per purchase.

Is the denim trade-in program only for a limited time?

You can trade in your preloved denim with us all year-round.

Read more

YOUR DENIM MAKES A DIFFERENCE

We’ve already saved millions of pairs from landfills and with your help, we can make an even bigger impact in 2024. Who’s ready?

1.5 MILLION

pieces of denim collected for recycling.

3.2 MILLION

square feet of insulation created and 801 tons of waste diverted from landfills.

25 PERCENT

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

TOP PICKS FOR HIM TOO

Our very best presents are sure to please.

THE MEN’S GIFT WELL GUIDE