What to do with discarded bras

Bras are used every day, and therefore are destined to wear out very quickly. But why throw them away and waste them? With creative recycling, they can become new objects, all useful: small bags, scented sachets, headbands, and even knee pads.

Bags and clutches

Creatively upcycling bras starts with bags and clutches: they can be really cute. Simply cut off the straps, which will serve as the bag's handles, and then sew the cups together. On the top, which will become the bag's opening, you can add a button or zipper to make it easier to open and close. Decorate it as desired with various embellishments, from lace to sequins.

Mask

Even though the Covid era is long gone, a mask can be useful for many purposes, even just for cleaning the house. To make one, reuse bra cups by adding elastic bands to the sides and, if necessary, even filtering padding.

Scented bags

Bras can become scented sachets to place in drawers. To make them, sew the bra cups together and then place potpourri or spices and a few drops of essential oil inside the resulting sachet.

Knee

The cups of an old bra are very useful for making knee pads for boys . Simply sew two elastic bands about 3 cm wide in place of the straps, and you're done. Slipped on at knee height, the cups act as protection, and the elastic bands keep them from sliding down.

Jewellery

The decorative details—like rhinestones, beads, and sequins—found on "jeweled" bras can be reused to create bracelets, necklaces , and more. Use stones to create eye-catching jewelry. This makes creative bra recycling even more inspiring.

Scrunchies

You can also use the elastic parts of your bra to make a scrunchie . Cut the strap to your desired length, sew some fabric to form a tube, turn it inside out, insert the strap inside out, and sew the ends together. A stylish hair tie is ready.

Carnival costumes

You can also use just the underwires of your old bra, if it has them, turning them into supports for the wings of an angel or fairy Carnival costume, perfect for little ones.

Hair band

The elastic bands and any decorations on the bra can be transformed into headbands or hairbands . If the elastic is damaged, you can cover it with fabric or embellish it with decorations of your choice.

Bird food holder

The old bra can also simply be hung from two branches and used as a bird feeder . Pour some food into each cup and leave it available for them. They'll soon come to eat it.

Vases

One last recycling idea: hang your bra on a hanger and turn it into a flower vase . It's best if the bra is large enough to hold a good number of plants.

Read also:

• How to recycle jeans
• What to do with unused wool socks