Are clothing returns bad for the environment?

1. Are Clothing Returns Bad for the Environment?

Yes — clothing returns can have a significant impact on the environment. While returning an item may seem simple, the process behind the scenes — shipping, inspection, re-packaging, and often disposal — generates carbon emissions, consumes resources, and contributes to landfill waste. In this article, we’ll explore why returns matter, how they affect the planet, and how women can make smarter, sustainable clothing choices. At OGL, our small-batch production, durable basics, and sustainable fibers help reduce unnecessary returns, while our partnership with Helpsy ensures returned items are responsibly reused or recycled.

2. Why Clothing Returns are an Environmental Issue?

High Return Rates During Holidays

The holiday season, especially Christmas and Black Friday, is the peak time for clothing returns. Apparel consistently leads all product categories in return volume. According to CleanHub, returns in the U.S. generate emissions equivalent to millions of cars on the road each year (CleanHub).

Many Returned Clothes Can’t Be Resold

Industry data shows that a significant portion of returned clothing never makes it back onto shelves:

• The European Environment Agency reports that 22–43% of returned textiles are destroyed, not resold (EEA).

• According to Supply Chain Dive, around 40% of retail returns eventually end up in landfills or incineration (SDCE).

This happens because returned items may be damaged, out of season, or too costly to process, adding to unnecessary environmental burden.

Reverse Logistics = Extra Carbon Footprint

Returned items must be shipped back, inspected, cleaned, and repackaged, all of which consumes energy and produces additional carbon emissions.

Sizing Problems Drive Waste

Research shows that the majority of fashion returns are due to fit or sizing issues (Arxiv). Providing accurate sizing information and guidance can significantly reduce returns and their environmental impact.

3. Why Choosing the Right Garments Matters?

Selecting garments with durable fabrics, timeless designs, and accurate sizing helps reduce the likelihood of returns. At OGL:

• Most of our pieces are classic basics that fit multiple occasions and styles.

• We produce in small batches and manage inventory based on demand, minimizing unsold items.

• Our sustainable fabrics account for 65% of our collection, reducing resource and chemical use.

These measures not only help you build a wardrobe you love but also minimize environmental impact.

4. A Sustainable Solution: OGL’s Partnership With Helpsy

What Is Helpsy?

Helpsy is the largest certified clothing collection organization in the U.S. They collaborate with local thrift stores, global second-hand markets, and recycling facilities to ensure that clothing is reused or recycled instead of being sent to landfills (OGL Trade-In Program; Helpsy How It Works).

How OGL’s Program Works

1. Request a return or report a quality issue — contact OGL customer support.

2. OGL confirms eligibility and provides instructions to return the item to Helpsy’s warehouse.

3. Customer mails the clothing and sends an email confirmation to OGL.

4. OGL verifies receipt at Helpsy and issues a refund.

This process ensures that returned items are responsibly handled, whether resold, upcycled, or recycled.

5. What Customers Can Do to Support Sustainability

1. Practice Rational Shopping

   • Think carefully before purchasing: do you really need it? Prioritize versatile, durable, and timeless items.

2. Use Technology Wisely

   • Leverage sizing guides, virtual try-on tools, or wardrobe planning apps to make informed choices and reduce returns.

3. Support Sustainable & Responsible Brands

   • Choose brands that prioritize small-batch production, ethical manufacturing, and sustainable materials.

   • Participate in OGL’s Trade-In Program with Helpsy to give unwanted clothing a second life.

4. Enhance Personal Awareness

   • Learn about the environmental and social impact of fashion.

   • Understand which fabrics and practices are sustainable to make better choices.

5. Practical Tips

   • Bundle returns to minimize shipping-related emissions.

   • Opt for durable fabrics and classic styles to reduce the likelihood of returns.

   • Use OGL & Helpsy recycling channels to ensure responsible disposal.

6. Closing — Shop Smart, Dress Sustainably

Clothing returns may seem small, but they have a hidden environmental cost — from additional shipping to disposal and wasted resources. With thoughtful purchasing, conscious sizing, and responsible recycling through OGL’s partnership with Helpsy, women can enjoy fashion confidently, knowing their choices help reduce environmental impact.

By choosing timeless pieces, durable fabrics, and brands committed to ethical and sustainable practices, you can build a wardrobe you love — and protect the planet at the same time.