Experts Share Smart Ways to Repurpose Old Jeans Instead of Tossing Them
Give your worn-out jeans a second life with these clever ideas.
It's hard to part with your trusty blue jeans. But if yours have seen better days, it may be time to take them out of your wardrobe. The good news is you don't have to toss them. We tapped experts for advice on how to repurpose old jeans. There are plenty of projects you can use your denim for, from tote bags to a pet bed.
"Denim is a twill weave and is known for its durability, making it the perfect fabric for your everyday pair of jeans. And because it's so durable and has great structure, it ends up being a good material to reuse for a DIY project, especially something that will be put through regular wear and tear," says Amanda Constantine, the home and apparel reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
Below, Jessie Gainsley Rivera, a Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist and co-owner of the online vintage shop, I Wanna Thrift With You shares clever ideas for how to upcycle denim into something new. If you're looking for even more upcycling ideas, read up on creative things you can do with your old t-shirts, tablecloths, and pillowcases to give them a second life.
DIY a Tote Bag
Tired of the same 'ol totes? Take your style up a notch with a DIY denim design, complete with pockets. “A great pair of jeans molds to you over time. Turning them into a tote lets that broken-in softness live on in a new way—it’s practical, but it also carries memory. Literally,” says Gainsley Rivera.
Make Coasters
“Layered denim is surprisingly sturdy and heat-resistant," says Gainsley Rivera, who likes the idea of making coasters. They'll protect your tabletop and add a little more personality to your next gathering.
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Design an Apron
Any home cook needs a good apron to protect their clothes from stains, and an old pair of jeans is an ideal fabric to make one. Bonus points if you include pockets for utensils. “Denim started as workwear, so becoming an apron feels like a natural second act, says Gainsley Rivera. “The pockets, the durability—it’s functional, but it also can look effortlessly cool.”
Sew a Pet Bed
Your pet deserves a relaxing spot, and denim can easily be used for a DIY bed. “Denim is tough, washable, and already softened from wear—perfect for pets,” says Gainsley Rivera. “It’s comforting to know something that once fit a person can now become a cozy place for an animal.”
Cut for Cleaning Cloths
You can never have too many cloths to tackle cleaning projects around the house, and your worn denim could certainly work. “Denim was made to handle real life—dirt, spills, long days,” says Gainsley Rivera. “Cutting up old jeans into reusable cleaning cloths makes sense. It’s workwear doing what it was always meant to do. Work.”
Create a Bookmark
If you happen to have some scraps of denim laying around, don't be so quick to toss them. Gainsley Rivera suggests giving them a second chance by making your own bookmarks. “A bookmark is simple, but it’s a reminder that sustainability can be thoughtful and beautiful,” she says.
Dream up Pillow Covers
Ask any interior designer and they'll confirm that it's always a good idea to weave texture into your space. A great denim pillow cover is the perfect example. “Denim brings character into a home,” says Gainsley Rivera. “It has texture, softness, and subtle fading that tells a story—far more interesting than something brand new off a shelf.”
Try a Pot Holder
Turn your worn jeans into a stylish pot holder you'll be happy to reach for over and over again. “Old jeans were built to withstand heat, friction, and time. Layered together, they make incredibly practical kitchen tools that feel both resourceful and intentional,” says Gainsley Rivera.
Go for a Wine Bottle Bag
The next time you plan to gift wine to friend or family member, incorporate a sustainable touch. Use your old denim to make a gift bag. “I love when a gift wrap becomes part of the gift,” says Gainsley Rivera. “A denim wine bag feels elevated but reusable—something the recipient can keep long after the bottle is gone.”
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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