5 apparel brands that will buy back gently worn items for store credits

Row of jeans in various washes hanging from hooks with Killer Deals badge treatment
(Image credit: Levis)

As a deals writer, I find it hard to resist the temptation to research decent discounts on household items, clothing, and more on a daily basis. Fighting the urge to buy something simply because it's on sale requires great restraint. This Earth Month, in an effort to be more cognizant of my (sometimes) wayward spending habits, I took a closer look at some secondhand options and subsequently found a few good deals to boot. 

So began a deep dive into buy-back and trade-in programs at some of our favorite running and outerwear brands, from sustainable stalwarts like Patagonia to newcomers like On. If you're also ready to ditch fast fashion trends in favor of more sustainable, slow shopping practices (with more digestible price tags), scroll on. And, be sure to check out our Earth Day sales roundup.

Brands that buy back items for store credits

Allbirds ReRun: $20 Credit @ Allbirds

Allbirds ReRun: $20 Credit @ Allbirds
Shop Allbirds's pre-owned marketplace, ReRun, or trade-in your gently used shoes for a $20 credit towards another pair valued at $98 or more. Run by Trove, you can shop a range of men's and women's styles, starting from $37. 

Arc'teryx ReBird: 30% payback @ Arc'teryx

Arc'teryx ReBird: 30% payback @ Arc'teryx
During Earth Month, Arc'teryx is offering 30% back on the original retail price of trade-ins made through its ReGear hub, where items are refurbished and resold. But before ditching an old jacket or pair of pants, it's also worth seeing if the brand is able to repair the product first. 

Levi's Secondhand Shop: Giftcards up to $30 @ Levi's

Levi's Secondhand Shop: Giftcards up to $30 @ Levi's
Head to any Levi's retail location to drop off your pre-loved denim bottoms or jackets (only men's and women's are accepted at the moment, and up to five items at a time) in exchange for gift cards ranging from $5 to $30, depending on the value of your item. Unwearable clothes, for instance, will be recycled. According to the company, doing so can divert up to 700g of waste. Or, you can snag 501 shorts for as low as $30 right now. 

Onward: gift card up to $55 @ On

Onward: gift card up to $55 @ On
"Wear it and pass it on." Gift card values on trade-in items at On differ by product category; parkas offer the biggest credits of $55, but old shoes will still earn you a $30 credit for gear that can be resold. Fill out this form online to get an accurate estimate. Otherwise, the brand will recycle your shipment free of charge. Unlike most other brands listed here, On has a more extensive supply of sizing and colors on its premium products, including the popular On Clouds (now $75, was $99)

Patagonia Worn Wear: up to 50% payback @ Patagonia

Patagonia Worn Wear: up to 50% payback @ Patagonia
Constructed to last for generations, Patagonia's Worn Well program buys used gear at up to 50% of the resale price through in-store or online credits. You can bring items to the store directly or opt to send them in the mail by paying a $7 flat-rate fee. You can also shop staple items for far less, such as these strider shorts (now $25) or a fleece vest for just $32 (it was $70). 

Morgan Bulman
Staff Writer, Deals

As a deals writer for Tom's Guide, Morgan is set on scouring the web for the lowest prices, weekly sales worth shopping, rare brand discounts, and more. For five-plus years, she's covered all things home, from floor covering and furniture to splurge-worthy pillows and budget-friendly bedding. Her work has also appeared on Domino and Saveur. 

Read more
Patagonia deals
Massive Patagonia sale is live — 15 spring deals I'd shop now from $26
Patagonia jacket, sweater, and winter hat
Massive Patagonia sale starts now — 19 epic deals you can’t miss
Best Deals of the Week
I’m a deals writer and these are the 9 top sales I’m shopping this week
Selection of workout clothes laid out neatly on a blue background
Where to donate your old workout clothes
YETI, Patagonia, Hoka, Sony Deals
My favorite deals of the week — 11 sales I’d shop from Apple, Patagonia, Home Depot and more
REI deals
Huge REI apparel sale from $11 — save up to 50% on Arc'teryx, The North Face and more
Latest in Sales Events
A collection of devices on sale during the Amazon Big Spring Sale
Most of the Amazon Big Spring Sale is hype — here's 11 deals I actually recommend
Kindle Scribe (2024) in hand
Hurry! The Kindle Scribe is on sale for just the second time ever — save 20%
Beats Solo Buds shown in front of flowers
Huge Beats sale at Best Buy — score these budget earbuds for just $59
Surface Pro 11 with deal tag superimposed
My favorite Windows tablet with OLED is over $400 off at Amazon
Hydro Flask Deals Spring Sale
Amazon's spring sale takes up to 50% off Hydro Flask water bottles — 9 deals I’d shop right now
REI Deals
Epic REI spring sale live from $11 — 21 outdoor deals I'm shopping now
Latest in Deals
A collection of devices on sale during the Amazon Big Spring Sale
Most of the Amazon Big Spring Sale is hype — here's 11 deals I actually recommend
Kindle Scribe (2024) in hand
Hurry! The Kindle Scribe is on sale for just the second time ever — save 20%
Beats Solo Buds shown in front of flowers
Huge Beats sale at Best Buy — score these budget earbuds for just $59
Surface Pro 11 with deal tag superimposed
My favorite Windows tablet with OLED is over $400 off at Amazon
Hydro Flask Deals Spring Sale
Amazon's spring sale takes up to 50% off Hydro Flask water bottles — 9 deals I’d shop right now
Garmin Epix Gen 2 displaying heart rate on a man's wrist
I've been wearing this Garmin watch for three years — and it's 53% off now