Bare Necessities: Recycling Gently Used Bras

Rebecca G. gave away a small fortune in big bras. The Essex County resident, who for reasons of modesty -- and, she laughs, “because my kids taught me the expression ‘TMI’,” -- chose to be identified only by first name. But she admits she's “crazy for bras.”  In recent weeks, Rebecca has purged her lingerie drawers for reasons personal and philanthropic. She donated more than 100 bras to The Bra Recyclers.

“I don’t dress fancy,” says Rebecca. She grew up dressing modestly and, when she became an accountant, wore conservative suits almost daily. As a full-time mother, Rebecca traded business attire for what she describes as “conservative casual.” However, she indulges a “love of lace and the frills” by buying lingerie. Her collection included polka dots, animal prints and a rainbow of colors.

When Rebecca shopped recently, hoping to use a gift card near its expiration date, a saleswoman offered to measure her. Rebecca knew she had lost weight and, it turned out, inches.

Some 75 percent of women wear the wrong size, Rebecca learned, and she was among them. Dismayed, Rebecca bought two bras in her correct size.

“And that was all it took,” she said, to determine that her collection of bras – dozens in all – could better serve others.

The Bra Recyclers recycle parts of bras that are beyond repair or reuse, and puts those that are still good into the hands of those who need them. Recipients include organzations that help women in transition. Locally, they support the work of

Rebecca hopes that women she knows and others in the community will open their dresser drawers to donate what no longer fits or suits their lifestyle. There are two drop-off locations in New Jersey, both down the shore, and Rebecca hopes to work with other stores. In the meantime, she says, women can simply mail in their bras to the organization.

"That's what I did," she said. "And it turned out to be a pretty big box full of pretty, big bras."

New Jersey Drop-Off Locations:

Red Bank, NJ

Sweetest Sin Boutique
11 White Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
(Corner of Broad and Maple, catty-corner to Starbucks)
www.mysweetestsin.com

Spring Lake, NJ

Linger
304 Morris Avenue (cross street is Third Ave)
Spring Lake, NJ 07762
732-449-4009
www.shoplinger.com

Shipping Address
3317 S. Higley, Rd
Ste 114-441
Gilbert, AZ 85297