You have a pile of old jeans in your closet that you don't wear anymore. Throwing them away feels wasteful, but you're not sure about the best way to get rid of them.

Yes, American Eagle takes old jeans from any brand for their recycling program. You can bring them to a store and get a $10 discount on a new pair of jeans.

As someone who helps create jeans, I am always thinking about the full life of a garment. The story doesn't end when it leaves the store. What happens when a customer is finished with it?

Programs like American Eagle's are becoming more important in our industry. For a designer like Dean, understanding this end-of-life process is part of modern, responsible design. Let's look at exactly how this program works and what it means for you.

Can I Give American Eagle My Old Jeans?

Your favorite jeans are officially worn out. They are not in good enough shape to donate, and you want to avoid just sending them to a landfill. You need a simple, responsible option.

Absolutely. You can bring your old jeans—from any brand—to an American Eagle store. They collect them for the Blue Jeans Go Green™¹ program, which recycles them into building insulation.

This partnership is a smart way to handle textile waste².

From a manufacturing point of view, the most important rule is that the jeans must be made of 90% cotton or more. This is because the recycling process works by breaking the fabric back down into its original cotton fibers.

Jeans with too much polyester or other synthetics can't be used in this specific process. It is a very simple system for you.

You just walk in, drop off your old jeans, and they give you a coupon for $10 off a new pair.

It's a great deal. You get to clean out your closet, you help the environment, and you save some money.

It is important to know that they do not resell the jeans you bring in. They give them a completely new purpose.

Does American Eagle Have a Jean Exchange Program³?

You heard that American Eagle has a program to exchange jeans but the details are a bit fuzzy. You are not sure if it is a trade-in for credit or some kind of donation.

Yes, American Eagle does have a jean exchange program. It is a sustainability initiative⁴ where you "exchange" any old pair of jeans for a $10 discount on a brand new pair.

It is best to think of this as a "recycling bonus" rather than a true exchange where the value of your old jeans is assessed.

The $10 discount is a fixed reward for your participation. This is a very popular model that many brands are using today.

In my work with global companies, I have seen different versions of this. For instance, the same program in the Philippines offers a 25% discount, which could be an even better deal.

In the US, there are extra perks if you are a Real Rewards member. The brand has two main goals with this program. First, it gets you to come into their physical stores.

Second, it builds their image as a sustainable company. It creates a loop that encourages you to buy your next pair of jeans from them, which helps build customer loyalty⁵.

Can I Return Worn Jeans to American Eagle?

You wore your new jeans a few times and decided they are not right for you. Now you want to return them, but you are not sure if their policy allows it.

No, you cannot return jeans that have been worn or washed for a refund. The recycling program is completely separate from their standard return policy for new purchases.

This is a point of confusion for many customers, so it's important to understand the difference. The "Jean Exchange" or recycling program is for end-of-life clothing. Their return policy is for brand-new merchandise that you have decided not to keep.

From the business side, this distinction is critical. A store cannot resell a product that has been worn or washed. It would have to be marked as defective, resulting in a loss for the company.

So the rule is very clear. If you want a full refund, the jeans have to be in the exact same condition as when you bought them.

This means unworn, unwashed, and with all the original tags still attached. If your jeans are old and you're simply done with them, that is when you use the recycling program.

How Can I Get Money From Old Jeans?

You have a stack of old jeans that are still in pretty good shape. You feel they are worth something, and you would like to get some cash for them instead of just a discount.

You can get money for old jeans by reselling them online on apps like Poshmark or ThredUp, taking them to a local consignment shop, or using a brand's take-back program for a store credit.

The American Eagle program is a great option if you plan to buy new jeans from them anyway. The $10 discount is an instant benefit. However, if your goal is to get cash in your hand, you have other options, especially if the jeans are a popular style and in good condition. The secondhand clothing market⁶ is bigger than ever. Knowing your options can help you get the most value out of your old clothes.

Method	Best For...	Effort Required	Potential Return
Online Marketplaces	In-demand brands, vintage styles.	High (photos, descriptions, shipping).	Highest (you keep most of the money).
Consignment Shops	High-end brands in excellent condition.	Medium (you drop them off).	Medium (the shop takes a large cut).
Brand Take-Backs	Jeans in any condition (even worn out).	Low (just drop off at the store).	Low (usually a coupon or small credit).

For a designer like Dean, this aftermarket is also a source of great information. Seeing which styles hold their value and are popular on resale sites provides valuable insight into what customers truly want.

Conclusion

American Eagle's recycling program is a simple way to dispose of old jeans responsibly. It's a win-win, allowing you to be more sustainable while saving money on a new pair.

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