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Let’s be real. You probably have at least one pair of yoga leggings that’s past its prime. Maybe the waistband has given out, the fabric’s gone sheer, the thigh has a slight snag, or the entire thing has just been through one too many turns on your mat.
Before you toss your old yoga leggings in the trash, consider giving them a second life by finding a way to reuse or upcycle your old yoga clothes as an easy, low-waste way to experience something surprisingly useful while keeping fabric out of landfills.
What is Upcycling?
Upcycling is the art of transforming old or unused items into something new and functional without breaking down the original product. Unlike recycling, which typically includes energy-intensive processes, upcycling focuses more on creativity and reuse. Think: cutting, tying, twisting, and sometimes (but not always!) a little sewing.
Technically speaking, upcycling is refashioning an item in a manner that literally ups its resale value. Although in casual conversation, many people considere upcycling and repurposing to be synonymous.
Best Ways to Repurpose Yoga Leggings
You don’t need to be a sewing whiz to repurpose or upcycle your old leggings. The following solutions range from zero effort to somewhat sorta handy with a scissors. But most can be done in less than 30 minutes and require nothing more than what you already have on hand.
1. No-Sew Hair Ties and Headbands
Old leggings with some stretch still left are ideal for DIY hair accessories. Cut narrow strips near the ankle to make no-pull hair ties. Cut a slightly wider swath across the thigh area where the fabric is wider for headbands. Cut it even broader for a buff or headwrap, customizing the width and length to your liking. No sewing required.
2. Yoga Shorts
If your leggings still fit but have holes in the knees or cuffs, give them new life as biker-style shorts. Cut to your desired length—leave the edges raw or hem for a more finished look. Bonus: You can use leftover fabric to sew on pockets or make matching hair accessories.
3. Crop Tops or Shrugs
If the leg portions of your leggings are toast but the upper section and waistband still have life, try trimming them into a crop top, shrug, or workout bra. There are ample no-sew and easy-sew tutorials out there on YouTube and Pinterest for all different designs, although this one from Exercise with Extra Fries is so simple it feels a little criminal…and definitely counts as upcycling.
4. Rags for Cleaning
Just cut the fabric into squares and use your leggings rags to wipe down mirrors, countertops, even your yoga mat. The reusable rag approach works especially well with cotton or bamboo-blend leggings. Eco bonus: you can toss your rags in the laundry for reuse and ditch paper towels.
5. Yoga Mat Carrying Bag
You could cut some looooong strips from your leggings and braid or knot them into a carrying strap for your mat. But if you get dizzy simply thinking about how to do that, try simply sliding your yoga mat into one leg of your yoga leggings, tie the short ankle ends together, and do a little folding and tucking around the waistband. Studio chic.
6. Reusable Makeup Wipes
Cut small rounds or squares from your fabric and keep them in a jar near your sink to use with your makeup remover. Toss in the wash and reuse—no more single-use wipes.
7. Braided Chew Toy for Dogs
This is great for both old leggings and T-shirts. Twist and braid strips of leggings into a tug toy for your pup. Adding knots on each end makes for a more durable chew toy. The following YouTube tutorial relies on sweatpants although leggings also work.
8. Stuffed Animal
With a few snips, some stitches, and a free online pattern, you can turn old leggings whose pattern you can’t part with into a sweet little stuffed companion. There are dozens of instructional how-tos online for doing this with fabric. Simply ensure your pattern falls within the measurements of your usable legging material.
9. Eye Pillows
The instructions for making your own eye pillows are fairly straightforward. Cut a couple rectangles from your leggings, stitch or glue the edges closed on three sides, and fill with flax seeds, uncooked rice or beans, or dried lavender before sewing the final side shut. Use it over your eyes during Savasana or for your nighttime Legs Up the Wall ritual.
