Find free clothes by county or city from a local clothing closet.
Free clothes, work attire, and other basic items may be available to struggling and low‑income families through free clothing closets in local communities - with links to cities and counties below. Churches, nonprofit organizations, and charity groups operate many of these programs. While the exact types of assistance vary by location, a clothing closet typically functions as a free distribution center that provides clothing or vouchers for year‑round or seasonal items to people in need.
The types and condition of available clothing, eligibility requirements (if any), and application processes differ by organization. Eligible households may be able to browse items on-site, and many centers allow people to select free new or gently used clothing based on current inventory. Clothing closets often offer items for infants, children, adults, and seniors. Some locations also provide emergency clothing support to homeless individuals and others who have no money for basic necessities.
The information below is organized into sections that explain eligibility, the types of clothing that may be offered, as well as local clothing closet listings. There are also some national charity programs that give out clothes or locate tips for finding free clothes in a community.
How to get free clothes in your area?
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Free clothing “banks” or clothing closets provide basic items at no cost to households that qualify, though inventory and rules vary widely. Many programs focused on addressing a certain need, such as a charity may prioritize children, seniors, parents with newborns, single parents, or homeless individuals. Some locations may require proof of income, identification, as well as residency or documentation of need - always be prepared with that information if it is needed. A small number may charge a minimal fee depending on donation levels at the location in question and local operating costs.
Most clothing closets are operated by local community churches and charities. Resources are limited as most rely on donations from the local community rather than government funding. Inventory changes constantly and is often limited, especially during high-demand seasons. Donations may come from individuals, retailers, and community drives. As always, the quantity and sizes of clothes available depend on what has been contributed with some centers also limiting how many items can be selected.
Some households seek help after an emergency, such as if recovering from a a fire, flood, or other disaster. While others need assistance after job loss, a reduction in hours or reduced income. In some communities, clothes closets focus on work clothing for people entering employment in which maybe uniforms, professional attire and other goods are passed out. Many clothing closets rely on volunteers, and each location sets its own rules, service hours, documentation requirements, and distribution limits.
Types of free clothes offered from a location
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What is available changes frequently, sometimes daily. This is the case as clothing closets rely on donations, seasonal needs and respond to current demand. The examples below describe common types of items that may be offered by free clothing assistance programs.
- Seasonal clothing may be available, including winter items such as coats, hats, gloves, boots, and snow pants. Many winter clothing programs prioritize children and seniors who are often most at risk.
- School-related items may be offered in some locations, in particular during back-to-school season. Stuff such as backpacks, uniforms, sneakers, jeans, and basic supplies, depending on donations and seasonal drives.
- Some clothes closets assist newborn and expecting parents with items such as diapers, wipes, formula, maternity clothing, free baby clothes samples and infant clothing, depending on inventory.
- Year-round clothing may include underwear, socks, shoes, belts, jackets, and other basic items in a range of sizes for adults and children.
- Work clothing may be offered, including professional attire such as suits, dresses, and work pants. Some programs also provide uniforms, including items like medical scrubs or steel toe boots, depending on local partnerships and donations.
- Some clothing closets also provide personal items for girls and women, and certain locations may offer hygiene products when available.
- Some programs provide vouchers or gift certificates that can be used for specific clothing needs, often through partnerships with thrift stores or local retailers. Availability depends on funding and local program rules.
Emergency clothing may be immediately available for households (regardless of their income) that are affected by a disaster such as a flood, fire, or other crisis. Inventory may be limited during large scale emergencies, but many churches and charities attempt to provide basic clothes to people with urgent need.
Locations of a free clothing closet near you
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Select a state, city, or county below for information on clothing assistance programs in a local area. Most clothing closets rely on donations, and eligibility rules vary. Some locations require proof of income or identification, while others do not. Clothing may be available for people of all genders, ages and sizes, depending on inventory.
Free clothing closets may also be operated by national nonprofit organizations such as The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or St. Vincent de Paul and scroll down past the state/city list to find those programs. In many communities, these programs are connected to low-cost thrift stores, and some locations help people get clothes directly or through vouchers.
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
Washington DC
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Free clothes from national charity groups and clothing assistance programs
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Free Coats for Kids “type” programs operate in many cold-weather regions. Nonprofit organizations and partner agencies collect donated winter clothing and distribute coats, jackets, hats, and gloves to children at no cost. Note the winter clothes / jacket type giveaways can go by various names but we have the local versions listed on the needhelppayingbills site. he Salvation Army and Operation Warm are often involved in local coat drives and distributions.
- Participating clothing closets distribute winter coats and related items to children, teens and students who may be at risk during cold weather. Donation needs are often highest for children’s coats and for adult sizes that are difficult to keep in stock. Details for free winter clothes giveaways and local availability vary by community.
Some clothing closets also provide limited household goods, though these items are more often available at a reduced price through thrift stores or a local furniture bank. Household items may include small appliances, basic cleaning supplies, curtains, dishes and similar “smaller” items depending on donations. In certain emergency situations, limited furniture assistance may be available to households impacted by disasters such as fires.
Some charities and churches operate programs that loan out goods. These often allow sick or disabled individuals, seniors, and caregivers to borrow basic medical equipment or healthcare specific clothing items, such as compression socks or adaptive clothing. The goods are often provided at little or no cost, with the expectation that medical clothes or equipment will be returned when it is no longer needed. Availability at a free medical loan closet, or whether even available, depends on local donations and program rules.
Some charities are dedicated to providing assistance for babies, pregnant women and young children, including clothing and basic supplies. Programs that give out free baby stuff may have age limits and may also support expectant parents. Items can include maternity clothes, diapers, small furniture items, and other essentials when available.
Catholic Charities operates across the country through local churches and partner organizations. Many local programs accept donations of clothes of all sizes and all ages. The charity will also accept personal care items, prepare everything for distribution, and provide free items to struggling people and families facing emergencies. Availability from Catholic Charities assistance programs and eligibility rules vary by location.
Free or low-cost items may also be available from other for-profit or nonprofit organizations. These programs are above and beyond clothing closets. The programs that offer free stuff may be at local churches, charities, community groups, and some retailers. Assistance may include household supplies, vouchers, small dollar amounts of money to pay for stuff among other support. There may also be in some cases gift cards or small grants may help cover essential purchases.
Love In the Name of Christ, or LOVE Inc, is a national network that coordinates help through local churches and community partners. Households request assistance through a local clearinghouse type concept. For those who are approved for aid, referrals may be made for clothing, school supplies, furniture, and other basic needs depending on local resources. Some Love Inc. locations also operate thrift stores that sell low-cost items.
The Salvation Army may provide clothing assistance through local clothing closets, Family Stores that can help people facing a crisis, or voucher programs. Items given out will be very diverse and strictly based on donations, but may site may have include work and school clothes, winter coats, sneakers, baby supplies, suits for an interview and children’s clothing. Some locations distribute clothing directly at no cost to eligible households, while other locations focus on thrift stores open to the public. In certain communities, vouchers or gift cards may be provided as part of programs from the Salvation Army to households with no money so they can obtain needed clothing.
Freecycle Network groups operate in many communities and allow people to give away items at no cost to reduce waste. Clothes from a Freecycle Network giveaway service are for people of all ages and genders may be available through local Freecycle groups depending on what community members post.
Thrift stores are of course an affordable option. The locations help households reduce costs by offering gently used or sometimes brand new clothes and household goods at reduced prices compared to retail. Many thrift stores are operated by charities or churches, and some work in partnership with local clothing closets that provide vouchers to struggling people or referrals. Shopping for savings at thrift stores may also help a household stretch limited income.
We also have a forum discussing places for free clothes and other items. It is free to register in and use. There you will read real experiences of people across the country or share your own. You will be able to share information on programs around basic needs such as clothes, get tips or suggestions and learn much more on the community forum.
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