14 Ways to Reuse Old Tights and Pantyhose (2024)

Whether they've been snagged beyond repair, worn a hole through the foot, or have simply gone out of style, chances are own at least one pair of old tights that's now bunched up somewhere in the depths of your drawer. And while they may seem like a garment entirely gone, don't toss those tights just yet (a single pair can take years to decompose in landfills).

To help give your gently used pantyhose another life, see if your local thrift shops or secondhand stores will accept them (some have restrictions on certain textiles or clothing conditions). Many stores also have textile recycling programs for donations they aren't able to resell. Or, opt to upcycle your hosiery with our personal favorite solution: a DIY project. Just be sure to only work with clean pantyhose by giving your pairs one last good wash prior to repurposing.

Need to deodorize the back of your fridge or a musty bathroom sink? Simply snip off the footed area of your pantyhose and fill with baking soda, tie off, then place wherever you need to absorb excess moisture and unwanted aromas. You can also use an assortment of dried herbs and flowers as filling to create all-natural scented sachets, perfect for freshening up a closet or sock drawer (and helping to deter pests). And if you find yourself always searching for rubber bands in your junk drawer or a hair tie while getting ready, turn your tights into the savvy solution by snipping up the "leg" portion to instantly create your own stretchy ties and bands. Read on for more clever tips and tricks, and never toss out an old pair of tights again.

Craft a Costume

These clothing staples aren't only for wearing with skirts and dresses. When stretched out, they also make for perfect "winged" accessories that'll turn anyone into a bright butterfly.

Secure Your Plants

If you have a plant that needs a little extra support, snip up your old pantyhose to make a soft tie that binds your plant to a stake. Unlike twine, which can damage especially delicate plants, nylon is a gentle yet equally sturdy and durable alternative.

Tie Scented Sachets

If you're looking to freshen up a musky coat closet, medicine cabinet, or sock drawer, make a batch of simple scented sachets filled with dried flowers and herbs. Just snip off the footed part of your pantyhose, fill, and tie off. You can also snip the leg section and knot at both ends.

Make Hair Ties

Always losing your hair tie? An old pair of tights can be turned into dozen of handy hair accessories. Simply cut off the toe parts and continue snipping across the footed section in 1-inch bands, creating as many ties as you need. Once you get past the thigh, you can turn the wider waistband second into a stretchy hairband.

Make Elastic Bands

Similarly, consider setting some aside as elastic bands. Use these in place of anywhere you might reach for a rubber band: bundle colored pencils and markers together in craft rooms, keep spare utensils organized, or fill up a small container inside your junk drawer (and never be in search for one again).

Polish Collections

Whether you need to shine your shoes, antique furniture, or your treasured collection of silverware, hosiery will help you get the job done. Simply snip and bunch the material into a scrubbing knot. It works wonders for polishing leather, glass, and metals like silver, gold, and brass—and without leaving a single scratch.

Remove Nail Polish

In the same way that your nylons can polish housewares, the texture of your pantyhose also adds the perfect amount of gentle abrasion needed to remove nail polish. Simply snip up your pair into small squares and use in place of cotton balls or makeup remover pads.

Decorate Pumpkins

In the fall, patterned and textured tights can even give your gourds a gorgeous upgrade with the help of a little spray paint. Simply slip a larger pumpkin into the "hip" section of your pantyhose, or use the legs for smaller pumpkins, cinch and knot to secure, and spray on your desired color.

Dye Easter Eggs

Come spring, scraps from patterned pantyhose can double as stencils when decorating a basket of Easter eggs. Wrap and secure your fabric around the egg, dye, and remove the fabric to reveal your for intricate designs.

Deodorize the Home

Freshen hard-to-reach areas at the back of your fridge, pantry, or under the sink with these homemade deodorizers. Similar to the scented sachets idea, fill up the foot of your pantyhose with a few tablespoons of baking soda and knot off (or knot at both ends of a "leg" section) and place them wherever you need to nix musty smells. To keep things at their freshest, replenish them every three to four months.

Make a Statement Necklace

You may not be able to wear them on your feet anymore, but with this bold accessory, you can transform sheer pantyhose and a batch of colorful balls or beads into a stylish statement.

Organize Wrapping Paper Rolls

If you've been meaning to get your bin of wrapping paper rolls in order, a pair of pantyhose is about to be your best organizing tool. Simply snip off a leg and slide it onto a roll to prevent the paper from unfurling.

Stop Bin Liners from Slipping

If the liner of your trash bin keeps slipping, use the waistband section of your pantyhose to help keep it secure. Simply stretch the waistband over the top of your bin and adjust it to hold the edges of your bin liner in place.

Store Spring Bulbs

As you gear up for gardening season, keep your flower bulbs neatly stored and sorted by sliding them into the old footings of your hosiery. The breathable fabrics will help keep them protected and aerated, allowing you to easily categorize bulbs by type by affixing labels without causing damage.