What Patagonia Worn Wear is and how to use it

Patagonia Worn Wear is Patagonia's secondhand marketplace where you can buy used Patagonia gear or sell your own. The company runs it as both a retail operation and a repair service, operating physical locations in a few cities and an online shop. You can browse used jackets, pants, backpacks, and other items at lower prices than new gear, or you can send in your own worn Patagonia items to be evaluated, repaired if needed, and resold.

The program exists because Patagonia's business model includes a commitment to reduce waste. Rather than treating used gear as disposable, Worn Wear extends the life of clothing and equipment. For you as a buyer, it means access to Patagonia's durable products at a discount. For you as a seller, it means a way to recirculate gear you no longer use instead of throwing it away.

Key Takeaways

  • Worn Wear operates both online and at physical locations in select cities, so your access depends on where you live and whether you prefer to shop in person or ship items.
  • You can sell used Patagonia gear by mailing it to Patagonia or dropping it off at a Worn Wear location, and the company pays you based on the item's condition and current market value.
  • Prices for secondhand Patagonia gear are typically 30 to 50 percent lower than new retail, though exact prices vary by item age, condition, and demand.
  • Patagonia repairs items before reselling them through Worn Wear, so many secondhand pieces come with a warranty or may provide of functionality.
  • The program accepts only Patagonia-branded gear; items from other outdoor brands or non-Patagonia products will not be purchased.

How to sell your used Patagonia gear

To sell gear through Worn Wear, you first need to decide whether to ship it or drop it off in person. If you ship, you mail your items to Patagonia's Worn Wear processing center. Patagonia provides a prepaid shipping label on their website, so you do not pay for postage. Once your package arrives, Patagonia's team inspects each piece, assesses its condition, and determines a buyback price based on the item's original retail value, current demand, and wear.

If you have a Worn Wear location near you—currently in Ventura, California; Denver, Colorado; and New York City—you can drop off items in person and sometimes receive payment on the spot or within a few days. The in-person route is faster and lets you see the condition assessment happen. Patagonia pays you via store credit, direct deposit, or check, depending on the location and your preference.

Not all items will be accepted. Patagonia looks for gear that is still functional or repairable. Pieces with large holes, permanent stains, broken zippers that cannot be fixed, or severe damage may be declined. The company also only buys Patagonia-branded items; gear from other brands will not be purchased, even if you bought it at Patagonia.

Pricing and payment for secondhand items

Patagonia does not publish a fixed price list for Worn Wear buyback. Instead, each item is priced individually based on several factors: the original retail price, how much the item has been worn, stains or repairs, current demand for that style, and the season. A lightly worn fleece from last year might fetch 40 to 50 percent of its original price, while a heavily used backpack might be offered 20 to 30 percent.

When you sell, you receive payment in one of three forms depending on the location and your choice: store credit (which you can use on any Patagonia purchase, new or Worn Wear), direct deposit to a bank account, or a physical check. Store credit often comes with a small bonus—for example, $50 in store credit might be offered instead of $40 in cash—so if you plan to buy Patagonia gear anyway, that option can stretch your money further.

The payment process varies by method. If you drop off in person at a physical location, you may get paid when ready or within a few business days. If you mail items in, Patagonia typically processes and pays within two to three weeks after your package is received and inspected.

Buying secondhand Patagonia through Worn Wear

The Worn Wear online shop displays used Patagonia gear organized by category: jackets, pants, fleece, backpacks, and accessories. Each listing includes photos of the item, a description of its condition (for example, "lightly worn" or "well-loved with minor pilling"), the original retail price, and the current Worn Wear price. You can filter by size, color, and condition level to narrow your search.

Prices on secondhand items are typically 30 to 50 percent below the original retail price, though some older or less popular styles may be discounted further. A jacket that originally sold for $300 might be listed at $150 to $180, depending on how much it has been worn and whether Patagonia had to repair it. Prices change as inventory turns over, so the same style may be listed at different prices on different days.

Worn Wear items come with a return window—usually 30 days—so if the gear does not fit or does not meet your expectations, you can send it back. Many secondhand pieces also come with a limited warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship, though the terms depend on the item's condition when you bought it.

Physical Worn Wear locations and online shopping

Patagonia operates dedicated Worn Wear retail spaces in Ventura, California; Denver, Colorado; and New York City. These locations function as both a shop and a drop-off point. You can browse used gear in person, try things on, and sell your own items on the spot. Staff can answer questions about condition, fit, and care. Hours and inventory vary by location, so check Patagonia's website for current details before visiting.

If you do not live near a physical location, the online Worn Wear shop ships to most addresses in the United States and some international locations. Shipping costs vary by order size and destination. You can also mail in gear to sell even if you cannot visit a store in person; Patagonia provides prepaid shipping labels through their website.

Repair services through Worn Wear

Patagonia's Worn Wear program includes repair services, though the scope depends on your location. At physical Worn Wear locations, you can drop off Patagonia gear for repair—broken zippers, torn seams, worn-out linings, and similar issues. Patagonia repairs the item and either returns it to you or, if you prefer, adds it to the Worn Wear inventory for resale.

Repair pricing is not standardized; costs depend on the damage and the item. A zipper replacement might cost $20 to $40, while a seam repair could be $15 to $30. Turnaround time is typically two to four weeks. If you mail in gear for repair from outside a Worn Wear city, you can contact Patagonia's main customer service to discuss options; some repairs can be handled through their standard repair program, which operates separately from Worn Wear.

Environmental and financial reasons to use Worn Wear

Patagonia created Worn Wear as part of its broader environmental commitment. Outdoor gear is designed to last years or decades, but many people replace items before they wear out. By reselling used gear, Worn Wear keeps clothing out of landfills and reduces the demand for new manufacturing, which requires raw materials, energy, and water. From a purely financial standpoint, buying secondhand means you pay less for the same durability and quality that makes Patagonia gear expensive new.

Selling through Worn Wear also makes financial sense if you have gear you no longer use. Rather than storing it or discarding it, you recoup some of your original cost. The money you receive can be reinvested in new gear or used elsewhere. For people who cycle through outdoor equipment regularly—upgrading to lighter backpacks, switching to new insulation technology, or straightforward changing their outdoor activities—Worn Wear offers a way to offset the cost of replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell non-Patagonia gear through Worn Wear?

No. Worn Wear only buys Patagonia-branded items. If you have used gear from other outdoor brands, you would need to sell it through a different secondhand marketplace or consignment shop.

What condition does my gear need to be in to sell it?

Gear must be functional or repairable. Small stains, minor pilling, faded colors, and light wear are acceptable. Large holes, permanent stains, broken zippers that cannot be fixed, or severe damage will likely result in the item being declined. Patagonia's team assesses each piece individually.

How long does it take to get paid after I mail in gear?

Patagonia typically processes mailed-in items and issues payment within two to three weeks of receiving your package. If you drop off in person at a physical location, payment may happen the same day or within a few business days.

Do Worn Wear items come with a warranty?

Many secondhand pieces come with a limited warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship, though terms vary based on the item's condition when you bought it. All Worn Wear purchases have a 30-day return window if the gear does not meet your expectations.

Is Worn Wear available outside the United States?

The physical Worn Wear locations are in the United States only. The online shop ships to most U.S. addresses and some international locations, though shipping costs and delivery times vary. Check Patagonia's website for your specific country or region.