Donate your professional attire to a college career closet
By Meg Greenslade, Lead Organizer & Move Manager
Starting a career can be stressful enough without worrying about what to wear to an interview or first job. For many college students, buying professional clothing is a real financial burden. That’s where career closets come in.
Career closets are campus-based programs that provide students with free access to professional attire — from suits and dress shirts to shoes and accessories. By donating gently used business wear, you can make a direct impact on a student’s confidence and career opportunities.
What is a career closet?
A career closet is typically a dedicated room or resource space on a college campus where students can “shop” for professional clothing at no cost. These items are often donated and are available to students preparing for:
- Job interviews
- Internships
- Career fairs
- First jobs after graduation
Some colleges also run temporary “pop-up closets” around the time of campus career fairs, and these are often organized by student groups or local nonprofits.
Where to donate in Massachusetts
If you have clean, gently worn professional clothing you’d like to donate, here are a few local options:
- Boston College (Chestnut Hill)
- Brandeis University (Waltham)
- Merrimack College (North Andover)
- Salem State University (Salem)
- Suffolk University (Boston)
Other resources include nonprofits like Tailored for Success in Malden, which hosts Saturday drop-off days, and schools with expanded resource closets such as Wellesley College, which accepts professional attire, winter wear, and new personal care items.
If you're not in Massachusetts, try doing a web search using any of these queries:
"career closet college near me""professional clothing donation campus program""student career wardrobe college [your city/state]""career closet university [your city/state]""free professional attire for students [your area]"
Tips for donating professional clothing
Before you pack up your items, keep these donation best practices in mind:
- Choose interview-ready items: Suits, blazers, slacks, dress shirts, skirts, dresses, shoes, belts, and bags.
- Check the condition: Clothing should be clean, gently used, and free of stains or damage.
- Consider if the items are current: Would the clothing be of interest to a 20-something today?
Don’t forget accessories: Ties, belts, and professional handbags can complete a student’s outfit.
Make a difference today
Donating professional attire is a simple way to give back — and it can make a huge difference in helping a student feel confident as they take their first steps into the professional world.
If you have interview-ready clothing you no longer wear, consider reaching out to a local college career center or nonprofit. Your blazer or dress shoes might just help someone land their dream job!
