The fair market value of donated athletic pants / leggings is $3–$18 per pair in 2026, depending on condition.
Clothing Donation Values · Updated August 1, 2026
Athletic Pants / Leggings Donation Value: What Are These Worth in 2026?
The fair market value (FMV) of donated athletic pants / leggings ranges from $3 to $18 per pair in 2026, based on ItsDeducted's valuation dataset and IRS fair market value principles.
| Audience | New / Like New | Good | Fair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men's | $15 | $8 | $3 |
| Women's | $15 | $6 | $3 |
| Boys' | $15 | $8 | $3 |
| Girls' | $18 | $7 | $3 |
Valuation data by ItsDeducted Team · Updated August 1, 2026
Based on aggregated U.S. resale-market prices and IRS Publication 561 fair market value principles. See how we calculate these values.
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Athletic Pants / Leggings donation values are most impacted by pilling, fabric degradation, stain severity, and perceived quality.
Leggings, when donated, may support an estimated deduction of approximately $3 for items in fair condition, up to $15–$18 for items in like-new condition, with good condition items valued around $6–$8. The donation value is largely influenced by the fabric and condition of the elastic waistband and seams, which can significantly impact their usability and appeal for resale. Popular brands, durable construction, and a lack of visible wear will tend to increase the fair market value.
Athletic Pants / Leggings Donation Values
2026 Athletic Pants / Leggings Donation Values by Condition
Use the item's actual condition and relevant used-market prices to estimate fair market value at the time of donation, rather than its original purchase price.
| Condition | FMV per pair | What it means | Tax note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New / Like New | $15–$18 | These leggings appear unworn, with crisp fabric, vibrant color, and no signs of stretching, pilling, or fabric degradation, closely resembling their original retail state. This 'like new' condition typically supports a fair market value of approximately $15–$18. | Condition may qualify |
| Good | $6–$8 | Carefully inspected, these leggings show only faint, minor pilling in inconspicuous areas and no visible stains, odors, or stretched elastic, suggesting light use; this condition often results in a fair market value of around $6–$8. | Condition may qualify |
| Fair | $3 | With noticeable but minor pilling across the fabric, slight fading in high-wear areas, or a small, pea-sized stain that doesn't compromise overall wearability, these leggings are still functional for reuse. They are free from significant odors, holes, or frayed seams. | Check the IRS condition rule |
| Poor | $0 | These leggings exhibit extensive pilling, permanent visible discoloration or noticeable odors (such as body odor or mildew), or small holes (dime-sized or smaller) that would likely deter most resale buyers. | Generally below the condition rule |
These are estimated values, not deductible amounts. For clothing and household items, the IRS generally requires good used condition or better; a narrow exception may apply to a single item with a qualified appraisal and claimed value over $500.
Athletic Pants / Leggings Value Factors
What Affects the Value of Donated Athletic Pants / Leggings?
Not all donated athletic pants / leggings are worth the same. These factors have the biggest impact on FMV:
Significant pilling on leggings visibly lowers their value, diminishing perceived quality and potentially bringing an $6–$8 good condition item down to a $3 fair condition item.
Over-stretched elastic around the waistband or ankles of leggings significantly reduces their fair market value by affecting fit and comfort.
Noticeable stains larger than a pea-sized spot on leggings depress their value, as they are harder to remarket compared to a fair condition item at $3.
Low-quality construction or thin fabric in leggings lowers their fair market value, as they are less durable and show wear more quickly than a good condition item at $6–$8.
Athletic Pants / Leggings Condition Issues
Common Condition Issues and How They Affect Value
Before donating athletic pants / leggings, check for these issues. Each may change the condition tier and estimated fair market value.
| Issue | Effect on Value | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Light Pilling | Acceptable | Minor pilling across the fabric is common with wear and typically does not materially reduce the donation value of leggings. |
| Small Stain | Acceptable | A small, pea-sized stain that does not compromise overall wearability or cleanliness will not significantly impact the donation value if the leggings are otherwise in good condition. |
| Significant Fading | Lowers value | Noticeable fading in high-wear areas, particularly on the knees or seat, lowers the aesthetic appeal and thus the resale value of leggings. |
| Extensive Pilling | Lowers value | Extensive pilling across a large area of the leggings materially reduces their visual appeal and will lower their donation resale value. |
| Small Hole | Lowers value | A small hole, such as dime-sized or smaller, will likely deter most resale buyers and decreases the donation value of leggings. |
| Body Odor | May eliminate value | Persistent body odor or mildew odor renders leggings unsuitable for resale and will eliminate their donation value. |
Athletic Pants / Leggings Brand Value
Does Brand Name Affect the Value of Donated Athletic Pants / Leggings?
For men's leggings, brand rarely has a meaningful impact on fair market value, which is instead far more influenced by condition, size, fabric quality, seasonality, style, and absence of stains and odors. This is because most men's leggings are valued for their functional attributes like comfort or compression rather than an aspirational label.
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Fair Market Value Methodology
How We Calculate These Values
ItsDeducted's fair market values are built from a regularly updated dataset of resale prices across thrift stores, resale platforms, and charity shops nationwide. We apply IRS fair market value principles (IRS Publication 561) to map those prices to four condition tiers.
For donated athletic pants / leggings, our 2026 dataset yields a fair market value range of $3–$18 per pair across condition grades.
- We aggregate resale pricing signals for Athletic Pants / Leggings across major thrift channels.
- We apply condition-tier adjustments consistent with IRS FMV guidance.
- We review and update our dataset regularly — the last date that fair market value data was updated is included on every page.
- Our values reflect the U.S. national average. Local thrift store prices may vary. The IRS expects you to use prices representative of your area.
Pricing year: 2026 — Athletic Pants / Leggings Fair Market Values Last Updated: August 1, 2026.
These estimates use the fair market value principles in IRS Publication 561. They are not IRS-issued values. Local resale prices, item details, and the donation date can change the appropriate estimate. For a claimed deduction over $5,000 for an item or group of similar items, a qualified appraisal is generally required.
For broader context on the goods people documented, read the 2026 ItsDeducted Donation Value Report. Its anonymized platform snapshot is separate from this item-specific estimate.
Donation Tax Rules
IRS Rules for Donating Athletic Pants / Leggings
For clothing and household items, the IRS generally requires good used condition or better. An exception may apply to a single lower-condition item when the claimed deduction exceeds $500 and is supported by a qualified appraisal and Form 8283. IRS Publication 561
Condition requirement
Estimate value from the item's actual condition on the donation date. Clothing and household items generally must be in good used condition or better to support a deduction, subject to the qualified-appraisal exception noted above.
Written acknowledgment
If you claim a deduction of $250 or more for a contribution, keep a contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the charity. Keep reliable written records for smaller contributions too.
Form 8283 (over $500)
If your claimed deduction for noncash contributions exceeds $500, generally attach Form 8283 to your return. The details and appraisal rules depend on the property and claimed amount.
Qualified charity
Charitable deductions generally require donations to qualified organizations. Many national thrift charities may qualify, but verify the receiving organization and keep your receipt.
What to save in your records
- Donation date and receiving organization.
- Item description: athletic pants / leggings, quantity, and condition.
- Estimated fair market value used for each condition tier.
- Receipt, written acknowledgment, photos, or notes that support the estimate.
IRS reference: IRS Publication 561 explains how to determine fair market value. IRS Publication 526 explains charitable contribution recordkeeping and substantiation. Donors should document the item, its condition, and how they arrived at the estimate. Read IRS Publication 526 for substantiation rules.
Athletic Pants / Leggings Donation Acceptance
What Charities Typically Accept for Athletic Pants / Leggings
For acceptance by many charities, leggings should be clean, odor-free, and show limited signs of wear. Items with significant pilling, fabric degradation like over-stretched elastic, or noticeable stains larger than a pea-sized spot may be rejected or valued very conservatively due to their reduced reusability. Additionally, leggings exhibiting small holes, permanent discoloration, or extensive fading are commonly considered unsuitable for donation. Always check with your chosen charity regarding their current acceptance guidelines.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions for Athletic Pants / Leggings Donations
What common types of wear make leggings unsuitable for donation?
Leggings are often considered unsuitable for donation if they have extensive pilling across the entire fabric, permanent visible discoloration, or noticeable odors such as body odor or mildew. Small holes, including those dime-sized or smaller, also typically deter most resale buyers.
How does seasonal timing impact the resale value and demand for leggings at thrift stores?
Seasonal timing can significantly affect demand. Leggings often see increased demand and potentially higher resale values during colder months, where they are used for layering or athletic activities. During warmer seasons, demand may decrease, leading to slower sales at thrift stores.
Which forms of pilling or fading affect the fair market value of leggings?
Faint, minor pilling in inconspicuous areas and slight fading in high-wear areas indicate 'Good' or 'Fair' condition, respectively, which could support fair market values of around $6–$8 or $3. Extensive pilling across the fabric, as described for 'Poor' condition leggings, would make them unsuitable for donation and without significant fair market value.
What is the difference between 'Like New' and 'Good' condition for leggings?
'Like New' leggings appear unworn with crisp fabric and no signs of stretching or pilling, closely resembling their original retail state, potentially supporting a fair market value of approximately $15–$18. 'Good' condition leggings show only faint, minor pilling in inconspicuous areas and no visible stains or stretched elastic, often resulting in a fair market value of around $6–$8.
Are leggings with small, pea-sized stains still considered valuable for donation?
Yes, leggings with a small, pea-sized stain that does not compromise overall wearability are typically considered to be in 'Fair' condition. Despite minor imperfections, they are still functional for reuse and free from significant odors or holes, potentially supporting a fair market value of around $3.
Do specific fabric types or construction methods impact how well leggings hold up for resale?
Yes, leggings made from durable synthetic blends or those with reinforced seams tend to hold up better against wear, pilling, and stretching. Items that maintain their elasticity and original shape are more likely to be valued in 'Good' or 'Like New' condition for resale.
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