what to do with ripped work shirts?

[AndCounting]

DH wears long-sleeved shirts to work. For some reason he goes through them at the elbow (how? Is he leaning particularly my are on his desk, who knows?) Anyway, what can we do with all these wrecked shirts? DH could take them off to the garage to use as bike rags but is there a better use?

Any tips on how to reduce this swear and tear also gratefully received!

[springbabydays]

Most charity shops can shift even damaged clothes as 'rag' so maybe donate? Unless you have the time and energy to make short sleeved shirts out of them of course. If you give to dh as car rag, take the buttons off first for kids' artwork maybe?

[Theas18]

We use them as cleaning rags

[MrsLettuce]

I'd have him on an intensive elbow moisturizing regime, who knows, it might help.

If you're a crafty sort there are some lovely patterns out there for adapting shirts into childrens' dresses.

[Theas18]

Or you could take sewing bee inspiration and patchwork them. I bet they are lovely cotton in various stripes / plain pastels and it'll look bril. Less so if all white I agree !

[momb]

This. And tell him to stop it.

[TheCowThatLaughs]

This used to happen to all my clothes until I made an effort to stop sitting with my elbows on the desk. I started resting my forearms on the desk instead. don't know if I've got unusually sharp elbows or what

[TheCowThatLaughs]

You could cut the sleeves down and hem them to make short sleeved shirts instead though?

[OOAOML]

Make him wear them with elbow patches and see if that stops him?

Otherwise agree with suggestions of making them short sleeved or using for patchwork. Could use some as painting overalls for children, but there's a limit to how many of them you need I imagine.

[BackforGood]

If it's an ongoing theme, then what about using the material from the old shirts to patch - as in reinforce from the inside his new shirts to strengthen them without them looking like they are patched ?

[TheGirlOnTheLanding]

Patchwork or rag rugs if you have the patience. Donate to charities for rags if not.

[EauRouge]

If there's an animal shelter or similar near you then they might appreciate them for animal bedding. We took a load of our old towels to a local zoo that breeds endangered species.

[AndCounting]

Thank you all for your inspiration.
momb I love it. I really hope it catches on.
lettuce I would get him to moisturise but he was given a second hand pot of udder cream by a family member which he already loves, in spite of the label advising it's not for people and I don't want to drive him further into that pot.
Maybe it's time for me to patch. Thank you all!

[Applesauce29]

That happens to my DH's shirts too. I'm rubbish at sewing and don't have a machine, so have used them as a protective layer while painting and cleaning the garden, and used some as rags.

[elQuintoConyo]

I clucked to give my advice - but wtf UDDER CREAM?

Did I read that right?

[Underdogsbollocks]

Do you have a dog? Cut them I to smaller pieces then tie lots of nots in them, perfect cheap dog toy

[Jakadaal]

My DMIL uses them to make quilts for injured servicemen when they are in hospital/rehabilitation. Help for Heroes might be able to help with project details or a local quilting group might be grateful for donations of fabric especially pure cotton

[mrsmortis]

Old men's shirts make good painting overalls for the kids. You could cut off just above the rip and hem. My kids need a belt too as they are skinny. Perhaps that could be a use for the rest of the sleeve?

[kat088]

I've saved loads with the intention of making quilt (one day). The worst ones get made into rags for cleaning house then bike.