Day 41: How many clothes are we hoarding but not wearing?

8/4/2024

Day 41: How many clothes are we hoarding but not wearing?

Research from climate action NGO WRAP highlights the sheer volume of clothing owned by the average UK adult. With an estimated 118 items in our wardrobes, 26% — or 31 items — have not been worn in at least a year.

At the same time, the average length of time UK citizens keep their clothes is increasing. WRAP’s study, which tracks changes in clothing habits between 2013 and 2021, reveals that items like non-padded coats and jackets now stay in our wardrobes for over six years, while dresses and jeans last over four years.

Preloved and vintage clothing often stays in circulation for even longer, with second-hand garments kept almost 1.5 years longer than new items.

While our wardrobes are full, so too are our shopping carts. The research estimates that UK adults spend more than £4 billion on clothes every month, with almost half of the population purchasing clothing at least once a month. And while younger shoppers are leading the charge—81% of 18-24 year-olds buy clothing monthly—the overall demand for fast fashion continues to grow. However, a shift toward sustainable fashion is on the horizon. WRAP’s report reveals that over half of UK adults are now comfortable buying second-hand and vintage clothing, with many more expressing openness to circular business models like repair and rental services.

These findings underscore the urgent need for the fashion industry to embrace circularity. As WRAP’s Catherine David notes, “Textiles 2030 signatories are already beginning to introduce resale and rental business models, but these alongside repair models must become widespread if the fashion industry is to begin to achieve the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions necessary to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.”

WRAP’s research suggests that the UK public is ready to embrace these new models, with two in five consumers likely to use a subscription service and three in five open to using repair services.

In addition to extending the lifespan of our clothing, WRAP stresses the environmental and financial benefits of repair. According to their findings, repairing an item extends its life by another 1.3 years on average. Yet despite this trend toward keeping clothing for longer, many items remain underutilised, particularly dresses and skirts, which are often reserved for special occasions. WRAP sees this as an opportunity for businesses to tap into alternative shopping models such as rental subscriptions and resale platforms.

Everything I wore on day 41 of the 90 days of Shein challenge: