A new report by climate action charity group WRAP has revealed a concerning trend among Britons when it comes to clothing consumption. According to the report, UK consumers collectively possess around 1.6 billion unworn clothing items, averaging to approximately 118 items per person. What’s even more astonishing is that 26% of these items have not been worn in over a year.
This groundbreaking report, the largest-ever study conducted on the clothing habits of UK consumers, also shed light on the spending habits of adults in the country. It disclosed that consumers in the UK spend a staggering £4 billion per month on clothing. However, the study uncovered noticeable changes in how long consumers retain their clothing as well as their openness to explore new shopping methods.
The report suggests that these changes present an opportunity to significantly reduce the environmental impact of clothing and save consumers millions of pounds. The projected duration of clothing ownership among UK consumers has increased between 2013 and 2021. Non-padded coats and jackets now boast the longest lifespans of over six years, while underwear and bras have the shortest lifespans of just 2.7 and 2.6 years, respectively. Other items such as jeans, dresses, and T-shirts are also being kept for longer compared to previous years.
Interestingly, the study found that vintage and pre-loved items are retained for a longer duration than newly purchased ones. Vintage and pre-loved items have an average lifespan of 5.4 years, while ready-to-wear items are typically kept for four years. Furthermore, the report emphasized that repairing an item can extend its lifespan by approximately 1.3 years.
While the increase in clothing lifespan is a positive development, it does come with a downside. As consumers hold onto their clothes for longer periods, many items end up being underutilized. Shockingly, the report revealed some alarming statistics, including 15 pairs of rarely worn socks and/or hosiery, two pieces of fallen-out-of-favor underwear, three neglected T-shirts, and three unloved shirts or blouses that remain unworn in wardrobes. Additionally, 44% of skirts and 43% of dresses are left untouched.
The report also delved into the reasons behind the lack of use for certain clothing items. Some common factors include reserving the item for special occasions, ill-fitting or uncomfortable garments, or simply not prioritizing them. Despite the high number of unworn items, the report discovered that 45% of people still purchase new clothes at least once a month, with around one in eight individuals shopping weekly.
However, the report also highlights an opportunity for change. It emphasizes that while 81% of individuals aged 18-24 frequently purchase clothing, 54% of them are open to buying secondhand and vintage items. WRAP believes this represents an opportunity for businesses to introduce alternative clothing models, such as rental subscriptions. It also allows consumers to save money, earn extra cash, and find great deals. Furthermore, the report found that 40% of people would utilize a subscription service, and 58% are open to using a repair service.
To summarize, the report brings attention to the excessive amount of unworn clothing present in British wardrobes. While it highlights positive shifts in consumer behavior, it also emphasizes the need for further action to reduce waste and encourage more sustainable shopping habits. With the potential for alternative clothing models and repair services, it is evident that opportunities exist for both businesses and consumers to make a substantial impact on the fashion industry.
Relevant links:
– WRAP
– The Guardian – Fashion
