A report reveals that wasteful Britons have 1,6 billion unworn items of clothing in their closets and only wear their underwear for two and a half years before discarding it.
The Government recycling organization Wrap discovered that the average UK adult had 118 clothing, of which a quarter, or 31 articles, remain unworn and unloved for at least a year.
Wrap stated that if Britons purchased less clothing and “quick fashion,” they might help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and delivery of clothing.
Between 4 and 8 percent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to the textile and fashion industries.
Adults in the United Kingdom spend an estimated £4 billion every month on clothing, yet a recent study indicated that we are making progress by keeping our clothes longer than in the past. From 2013 to 2021, respondents expected that they will keep a variety of clothing longer.
Wrap, a government recycling agency, discovered that the average UK adult owns 118 clothing, of which a quarter, or 31 articles, go unused and unloved for at least a year (stock image)
Today, non-padded coats and jackets have the greatest lifespans at almost six years, whilst underwear and bras have the shortest at 2.7 and 2.6 years, respectively. Currently, jeans are maintained for an average of four years, up from three years in 2013.
Dresses are now in style for 4.6 years, up from 3.8, and T-shirts for 4 years, up from 3.3. We tend to keep vintage products for roughly a year and a half longer than new items, at 5.4 years compared to four years for off-the-shelf items. When we repair a piece of clothing, we keep it for approximately 1,3 years longer.
Catherine David, director of cooperation and transformation at Wrap, emphasized the organization’s Textiles 2030 initiative, stating, ‘The apparel and textiles industry has the fourth-largest environmental effect on the planet. Wrap is working with the largest retailers and brands in the United Kingdom to address this issue through the ambitious Textiles 2030 goals.
Many people already buy and sell pre-owned clothing, but our research demonstrates the enormous financial and environmental opportunity that exists in all of our closets.
Today, non-padded coats and jackets have the greatest lifespans at almost six years, whilst underwear and bras have the shortest at 2.7 and 2.6 years, respectively (stock image)
She noted that’repair model’ initiatives for manufacturers to mend old clothing’must become ubiquitous’ for the fashion industry to begin reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 1.5 degrees Celsius. According to the research, the average adult possesses 15 pairs of socks and/or hosiery, of which two are rarely worn. We each have an average of fifteen pairs of underpants, two of which are no longer in style.
The average British adult has twelve T-shirts, of which three are unused, and roughly nine shirts or blouses, of which three are unused.
Skirts and dresses were the most likely to be owned but not worn (44% and 43%), but essential staples such as underwear, socks, bras, sweatshirts/hoodies/fleeces, and jeans were worn considerably more frequently.