A quarter of clothes in UK wardrobes have not been worn in the past year, according to new research from environmental group WRAP. The study estimates that British homes collectively contain 1.6 billion unworn garments.
Despite a rise in the length of time people keep their clothes — with a pair of jeans now kept for four years on average, up from three in 2013 — the sheer volume of clothing means items are being used less frequently. 'We are keeping our clothes for longer, but we've got more of them in our wardrobes, which means we're actually using them less,' said Catherine Salvidge, WRAP's Sustainable Textiles Specialist.
The fashion industry is responsible for up to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations. WRAP's findings are based on 6,000 online interviews with UK citizens who purchase clothing for themselves at least once a year.
Non-padded coats and jackets have the longest lifespans, at more than six years, while underwear and bras are kept for just 2.7 and 2.6 years respectively. Despite wardrobes being stuffed with unworn clothes, shopping habits remain robust: 45% of those surveyed buy clothing at least once a month, with around one in eight shopping weekly.
On a positive note, half of UK citizens say they are happy to buy second-hand clothes, and such items tend to be kept nearly a year-and-a-half longer than new ones, the survey showed.
