Whether we’re window shopping after brunch on a Saturday afternoon, or flicking through online stores whilst cosied up in our pajamas, shopping has become a huge part of our day to day lives. Thanks to Instagram, celebrities and influence vloggers, this is set to continue unabated.
But just what are the UK’s shopping habits? New survey data released today by online luxury consignment store HEWI London reveals the style strengths and wardrobe weaknesses of the UK.
The annual report released by Thredup estimates that around 70% of every woman’s wardrobe is going unworn, with one third of women wearing an item less than five times before getting rid of it.
HEWI London’s data supports this ‘fashion frittering’ trend, as their survey data revealed that a massive 39% of the UK own at least one item of clothing (with an average retail price of £200) that they’ve only worn once. By crunching the numbers, HEWI have calculated that a colossal £5.07 billion has been wasted by the UK in outfits that have never even made it out of the wardrobe more than once.
However the findings are not all bad as while the UK might be guilty of ‘wardrobe wasting’, we’re certainly becoming a more aware of our fashion failures, and appear to be making savvy steps forwards.
As US reseller Thredup reports, 1 in 3 women have bought pre-owned pieces during the last year, their figures reveal a massive increase of 9 million shoppers of pre-owned items between 2016 to 2018, showing that an increased number of consumers are getting smarter about how they consume fashion.
HEWI London have also noted this trend in pre-loved shopping as their data reveals a 31% increase in the number of items sold in the past year, showing just how eco conscious the UK is becoming, as we’re choosing to repurpose and reuse rather than throw away and waste.
But it’s not just the environment that our fashion savviness is benefiting, it’s also our own bank accounts, with HEWI’s survey data revealing that of the 44% of the UK who sell on their preloved clothes, nearly 1 in 4 (22%) have done so in order to make money.
As the UK moves towards savvy shopping, Founder and CEO of HEWI, Sharon Wolter-Ferguson says: “The resale sector is going at 24 x faster than traditional retail. This is because it appeals, not only to those looking to buy and sell, to save or raise funds, but those who are interested in sustainability. We are extending the life of already created beautiful items.”
Data from a survey of 121 respondents, created by HEWI London.