Unworn clothes in UK wardrobes 'could clothe population of Manchester for 450 years'
The 1.6 billion unworn items stuffed into UK wardrobes could clothe the entire population of Manchester for 450 years – roughly 18 generations – new analysis by Oxfam has revealed.
The findings mark the start of Oxfam’s annual Second Hand September campaign fronted this year by actor and advocate Jameela Jamil. Oxfam is calling on people across Manchester to make a statement about the kind of world they want to live in by choosing second hand over fast fashion.
Further analysis by Oxfam highlights items of clothing are worn for less than five days on average in the UK — spending 1500 days or over 99 per cent of their lifetime in the closet.
By 2050, the fashion industry is on course to produce 138 billion items of unworn clothes every year – enough to almost reach from the Earth to Mars and back, and equivalent to nearly four outfits for every person on the planet.
Jameela Jamil said: “The amount of unworn clothes in the UK is shocking. Aside from how obviously problematic that excess is for the environment and the world at large, it’s also a shame that most clothes are no longer made, or bought, to last. I only ever buy anything I plan on wearing until I’m 80.
“I have always been a fan of preloved clothing and own so much vintage. Items I have worn again and again over almost two decades. I think clothes are to be worn, cherished and adored. Whoever decided it was scandalous to repeat an outfit is frankly an insecure, wasteful, clown.
“I’m so proud to partner with Oxfam, and to continue encouraging our love and appreciation for second hand. It is extra special that what they do not only helps save the planet but helps the people on it too.”
Since it launched in 2019, Oxfam’s Second Hand September has helped thousands of people to shop more sustainably by encouraging them to shop second hand. Shopping and donating with Oxfam helps reduce the need for brand-new clothes which produce climate-damaging emissions when they are manufactured – while also supporting Oxfam’s work helping to build fairer futures around the world.
There are eight Oxfam shops across Manchester accepting donations and welcoming customers throughout Second Hand September.