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 – new analysis from Oxfam reveals.
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 to make a statement about the kind of world they want to live in by choosing second hand over fast fashion.
Oxfam’s research shows that if all 1.6 billion unused items of clothes currently owned by the UK population were reused and worn, it would be enough to clothe the entire population of Manchester for approximately eighteen generations, or 450 years.
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.
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.
Lorna Fallon, Oxfam’s Retail Director, said: “Britain’s wardrobes are overflowing with unused clothes: an estimated 1.6 billion items of unused clothing, to be exact. This is simply not sustainable. By buying, wearing and donating second hand you’re reducing the demand for fast fashion and the damage to our planet. Plus, by shopping with Oxfam, you’re also helping to raise vital funds to help tackle poverty and inequality around the world.
“What we wear has power. It says something about what we stand for and the world we want to live in. Oxfam is urging people to make a powerful fashion statement this September by dressing for the world they want to see. Shopping second hand with Oxfam means looking good and doing good.”
As part of this year’s Second Hand September, on 18 September Oxfam will once again be one of the opening shows at London Fashion Week with a celebrity-packed runway show Style for Change – in partnership with Vinted – featuring the best pre-loved Oxfam clothing and styled by pioneer of thrifting, Bay Garnett.
To kick-off the campaign, Jameela Jamil features in an Oxfam photoshoot showcasing a collection of second hand looks styled by Calvin Opaleye and photographed by Sane Seven.
To find out more about ways to get involved in the campaign go to www.oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/second-hand-september/ or visit one of over 500 Oxfam shops across the UK or Oxfam’s Online Shop.
