When was the last time you had a clear out?
As much as we might try to wear everything we own, there are certainly pieces that are squandering in the back somewhere gathering dust, in fact there could be up to £10 billion worth of clothes lying unloved and unworn in British women’s wardrobes.
A new survey from VestiaireCollective.com has found that the average British woman has over £1,900 worth of clothes, handbags and accessories in her wardrobe.
The survey, commissioned by YouGov, also found that 80% of women have items lurking that haven’t been worn for over a year. With the average woman having not worn 21% of the fashion items they own in the last year, VestiaireCollective.com estimates that this could mean that £10.1 billion pounds worth of fashion lying paid for but unworn in women’s wardrobes.
The survey of over 1000 women found that over one in three women had actually just forgotten about the clothes in their wardrobe, suggesting that there are some women with a few too many items nestling in the darkest recesses of their closet.
But that’s not the only reason why we’re not wearing them, gaining weight is also another reason. 26% of the women stated that they don’t wear certain items more often because they’re the wrong size or fit for them.
The average value of a woman’s wardrobe was £1909, the value of the contents rising with age; 18-24 year olds typically having wardrobes worth £1495, and the 55 and overs with £2,232 worth of items.
Fanny Moizant, UK Managing Director and Co-Founder of Vestiaire Collective believe that women should clear and recycle their clothing. She says: “It is sad to see so many once loved items lying unworn in women’s wardrobes. Clean and well-kept branded items will sell in a few days and will give the seller extra money to spend on something that won’t be forgotten or will actually fit. Vestiaire Collective has made it easy for pre-loved fashion to be given a new life and sold on, which can net sellers a sizeable profit in the cash-strapped few months of the New Year.”
If you're looking to give your wardrobe a clear-out ready for the new season, then take Fanny's advice on the pieces to buy and sell.
What to keep: “All basics and statement pieces - your Burberry trench, your perfect white shirt, your best loved jeans and trousers, your cashmere V necks…”
What to sell: “Your seasonal items, all the ones that you won’t wear for more than a season. Look at your wardrobe and be honest, how many times did you wear that jacquard knitwear this winter or that neon top? Never? Then it's time to sell it and to buy your in season 'crush' during the sales. The new fashion mantra is: play with fashion but don't own it any more, your wardrobe is no longer static - it's a living, moving thing - use fashion and then sell it on.”
What to buy: “The statement piece you always dreamed of but could never afford, like a classic Chanel bag, a perfect watch, an incredible necklace, a vintage Hermes scarf, a Louboutin heel.”