A recent survey of 1,047 adults sheds light on why so many people hold on to clothes they no longer wear
A significant portion of British wardrobes is occupied by unworn clothing, with an estimated one-third of all garments going untouched. This accumulation translates to an average of £439 worth of neglected outfits per person, amounting to an astonishing £23 billion in unworn clothing gathering dust across the UK.
Emotional attachment plays a key role for 21% of respondents, who find it difficult to part with certain items due to sentimental value. However, 77% admitted they cling to old clothes in the hope that they will one day be worn again.
The study was commissioned by second-hand fashion platform Loopi in partnership with financial expert Makala Green. Green emphasised that decluttering extends beyond simply creating more space in a wardrobe. “Decluttering is more than just making physical space,” she explained. “It’s about clearing mental clutter and regaining control.”
That’s why here at Recycled Clothing Banks, we know how important it is to have access to a community recycled textiles clothing bin as this offers a wide range of benefits, from reducing landfill waste to supporting local charities.
The benefits of recycled clothing banks in your area can be a game-changer for both individuals and communities:
Reduces textile waste in landfill: The fashion industry is a major contributor to environmental pollution, with millions of tonnes of clothing ending up in landfill each year. A clothing bin provides an easy way for people to dispose of unwanted textiles responsibly, keeping fabrics out of landfill and reducing waste.
Supports sustainability and the circular economy: By recycling or repurposing donated textiles, clothing bins help extend the life cycle of garments. Many collected clothes are resold, upcycled, or processed into new materials, promoting a more sustainable and circular fashion industry.
Supports communities and charitable causes: Many clothing bins are linked to charitable organisations, ensuring that donated clothes reach individuals and families who need them most. This can include homeless shelters, low-income families, and disaster relief efforts.
Convenient and encourages decluttering: Having a designated clothing bin in the community makes it easier for residents to donate items rather than letting them pile up at home. It encourages regular wardrobe decluttering, creating more space and reducing unnecessary hoarding, which is great for improving mental wellbeing.
Green also commented that a common barrier to selling unwanted clothing is TIME. “Many of us hold onto unworn clothes simply because we don’t have the time or energy to sell them, this reluctance to let go can contribute to unnecessary stress, both financially and mentally.”
Despite these challenges, those who do take the plunge into decluttering often find it rewarding. Nearly 39% of participants reported feeling relief, accomplishment, and even joy after successfully clearing out their wardrobes. With so much unworn clothing tucked away in homes across the UK, the study highlights the importance of mindful decluttering.
Here at Recycled Clothing Banks, we can help you to make this positive change, and it is a simple, hassle-free process.
