One in ten Brits will buy majority of clothes second-hand over the next year - Oxfam

As Oxfam’s Second Hand September reaches its final week, a new survey reveals one in ten people in the UK say the majority of the clothes they buy over the next year will be second-hand. The findings also show nearly two thirds (63%) of Brits say they plan to buy at least some preloved items for their wardrobe over the next 12 months.

With the campaign now in its sixth year, second-hand fashion is only increasing in popularity, with Oxfam’s poll revealing 41 per cent of UK adults now buy and wear more second-hand clothing than they did two years ago. It also found two thirds of Brits (66%) now own some items of preloved clothing.

Oxfam’s Second Hand September first launched in 2019 to encourage people to shop preloved and donate their unwanted clothes to reduce the need for new clothes and strive for a more sustainable fashion industry.

Although, there are still plenty of clothes which could be donated and find a new home with 82 per cent of respondents admitting to owning items of clothing they no longer wear. However, people are clearly decluttering and donating this Second Hand September, with Oxfam recording a 15 per cent increase in public donations in Oxfam shops in the first week of the campaign alone, compared to last year.

Lorna Fallon, Oxfam’s Retail Director, said: “As we come to the end of Oxfam’s sixth Second Hand September campaign, it is clear that second-hand fashion is only becoming more and more popular. We can see from this survey that there has been a real shift in attitudes towards buying second-hand and people are actively choosing to shop preloved over new, which is fantastic to see. Shopping second-hand is the best way to find something truly unique, which not only helps the planet, but raises money for Oxfam to tackle poverty and inequality around the world.”

Second-hand online marketplace, Vinted, has also partnered with Oxfam this year for Second Hand September and the show, Style for Change, at London Fashion Week last Thursday (12 September). On the catwalk included the likes of celebrities such as Dragon’s Den’s Deborah Meaden, Sex Education actor George Robinson and Ted Lasso’s Kola Bokinni walking the catwalk in preloved fashion, styled by Bay Garnett.

Vinted also sees that second-hand is becoming a core part of our wardrobes. According to its latest Impact Report, almost two-thirds (65%) of Vinted members say a quarter or more of the items in their wardrobe are second-hand. And, more than 40 per cent of Vinted members in the UK report that over half of their wardrobe consists of second-hand finds.

Marianne Gybels, Vinted’s Senior Director of Sustainability, said: “The results of Oxfam’s survey and Vinted’s Impact Report highlight a powerful shift towards fashion choices that are better for the planet. At Vinted, we are thrilled to partner with Oxfam for Second Hand September, celebrating the unique stories behind preloved clothing. By choosing second-hand, we are collectively avoiding more emissions and making a tangible impact on the climate. The increased enthusiasm for second-hand fashion shows that people are ready to make conscious consumption decisions that benefit not just their wallets and wardrobes, but the planet as well.”

The looks from the Style for Change catwalk at London Fashion Week are up for grabs in Oxfam’s online wardrobe shop on Vinted here.

For more information or interview requests contact: Oxfam Media Unit media.unit@oxfam.org.uk / 07748 761999

Ends

Notes to Editors

• The survey was undertaken by Mortar Research on behalf of Oxfam. The survey was carried out amongst a total of 2,013 nationally representative UK respondents. The study ran on 3-5 September 2024.
• Oxfam’s Style for Change show in partnership with Vinted took place on the opening day of London Fashion Week on 12 September at Ambika P3 Art Gallery. For more details about the show and pictures, click here.
• Images available here.

Oxfam

Oxfam is a global community of people who believe in a kinder, and radically better world, where everyone has the power to thrive not just survive. We believe we can overcome poverty by fighting the injustices and inequalities that fuel it.

Oxfam has more than 500 shops in the UK. By buying and donating through Oxfam shops, you can help to protect our planet, while helping raise vital funds to tackle poverty and injustice around the globe.

To find your local Oxfam shop go to: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/shops/

Second Hand September

Oxfam launched Second Hand September in 2019 to inspire people to shop in a way that is kinder to people and the planet. Second Hand September is a campaign to encourage people to donate and buy second-hand items in September.

Participants can use the hashtags #SecondHandSeptember #FoundInOxfam on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter when they post their finds, and tag @OxfamGB.

Click here for more information: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/second-hand-september/

Vinted

Vinted is Europe’s leading international online C2C marketplace dedicated to second-hand fashion, with a growing community of members across Europe and beyond. With a mission to make second-hand the first choice worldwide, Vinted enables people to sell and buy second-hand clothes and lifestyle items from each other, helping give those items a second or even third life.