The UK is set for pre-loved party season as more than a quarter of adults plan to buy second-hand outfits over Christmas and New Year

More than one in four adults (27%) attending a festive event this year are planning to buy pre-loved party outfits, a new Oxfam survey has found, as the charity calls for people to swap their throwaway festive fashion habits and shop second-hand.

Almost 30 percent of Brits (29%) who bought a new outfit for a festive party last year admitted they only wore it once, while 40 per cent only wore it two or three times. A shocking seven per cent admitted to never wearing their new party purchase.

The YouGov survey, carried out on behalf of Oxfam, found nearly half (47%) of those intending to buy a new outfit said they were most likely to buy it as a “treat” to themselves, while 22 per cent said they didn’t own any suitable clothing. The third most popular reason was because people “felt good wearing something new” (15%).

With almost three quarters (73%) of Brits buying new outfits expecting to spend between £10 and £60, Oxfam is encouraging them to make the swap to pre-loved party clothes this year and help save money and the planet. And after the festivities conclude, they can donate their party looks for someone else to enjoy.

Last year, Oxfam calculated that if all UK adults planning to buy festive fashion items at Christmas bought them second-hand, it could prevent a whopping 66 million kilogrammes of harmful carbon dioxide emissions entering the atmosphere. This is the equivalent to a plane flying from London to the North Pole 822 times.

Lorna Fallon, Oxfam’s Retail Director, said: “We all want to look and feel good over the festive party season, but it doesn’t have to be at the expense of our planet. It is clear that despite spending money on something new, many outfits are cast to the back of our wardrobes after being worn just once or twice.

“By choosing to buy second-hand at Oxfam, you can find a beautiful outfit that is new to you – and also help reduce the demand for new clothes, help our planet and raise vital funds to tackle poverty and inequality around the world.”

Gavin and Stacey actress, Allison Steadman, said: “Getting dressed up at Christmas is one of my favourite things about the holidays. There is no need to splash out on buying a brand-new dress that you might only wear once - you can find something fabulous second-hand which helps save you money, is better for the environment and helps a good cause. What more could you want!”

Supermodel and activist, Eunice Olumide, said: “With the current climate crisis, we all need to be thinking about shopping more sustainably. It can be really tempting to buy new clothes over the Christmas period when we have parties and New Year’s Eve coming up, but you can find something just as show-stopping and fabulous by shopping second-hand and helping the planet. Plus, if you don’t fancy wearing it again – you can donate it back for someone else to enjoy!”

Coronation Street actress and businesswoman, Kimberley Hart-Simpson, said: “There is nothing I love more than having a good rummage around the charity shops at Christmas to see what I might find. Second-hand absolutely does not mean second-best – you can find something totally unique, that feels good and does good, by raising money at a time when it is needed most.”

Make your next party look second-hand this festive season by visiting one of Oxfam’s 500+ shops across the UK or head to Oxfam’s Online Shop here.

ENDS

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

Notes to Editors

• All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,311 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 7 - 8 November 2024. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).
• To find your local Oxfam shop click here or head to our Oxfam Online Shop here.

About 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 as well as the Oxfam online shop. By buying and donating through Oxfam shops or online, 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 click here or head to our Oxfam Online Shop here.