Sustainable shopping on the rise as 62% of Brits now buy second-hand clothes
Almost two-thirds of UK shoppers now buy second-hand clothing, with 41% of women leading the slow fashion sustainable shopping charge, while less than half (19%) of men do the same.
The same trend goes for selling unwanted items on second-hand websites or online marketplaces, as 37% of women routinely do so, compared to 21% of men, according to a new survey by MyVoucherCodes, which ran a YouGov Survey of 2,000 UK adults.
Other findings reveal that 62% of Brits now give their unwanted items to charity shops, though just 12% choose to upcycle their clothes despite that being “one of the best ways to give items a second life”.
Sarah-Jane Outten, a savings expert from MyVoucherCodes, said: “It’s not surprising to see more shoppers are frequently buying clothes second-hand, especially given the financial struggles many are facing. But slow fashion is about more than just cost, it’s also about being sustainable and helping the environment.
“It’s terrific too that Brits are still engaging with charity shops, even if that’s simply by donating unwanted items for others to buy. Charity shops are expanding and evolving thanks to this support, with some now even taking their shops online. Browsing from the comfort of your own home makes slow fashion more accessible, and means shoppers can access online-only discounts and deals.
“Sites such as eBay or online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace and Vinted are other great places to find pre-loved gems. Or, why not try your hand at transforming your clothes through upcycling? There are plenty of beginner-friendly ways to get started, and it’s by far one of the most eco-conscious ways to update your wardrobe.”
