Today’s fashion lines move fast and according to a recent survey it is estimated that in Britain alone we will spend around £2.7bn this summer on outfits that will only be worn once. 2,000 people took part in the survey which was carried out by Censuswide for the children’s charity Barnardo’s.*

The findings reveal the biggest extravagance is new clothing for holidays, where consumers splash out more than £700m on single use items.

Rebecca Davies, Managing Director of Style By Rebecca has concerns about the long term impact of fast fashion and commented: “It’s the emergence of small pure-play e-tailers like Boohoo, Missguided and Pretty Little Thing, who have really disrupted the retail landscape since 2012.

“The fast fashion e-tailers are reported to be growing at a rate 24 times faster than brick-and-mortar retailers. They are now facing the challenge of how to deliver sustainability, alongside speed-to-market and competitive pricing. It’s a huge concern as to whether this is achievable.

“Many consumers today desire sustainability and ethical sourcing. Brands need to place more emphasis on quality over quantity. I look at so many wardrobes and there is a popular theme – bulk. Lots and lots of clothes that just don’t fit, don’t work for the body shape and don’t suit my client’s colouring. During wardrobe overhauls we end up throwing bags full of clothes away.

“There is also a real desire to ‘go shopping’ to fill that gap in the wardrobe, but we end up buying the same style, same colour and it’s a never-ending cycle.

“Buying a capsule wardrobe of quality items is the way forward. Clothes that work for your shape, colouring and lifestyle. You may pay more for longer lasting fabrics and better tailoring, but they may last a decade.  Not only does this help our environment but it makes life so much easier.  Imagine opening your wardrobe to 30 items that all work together and suit you.”

Is your wardrobe full of throwaway fashion and you would like to invest in more sustainable clothing? You could benefit from a wardrobe overhaul, please contact us to arrange an appointment.

Source* Independent