Oxfam is advocating for a reduction in single-use holiday fashion, noting that nearly one-third of adults confess to wearing new party attire only once, but it says a significant portion of the population is gearing up for the holiday season by opting for second-hand clothing in the UK.
The study, executed online by YouGov on behalf of Oxfam, reveals that nearly a third (29%) of individuals who acquired new attire for last year’s festive gatherings wore the items only once. Additionally, 40% wore their new clothes just two or three times, and 7% never wore them at all.
Of those surveyed who plan to buy new outfits, 47% justify the purchase as self-indulgence, while 22% cite a lack of appropriate attire in their current wardrobe. Strikingly, 15% attribute their shopping to the positive feeling derived from donning new clothes.
With the majority (73%) of those intending to buy new clothing expecting to spend between £10 and £60, Oxfam is advocating for a shift towards second-hand purchases to conserve financial resources and protect the environment. The charity also encourages people to donate their party attire post-celebrations for others to use.
Oxfam retail director Lorna Fallon 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.”
Gavin and Stacey actress, Allison Steadman, added: “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!”
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The survey included a total sample size of 2,311 adults and was conducted on 7-8 November 2024. The data has been adjusted to accurately reflect the demographics of all UK adults aged 18 years and over.
Oxfam’s previous estimates suggest that if every adult in the UK planning to buy new holiday clothes chose second-hand options instead, it could avert around 66 million kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions. This amount is comparable to a plane making 822 trips from London to the North Pole.
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!”
Kimberley Hart-Simpson, Coronation Street actress and businesswoman, 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.”
Another Oxfam survey report released last month revealed that a quarter or 24% of adults are poised to purchase second-hand gifts for children this Christmas, with pre-loved books being the most favored options accounting for 34% and toys, and board games following suit at 30% and 17% respectively.
A survey of 2,000 adults also revealed that over half of those opting for pre-owned gifts identified these factors as their primary motivations, with 57% acknowledging environmental considerations and 51% highlighting the financial advantage.
Lorna Fallon added: “Shopping second-hand is such a wonderful way of celebrating Christmas, especially with children. You can find anything they might possibly want – from a cuddly teddy, to a board game or new adventure book. The joy with pre-loved toys and books is that they don’t have to be new, to be new to that child.”
