The Government may have rejected plans to force retailers to tackle the environment of fast fashion, but new research shows there is an appetite amongst a growing number of consumers to tackle this themselves, by altering their shopping habits.
According to a survey of 1,000 UK adults, 1 in 4 (26%) of British women are now worried about buying new clothes, due to the environmental impact of fast fashion.
And this is impacting on their spending habits. Many women are now pursuing alternative, more ethical methods of getting their shopping fix – with almost 2 in 3 (64%) saying they’d happily buy second hand and preloved items, up from 45% in 2016.
What’s more, 1 in 5 (18%) of British women now admit to feeling guilty when purchasing new items garments, as they already own so many.
1 in 3 (31%) British women who say they are now conscious of the issues surrounding fast fashion, such as water wastage and unwanted clothes going to landfill.
And supply is matching the demand, as an increasing number of platforms are now available to allow consumers to shop sustainably in a convenient way.
The news comes in a year which has seen a growing tide rising against fast fashion practices. Only this month, activists Extinction Rebellion brought Bristol city centre to a standstill to protest the waste in the fashion industry.
Eric Gagnaire, managing director at Patatam.co.uk, said:
“It’s great to see British consumers becoming more conscious of the impact their shopping habits are having on the environment. Consumers are now considering the clothes in their wardrobe in a whole new way and thinking about not only the manufacturing process and the environmental and social impact of this, but what happens when they are done wearing items.
“We have seen an increase in shoppers wanting their clothes to have a second lease of life – whether they sell, donate or upcycle them – rather than just sending them to the landfill. This, coupled with the research, shows just how much attitudes have changed and how British women are making a move to become more conscious consumers.”
About Patatam
Patatam is an online preloved fashion retailer, providing quality women’s and children’s clothing at prices 70% less than the high street, via its website. Consumers can also sell their quality, preloved clothing directly to Patatam using its free Patabag service, with no fuss. They offer free delivery in 48 hours with no minimum spend, £2 next day delivery and free returns.
For more information or to order a Patabag, please visit www.patatam.co.uk