Unwanted clothes get runway makeover as new research reveals London’s throwaway habit

More than a fifth (22%) of unwanted clothes in London are thrown away with general household waste, rather than being repaired, donated or resold, new research from Oxfam has revealed.

The findings, published in the charity’s inaugural State of Style report, reveal a cycle of impulse buys and one-wear outfits in Britain's wardrobes - as millions try to buy less, but face a system selling more.

This comes as one Oxfam shop in London showcases a very different fate for unwanted clothes, with volunteers, customers and London Fashion Academy students transforming donations, fabrics and offcuts into new fashion pieces.

Oxfam Earlsfield, on Garratt Lane in south-west London, showcased the finished creations at its Revival fashion event this week, with local people taking to the catwalk in the innovative styles to promote upcycling, repairing and extending the life of clothes.

Each of the 76 looks began as a donation and has been remade – dyed, cut down, panelled or merged with other garments to become something new. Oxfam volunteers, customers and local fashion students worked together on the pieces and created the runway show as part of Oxfam’s Second Hand September campaign, which promotes shopping and donating pre-loved clothes as a way to cut down on waste.  

“This is about showing what unwanted clothes can become when you give a bit of imagination,” comments Oxfam Earlsfield’s shop manager, Robin Brereton. “Second hand fashion is about creativity, individuality and having fun with what you wear – while keeping clothes in use for longer.

“The event is also a brilliant showcase and celebration of our community, and how clothes can help you discover and show who you are.”

Jamie Jupp, deputy manager at Oxfam Earlsfield, who organised the show, added: "Clothes are how you tell people who you are before you open your mouth. For this show, I worked with people from all walks of life to build something for everyone, a catwalk celebrating the whole community around the shop.”

Throughout Second Hand September, Oxfam Earslfield is encouraging Londoners to shop second-hand, donate unwanted items and give garments a longer life, to cut down on waste and create more sustainable shopping habits.

More information about the impacts of shopping second hand can be found at oxfam.org.uk/secondhandseptember. To find your local Oxfam shop, visit oxfam.org.uk/shops/.