A new wave of research is exposing a stark reality: our wardrobes are overflowing with unworn clothes, a testament to the rise of fast fashion and a ‘buy now, wear once’ mentality. This global phenomenon is not only draining our wallets but also contributing significantly to environmental damage.

Cluttered wardrobes and unworn clothes

As per the first national survey of clothing use and disposal habits in Australia conducted by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Australians acquire an average of 27 kg of new clothes annually, discarding around 23 kg. The average Australian owns 118 garments but has 26 per cent of their wardrobe going unworn for at least a year. This pattern of fast fashion consumption is mirrored worldwide, with alarming statistics emerging from various studies. A study by WRAP in the UK found similar results, with the average person keeping 118 items in their wardrobe and a quarter remaining untouched for a year.

Here are some interesting facts. The average garment is worn merely seven times before being discarded reveals Ellen MacArthur Foundation findings. In the UK, wardrobes hold an estimated 1.6 billion items of unworn clothing, reveals a WRAP study. And 30 per cent of donated clothes end up in landfills or incinerated, highlights a study by Hot or Cool Institute. While data varies across countries, the underlying narrative remains consistent: overconsumption and underutilization.

Table: The state of unworn clothes globally

The environmental cost of closet clutter

The implications of this ‘wearability crisis’ extend far beyond overflowing closets. The fashion industry is a major polluter, accounting for around 10 per cent of global carbon emissions. Producing clothes that are barely worn intensifies the strain on resources and contributes to textile waste.

The RMIT study highlights the need for greater awareness and behavioral change. As Alemayehu, lead researcher emphasizes, "We need to shift our mindset from disposability to longevity. This involves buying less, choosing quality, and caring for our clothes."

Various initiatives are being taken up across the world as a step towards greater sustainability. For example, the growing movement ‘One Year, No New Clothes’ challenge has participants commit to not buying any new clothing for a year, forcing them to re-evaluate their consumption habits and rediscover the potential of their existing wardrobes.

And initiatives like clothing swaps and rental services promote collaborative consumption and extend the lifespan of garments, offering alternatives to constant purchasing. Meanwhile brands too are focusing on ethical production and durable designs, encouraging consumers to invest in quality over quantity.

Indeed, the wearability crisis is a wake-up call and it's time to rethink our relationship with fashion, embrace sustainable practices, and ensure our wardrobes reflect our values, not just fleeting trends.