'I'm a fashion expert - here's how you can revitalise your old garments'

06 September 2023 , 10:16

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'I'm a fashion expert - here's how you can revitalise your old garments'

More than half of adults aged over 45 never wear second-hand items - unwilling to wear "someone else’s clothes".

A poll of 2,000 adults found there’s a perception among this age group that used garments are "unhygienic", "tend to be faded", and are of "poor quality". However, many of those, aged 18 to 34, have a different relationship with used clothes - with 60% "happy" to wear such items and regularly do.

And they’re keen on them because they’re "cheaper", "better for the environment", and "more unique". Furthermore, their fondness for used items has increased over the past year - 21% have acquired more second-hand clothes during the past 12 months than they’ve ever done before. The study was commissioned by cleaning and laundry experts, Dr. Beckmann, which teamed-up with stylist Lisa Snowdon through its "Wear More, Wear Less" initiative to launch a pop-up clothing Swap Shop, with all second-hand clothing donations gifted to charity Save the Children.

The "Wear More, Wear Less" initiative will donate all second-hand donations to charity Save The Children (www.kitoates.com +447967819873)

This comes after the study, which aims to change perceptions of used clothing, found 39% of those who don’t wear second-hand clothing would never even consider doing so. However, 12% would rethink their decision if they knew of ways to freshen-up old items and effectively bring them back to life.

Stylist and TV presenter, Lisa Snowdon, who appears on This Morning, has revealed her tips for revitalising old garments. She said: "There are certain perceptions of used clothing but those who avoid them are missing a trick. Many second-hand clothes have barely been worn, so you can pretty much purchase new items for a lot less. It’s also possible to revitalise garments which might seem destined for the bin - white items which have become grey can be restored and stains on clothes can be removed, as long as you have the right products to do so.”

Lisa Snowdon was told to lose weight so quit modelling and hasn't looked back

The study went on to discover that 83% of adults who wear used clothing would encourage others to - with the quality of such garments described as "excellent" (16%) and "good" (61%). More than a fifth (22%) even prefer shopping for pre-worn garments. Charity shops (70%) are the most popular haunt for second-hand clothes.

More than 8 in 10 lovers of the second-hand world are encouraging others to join (www.kitoates.com +447967819873)

But apps, like Vinted and Depop (24%) and vintage shops (18%) are also favoured by many. Parents were also polled as part of the study, and it emerged 57% don't dress their children in second-hand clothing, while 38% do. And although most don’t currently dress their little ones in such items, 53% would have no problem doing so in principle. The study, carried out through OnePoll, found 83% would be open to kitting their kids out in a second-hand school uniform.

Chloe Baker, spokesperson for Dr. Beckmann, makers of in-wash products including stain removers, colour collectors, and laundry whiteners like Glowhite ULTRA, said: “Our new "Wear More, Waste Less" initiative has been set up to encourage people to not give up on their clothes too quickly.

"And think about investing in second-hand clothing too. With the new school term starting, our whitening products are also on hand to revitalise those dull school shirts and bring them back to life, ensuring they stay bright white throughout the school year. With the right care and attention and the right products clothing can last longer.”

LISA SNOWDON’S TOP 10 CLOTHING TIPS:

1. Anything you haven't worn in your wardrobe for over a year means you're unlikely to ever wear it - so, either, gift to a friend or family member, or give to your local charity shop, or sell your clothes on preloved platforms like Vinted or Depop.
2. When buying clothes, try to shop for staples that work all through the year, like dresses that can be worn with either, sandals, trainers, heels and then transition into long boots and shirts that would work for work with tailoring, or a biker jacket, or even worn over a bikini or swimsuit on holiday.
3. Turn your jeans inside out when washing, especially your darker ones as this prevents them from fading as quickly - again, wash at a lower temperature and get as much wear out of your clothes before washing them as this will prolong their lifespan.
4. Where possible, don’t tumble dry clothes as I find the heat can affect their shape and sometimes shrink them - I prefer to use a clothes hanger or line dry them – this also helps cut costs on the energy bill too.
5. Do not toss your clothes aside due to a tiny stain - you will be amazed how you can remove even the most stubborn stain with the right products, and I promise you it is so satisfying.
6. Use specialist laundry whiteners to help maintain the whiteness in your clothes if they’ve started to get an off-white greyish tinge.
7. Try to repair snags or holes in your garments to make them last longer – if you're not too handy with a needle and thread you can either iron on cool fun patches to cover a multitude of sins or add a badge.
8. Get your shoes repaired rather than buying new ones - look after them and get them resoled or reheeled if they get damaged.
9. Invest in leather polish, and a brush to take care of your leather goods and keep them looking new, and always spray with leather or suede protectant.
10. You can get rid of those bobbles that appear on your favourite knitwear, there is genius little tool to help shave them away.

Sarah Lumley