Fashion expert shares her top tips to revive 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 percent ‘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 percent 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.

This comes after the study, which aims to change perceptions of used clothing, found 39 percent of those who don’t wear second-hand clothing would never even consider doing so.

However, 12 percent 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.”

The study went on to discover that 83 percent of adults who wear used clothing would encourage others to – with the quality of such garments described as ‘excellent’ (16 percent) and ‘good’ (61 percent).

More than a fifth (22 percent) even prefer shopping for pre-worn garments.

Charity shops (70 percent) are the most popular haunt for second-hand clothes.

But apps, like Vinted and Depop (24 percent) and vintage shops (18 percent) are also favoured by many.

Parents were also polled as part of the study, and it emerged 57 percent don’t dress their children in second-hand clothing, while 38 percent do.

And although most don’t currently dress their little ones in such items, 53 percent would have no problem doing so in principle.

The study, carried out through OnePoll, found 83 percent 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.”