More than half of adults aged over 45 never wear second-hand items - unwilling to wear ‘someone else’s clothes'. <br /><br />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’. <br /><br />However, many of those, aged 18 to 34, have a different relationship with used clothes - with 60 per cent ‘happy’ to wear such items and regularly do. <br /><br />And they’re keen on them because they’re ‘cheaper’, ‘better for the environment’, and ‘more unique’. <br /><br />Furthermore, their fondness for used items has increased over the past year - 21 per cent have acquired more second-hand clothes during the past 12 months than they’ve ever done before. <br /><br />The study was commissioned by cleaning and laundry experts, Dr. Beckmann [https://www.dr-beckmann.co.uk/], 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. <br /><br />This comes after the study, which aims to change perceptions of used clothing, found 39 per cent of those who don’t wear second-hand clothing would never even consider doing so. <br /><br />However, 12 per cent would rethink their decision if they knew of ways to freshen-up old items and effectively bring them back to life. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />“Many second-hand clothes have barely been worn, so you can pretty much purchase new items for a lot less. <br /><br />“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.” <br /><br />The study went on to discover that 83 per cent of adults who wear used clothing would encourage others to - with the quality of such garments described as ‘excellent’ (16 per cent) and ‘good’ (61 per cent). <br /><br />More than a fifth (22 per cent) even prefer shopping for pre-worn garments. <br /><br />Charity shops (70 per cent) are the most popular haunt for second-hand clothes. <br /><br />But apps, like Vinted and Depop (24 per cent) and vintage shops (18 per cent) are also favoured by many. <br /><br />Parents were also polled as part of the study, and it emerged 57 per cent don't dress their children in second-hand clothing, while 38 per cent do. <br /><br />And although most don’t currently dress their little ones in such items, 53 per cent would have no problem doing so in principle. <br /><br />The study, carried out through OnePoll, found 83 per cent would be open to kitting their kids out in a second-hand school uniform.
