A new quiz will tell you whether you are a savvy shopper, a pre-loved pro or a fashion maximalist – as Brits spend a total of 31 billion on new clothes every year
Ever been accused of splurging on too many clothes, or are you renowned for hunting down discounts and second-hand gems? This new quiz will reveal whether you’re a savvy shopper, a second-hand specialist or a fashion maximalist.
This comes as a survey of 2,000 adults revealed that Brits splash out a total of £31 billion on new clothes each year – be it brand-new purchases or second-hand treasures. While the average person forks out £590 annually, £87 alone is spent on an ensemble for a single ‘big’ event, which adds up to a staggering sum across the UK’s 53 million adults.
The main triggers for an online shopping spree and wardrobe revamp included pre-holiday preparation, an upcoming wedding and the bustling Christmas party season.
However, a tenth also believed a milestone birthday is the perfect excuse for a wardrobe ‘glow up’, while 13 per cent said the beginning or end of a relationship is another good reason to update their style.
It appears many of the items aren’t one-time buys and enjoy a second life – with half donning outfits again after a ‘big’ occasion has passed.
Consequently, quality appears to be at the forefront of shoppers’ minds, with 37 per cent prioritising investing in garments they know will endure, whilst 32 per cent seek timeless capsule wardrobe essentials.
Over a quarter now prioritise hunting for pre-loved second hand pieces when shopping for an event or occasion. Enthusiasts of pre-loved clothing cite affordability, better quality at a lower cost, and sustainability as motivations for their preference.
What type of shopper are you? Find out now
Adam Bullock, UK Director at TopCashback, which commissioned the study, said: “Our research shows there’s plenty of reasons why Brits look to refresh their wardrobes, mainly for those big occasion moments in life – whether that be weddings or parties.
“Fashion is one of the biggest categories across the 6,000 brands we work with – also including a range of pre-loved options.
“With second-hand shopping more popular than ever, many people don’t realise they can also earn cashback on pre-loved purchases, making those rare finds even more rewarding.”
The study also discovered 44 per cent prefer to browse online – buying three items per online shopping session – compared to just 27 per cent who favour in-store shopping.
Regarding what Brits are purchasing, the most sought-after wardrobe additions are t-shirts (42 per cent), jeans (30 per cent) and trainers (28 per cent), alongside dresses or jumpsuits (20 per cent).
When it comes to actually making a purchase, 28 per cent confessed they’ll snap up an item immediately if it seems like a good deal, while 23 per cent prefer to let items linger in their online basket or wish list whilst they mull it over.
Yet, a whopping 50 per cent admitted they seldom or never take full advantage of discounts or cashback deals – missing out on savings that could significantly boost their wallets.
Adam Bullock added: “Wardrobe refreshes can get expensive, but there are ways for shoppers to be savvier when searching for new outfits – from holding out for the best discounts to earning cashback that can be put towards future purchases.”