Oxford-based charity Oxfam urges people to avoid fast fashion for September
It comes as the charity highlights the amount of clothing going unworn in UK wardrobes
Oxfam is encouraging people to choose second-hand clothes over fast fashion this month as its annual Second Hand September campaign returns.
The charity, which is based in Oxford, says buying pre-loved clothing can help reduce pressure on the planet's resources, while raising money to tackle poverty and the impacts of the climate crisis around the world.
Now in its eighth year, Second Hand September encourages people to shop and donate second hand and give clothes a longer life.
The impact of fast fashion
Oxfam says the fast fashion industry is putting increasing pressure on water, energy and raw materials.
The charity's State of Style report has also highlighted a cycle of impulse buying and outfits being worn just once.
According to Oxfam research, 40% of Brits have worn an item only once, while around a third of the clothes in UK wardrobes have never been worn.
Campaign lead Hannah Davies said: "There's a huge amount clothes going unworn and unloved that are just waiting to be donated and be rediscovered by somebody else."
She says choosing second hand can extend the life of clothes and reduce the demand for resources needed to produce new items.
Second-hand popularity growing in Abingdon
At Oxfam's shop on Stert Street in Abingdon, manager Michila Wearn says staff have seen an increase in customers in recent months.
The shop has expanded its vintage section, which Michila says has been particularly popular with younger shoppers.
"It's just flying off the shelves," she said. "I think people are looking for unique items now."
The shop receives between 20 and 50 bags of donations on an average day, which Michila says can be a lot for its relatively small team to process.
While she says staff are "very, very grateful" for donations, she is asking people to make sure clothes are clean, dry and in a condition they would be happy to pass on to a friend.
Items which cannot be sold are sometimes given a new life, with volunteers collecting buttons and other materials to reuse.
Sewing volunteers are also turning old clothing into bags, with the shop hoping to have a collection ready for Christmas.
Michila is encouraging people to take on the Second Hand September challenge and avoid buying fast fashion for 30 days.
She said: "Just come to the charity shops, it's amazing what you'll find."