Unworn garments a major barrier to circularity

TELFORD – New research argues that idle, unworn garments sitting in consumers’ wardrobes are now almost as big a problem for textile circularity as clothes thrown directly into the bin.

The study finds that widespread overproduction and a flood of low‑cost, lower‑quality products with low “emotional durability” are driving large volumes of clothing that is rarely or never worn, eroding perceived value and discouraging care, repair and reuse.