Me and my old Levi’s jacket. Photo: Neil Mackenzie Matthews

As part of my job as a fashion journalist, lots of lovely clothes pass before my eyes – a bit like the Generation Game conveyor belt but without the memory test. And, this can be very tempting. On a Telegraph shoot this spring I wore a lovely denim jacket and very nearly splurged. But then I reminded myself that I already had a denim jacket in the wardrobe and didn’t need another one. If I wanted a collarless version, all I had to do was wait a while for my old Levi’s jacket to oblige  – or, alternatively, take a pair of scissors to it.

Originally bought second-hand, I’m fond of this trucker jacket and as a Denim Lover, tend to hold onto my indigo cotton items for a very long time. Research out this week by the climate action organisation Wrap reports that 54% of people surveyed are happy to purchase vintage. Coming from the generation that grew up with hand-me-downs and jumble sale clothes it’s brilliant to see young people swerving fast fashion and choosing vintage. We all know second-hand is not just for September…

Vintage Levi’s 501s

More good news… We are keeping our clothes for longer. Wrap’s research found that 59% surveyed go to a lot of effort to maintain their clothes and look for ways to repair damaged items. Several brands now offer repair as part of their service, this is something Patagonia does really well ( how cool that founder Yvon Chouinard is giving the company away to support environmental projects and save the planet); while Uniqlo is the latest company to offer an alterations and repair service in its Regent Street store. The research suggests that this kind of circular model, together with clothing rental, subscription and upcycling, has the potential to reduce the impact the fashion industry has on the environment.

That’s not my wardrobe

Living in a flat in London, I am perennially decluttering and can be quite ruthless about what I keep. The Wrap report found that the average UK adult has 118 items of clothing in their wardrobe and approx 26% (31 items) have not been worn for at least a year. There’s a lot of information on the percentage of clothes we own and actually wear and we all have our favourite go-to outfits, so this is not surprising. I’ve never counted the number of items in my wardrobe but it could be a useful exercise…

According to the research, 39% polled said their wardrobes are disorganised and there are three reasons clothes remain unworn (I’ve offered my solution in brackets). Could it be time for another Wardrobe Cull?

The item is for occasions only.  (Don’t save anything for best).

The item is no longer a good fit/ comfortable. ( Why are you holding onto stuff that doesn’t fit? Get rid. It’s cluttering the place up).

I like the item but it’s not a priority – this includes everyday basics, such as, jeans, jackets, knitwear. ( Kondo it! Does it spark joy?).

Vintage denim always sparks joy in my mind

How much of your wardrobe are you wearing and repairing?

The Wrap research is into Clothing Longevity & Circular Business Models.  Read more HERE. More on mending & repair HERE.

STYLE NOTES

Very old Levi’s denim jacket (there are loads on Etsy and eBay – and this one has a similar, distressed collar!). Cos tapered ankle length jeans from a couple of years ago ( different washes available HERE). The leather camera bag was a gift from Tusting. My earrings are Auree Jewellery. And my ring is by Claire Stratton.