Methods
The fieldwork for the online survey of a nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults ages 16+ was carried out in November 2021.
A five-report series examining textile attitudes, awareness and behaviours.
Main Findings
Nearly half of Irish adults (49%) are medium or high-frequency purchasers of clothing, with 21% purchasing clothes frequently.
Durability is the most important purchasing consideration, with 81% of respondents buying clothes they expect to wear for a long time.
69% of people wear clothes for at least a few years and 68% donate clothing to charity shops or clothes banks.
43% repaired clothing during the previous 12 months, while 62% intentionally kept clothing items for longer to avoid buying new ones.
68% of women “most often” donate unwanted clothes to charity shops.
77% of women over 50 years “ most often” donate unwanted clothes to charity shops.
77% of people have bought clothes that are at reduced price in a sale at least once.
46% of people have purchased clothes designed for durability at least once.
80% of respondents agree that donating clothes to charity makes them feel good, while 78% actively try to ensure unwanted wearable clothing is put to good use.
Only 31% see a clear link between clothing consumption and climate change, although awareness is higher regarding textile disposal and energy use in laundering clothes.
