Crammed closets

New research reveals that Scots are wasting £568 worth of wardrobe space through compulsively storing rarely worn clothes and accessories, otherwise known as ‘fashion-stashing’.

According to Barclaycard, which processes nearly half of all the nation’s credit and debit card transactions, the average Scot wears a third (38 per cent) of the items in their wardrobe – the same proportion for both genders.

The average British woman’s closet is crammed with 109 items (compared to 90 items for men), including 17 pairs of knickers, 13 pairs of shoes, eight handbags and seven coats/jackets.

This is taking its toll on frustrated Scottish men, it seems, with one in six per cent wishing they could throw out some of their partner’s clothing to make more space for their own things.

Stylist Alex Longmore comments: “I’ve had access to a lot of wardrobes and almost all of them are bursting at the seams with unwanted items.

“In my experience, we seem to think hanging on to clothes and accessories gives us a sense of security but it doesn’t – it just creates clutter which in turn creates confusion.

“The best working wardrobe is one that is streamlined; everything in your wardrobe should be wearable and work with other pieces. My top tip would be to be super strict with yourself – if you haven’t worn an item in the last nine months, it’s time to get rid of it!”