Sequins to stump sustainability

The razzle-dazzle of a sequined outfit is hard to resist, especially at Christmas time. But all that glitters is not gold – because most sequins are made from plastic and do not biodegrade. New research by Oxfam, of 2000 women aged 18-55 years, has found that 1.7 million sequined garments will end up in landfill, where they will languish for years to come.

The research found that 3 in 5 will be wearing sequins come this year’s festive season. It’s expected an eye watering £415 million will be spent on 33 million sequined wears – from dresses and jumpsuits, to hot pants and accessories. But a significant proportion will not be cherished as five percent admitted they throw out their sequins once they’re finished with them, and half of the respondents confessed to leaving the item to languish at the back of their wardrobe. Only a quarter of the respondents were certain they would wear their outfit again.

Aston spoke to Grace Woodward, TV presenter and fashion stylist and Fee Gilfeather sustainability expert at Oxfam to discuss how Brits can rethink their sequined clothing this year, and the cost of sequins to the environment.