Konnie Huq admits she hasn't bought clothes for a decade on Loose Women
Konnie Huq surprised the panel on Loose Women after admitting she hadn’t bought any new clothes for ten years.
The former Blue Peter presenter confessed that she hasn’t bought any since her time on the show.
“When you’re on something like Blue Peter or on tele in general often you get clothes bought for you.” She explained.
When Janet Street Porter questioned whether she still wore those clothes, Huq admitted that the purple cardigan she had on was from her Blue Peter days.
She explained to the hosts of the show that she hadn’t changed in weight and height much since she was 18, so there was no need to buy new clothes.
Although Huq’s reasoning for opting out of purchasing the latest fashion is more for practical reasons, many people are deciding to buy pre-loved clothes for sustainability purposes.
Read more: How to be a sustainable parent
People were quick to praise 44-year-old and share stories of old clothing they still own.
“I had same dressing gown from high school years it lasted 18 years my socks last ages I mend my clothes I don't toss them away!” One person said.
“Did it for a year, but I did buy new Trainers. It has made me think twice about what I need. Stacey Dooleys [sic] documentary on cotton made me think hard too.” Another added.
I could and sometimes can, I had same dressing gown from high school years it lasted 18 years my socks last ages I mend my clothes I don't toss them away!!!
— Mrs Robertson (@sharonbabes1) February 26, 2020
Did it for a year , but I did buy new Trainers . It has made me think twice about what I need . Stacey Dooleys documentary on cotton made me think hard too .
— Jill Finch (@jillianfinch) February 26, 2020
It has certainly opened up a conversation about what we really need to buy if somebody has gone ten years without buying any new clothes.
As high-street retailers rush to become more sustainable, we’ve seen the likes of H&M trial a clothes rental service in a bid to attract people turning their backs on fast fashion.
Read more: Everything you need to know about menstrual cups
As the social media conversation confirmed, Konnie Huq’s approach to fashion won’t work for everybody with people presenting numerous strong arguments.
“She must be buying top designer stuff. Cause no way high street stuff would last that long but bras/knickers stockings etc no chance lol.” Someone said.
She must be buying top designer stuff. Cause no way high street stuff would last that long but bras/knickers stockings etc no chance lol
— shirlz (@nanna2b2l) February 26, 2020
I didn't have a lot of choice in the matter I went from a size 18 to 16 in 3 months. I lost a stone and a half.
— Sarah Long (@SarahBo16424015) February 26, 2020
Another mentioned weight gain or loss as a factor in buying new clothes: “I didn't have a lot of choice in the matter I went from a size 18 to 16 in 3 months. I lost a stone and a half.”
Being pregnant is another solid argument for buying clothes.
Recent research into pregnant women’s fashion habits revealed that women spend around £700 on maternity clothes during the course of their pregnancy.
Despite the spree, the bump-friendly clothes will only be worn from 16 weeks into the pregnancy until five weeks postpartum, leading many to view the wardrobe additions as “fast fashion”.
Read more: Eco-friendly swaps you can make at home
These arguments aren’t stopping anybody from shopping pre-loved items only, though. Last year, thousands of people took part in Second Hand September.
The initiative coined by Oxfam asked people to turn their back on temptation and only shop pre-loved clothing throughout September.
With initiatives like this rising in popularity, Konnie Huq’s decade long fashion drought might become more popular in the future.
