The Hidden Value Sitting in Australian Wardrobes
Australians love fashion — but much of what we buy ends up sitting unworn. Recent research shows Australians collectively own an estimated AU$76 billion worth of clothing, with around AU$29 billion tied up in garments that are rarely or never worn.
That’s not just clutter — it’s locked-up value.
On an individual level, the average Australian owns around 24 clothing items they haven’t worn in the past year, representing roughly AU$952 per person sitting unused in wardrobes across the country.
Unused Clothes Across Generations
Unused clothing isn’t limited to any one age group. In fact, it spans generations:
Millennials: ~AU$1,171 in unused clothing
Gen X: ~AU$1,083
Boomers: ~AU$809
Gen Z: ~AU$681
Different lifestyles, different shopping habits — but the same outcome: quality pieces going unworn and undervalued.
Why So Much Clothing Goes Unused
Studies show that 97% of Australians admit to owning clothes they don’t use, and on average, only about half of what’s in our wardrobes is worn regularly.
This often comes down to impulse buying, changing lifestyles, or simply forgetting what we already own. The result? Perfectly good clothing sitting idle while new items continue to be purchased.
Make Money. Save Money. It Goes Both Ways.
This is where secondhand fashion changes the equation.
When you sell quality pieces you no longer wear, you unlock value that would otherwise stay hidden. At the same time, buying secondhand allows shoppers to save money, access better brands, and make more sustainable choices.
Secondhand fashion isn’t just about affordability — it’s about smarter consumption.
How Project Emerald Steps In
Project Emerald exists to make buying and selling quality secondhand fashion in Australia easier, more trusted, and more impactful.
We connect sellers with buyers who value well-made clothing, giving garments a second (or third) life while keeping them in circulation longer. By doing so, we help:
Sellers earn from items they no longer wear
Buyers access quality fashion at better value
Reduce waste and extend the life of clothing
Support a more sustainable fashion ecosystem
Every item resold is a step toward less waste, smarter wardrobes, and more conscious fashion choices.
The Bigger Picture
When nearly AU$1,000 per person sits unused in wardrobes, the opportunity is clear. Multiply that across millions of Australians, and we’re looking at tens of billions of dollars in underutilised value.
Secondhand fashion turns that problem into a solution — one where wardrobes work harder, money goes further, and style doesn’t come at the expense of sustainability.
Make money. Save money. It goes both ways.
