M&S is combating unsustainable fashion this Christmas

Over the festive period, many people find themselves browsing for new pieces to add to their wardrobe, whether it be a Christmas day outfit, a glitzy party dress, or an ugly Christmas jumper.

An average of £73.90 per person is spent on partywear over Christmas, with one in five admitting they won’t wear the same outfit to more than one party or event. Because of this, Christmas appears to be one of the most unsustainable holidays of the year. Renting clothing offers the perfect solution to this problem, allowing people to wear a new outfit without it being shoved to the bottom of the wardrobe for another year. According to GlobalData UK, this country's clothing rental market value is expected to reach £2.3 billion by 2029, an increase from an estimated £400 million in 2019.

M&S has recently collaborated with online rental service Hirestreet, offering a collection of over 40 womenswear pieces from its Autograph range. The prices vary from £69 to £299 but can be rented for just £13 for four days.

This is part of M&S’ sustainability plan to become fully net-zero by 2040. Chief Operating Officer, Katie Bickerstaffe, said: “As we grow M&S clothing, we want to be more relevant more often and we know customers are increasingly interested in the circular fashion economy.”

The clothing line is largely made up of flowing midi dresses, long-line coats and a few shorter, knee-length dresses. The edit has a ‘focus on premium fabrics’, including satin, velvet, and leather pieces.

It seems to target an older audience, but there are some timeless items that will appeal to a range of people. The clothing is quite conservative and might lend well to a family party, or meal, rather than going out for drinks with your friends.

Hirestreet also offer rental wear from other high street brands, including ASOS and French Connection. Many of the outfits are targeted towards Christmas or New Year parties and offer an alternative to the M&S range.

Clothing has become disposable due to fast fashion trends and the reluctance to rewear pieces in our wardrobes. A family in the western world throws away an average of 30kg of clothing each year, with only 15 per cent recycled or donated.

Combat unsustainable fashion this year, and save some money by renting your festive favourites.

Edited by Miette Dsouza