Oxfam has issued a sustainability warning to the fashion industry, which is “on course to produce 138bn items of unworn clothes a year” by 2050.

It warns that the number of items being produced by fashion companies would reach from Earth to Mars and back again and is the equivalent of four outfits for every person.

The warning has been issued as the charity launches its annual promotional drive urging people to wear second hand clothes.

Its research found that 1.6bn unused items of clothes currently owned by the UK population could clothe the population of Manchester for the next 450 years if reused.

Actor Jameela Jamil, who is fronting the charity’s campaign, is urging fashion firms to look at ensuring clothes last longer.

“The amount of unworn clothes in the UK is shocking,” she said.

“Aside from how obviously problematic that excess is for the environment and the world at large, it’s also a shame that most clothes are no longer made, or bought, to last. I only ever buy anything I plan on wearing until I’m 80.

“I have always been a fan of preloved clothing and own so much vintage. Items I have worn again and again over almost two decades. I think clothes are to be worn, cherished and adored."

Oxfam retail director Lorna Fallon said that the number of unused clothing items in circulation “is simply not sustainable”.

“By buying, wearing and donating second hand you’re reducing the demand for fast fashion and the damage to our planet.”

Last year campaign group Fashion Revolution criticised a lack of action by the fashion industry to decarbonise its business.

It found that one in four of the 250 brands looked at “disclose nothing on decarbonisation - signifying that the climate crisis is not a priority for them”.

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