I’ve worn then returned 100 glitzy party dresses as a serial ‘wardrober’ – I get a kick out of it & don’t spend a penny
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THE black lace party dress from Asos is perfect for Charlotte. She’ll wear it at the weekend and then, if she feels like it, she might order another dress for the party season. Money doesn’t come into it — Charlotte has no intention of paying. Once she’s worn the dress she will stick it straight back in the post.
![[A growing number of women are buying clothes, wearing them once or twice, then sending them back (stock image)]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/young-beautiful-woman-shopping-clothing-956610533.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Around a week later, a full refund will hit her bank. Charlotte, a 28-year-old support worker from Manchester, is one of a growing number of women who buy clothes, wear them once or twice, then send them back. More often than not, the item will be something glitzy for a special occasion.
![[The practice has become so widespread there’s a word for it: Wardrobing]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NINTCHDBPICT000956287315.jpg?strip=all&w=640)
The practice has become so widespread there’s a word for it: Wardrobing. Shops label it “tag tuck fraud”. Charlotte has been doing it for ten years and admits she has worn — then returned — between 100 and 150 items. She pays for everyday clothes but says she wouldn’t dream of forking out for something she’ll only ever wear once.
![[Charlotte has been wardrobing for ten years and admits she has worn — then returned — between 100 and 150 items]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/woman-online-shopper-affixes-barcode-956287216.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
It’s saved her up to £2k. “It’s usually party dresses, or something nice for a wedding or the races — one-off dresses I’d never wear again,” says Charlotte. “Because I’m not paying for it, I can go for something a bit different, something I wouldn’t normally wear.
![[Retailers label the trend as 'tag tuck fraud']](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/portrait-pretty-young-woman-hold-956610632.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
“There was this little green cropped top with a matching skirt I got once. “It was bold, very out there, and it got a lot of compliments.”. For Charlotte, who mainly shops online at the likes of Pretty Little Thing, Shein, ASOS and Boohoo, it’s not just about looking glam for free.
