Preloved Clothing in Academia: Exploring Perceptions and Potential Judgments

Despite the growing acceptance of second-hand clothing, there is a dearth of academic literature on its usage in workwear, particularly within academia. This paper addresses this gap by qualitatively investigating the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of UK academics regarding second-hand workwear, employing the Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique (ZMET). Our pilot study reveals a generally positive disposition towards second-hand clothing among academics, yet highlights concerns about perceptions of competence and status, especially among newer staff. Notably, academics with fashion-related backgrounds view second-hand clothing as a means of self-expression and differentiation. These findings underscore the importance of considering academics' perspectives in shaping inclusive dress policies and informing workwear retailers and manufacturers. Our ongoing research aims to further illuminate these dynamics within a broader academic context.