From Miniskirts to Frayed Jeans – Samsung Reveals the Most Iconic Fashion Items Over the Decades and How We Should Be Caring for Them

• The poll reveals that the miniskirt tops the nations list of iconic style pieces
• Two in five feel today’s fashion is mostly made up of old styles and trends which are making a comeback
• 22 per cent of Brits own a clothing item that is over 20 years old

London, UK – 27^th May 2020 –Samsung Electronics UK Ltd. today released new research that reveals that the nation’s most iconic fashion statement is the mini skirt – ahead of the little black dress and hot pants.

A study of 2,000 Brits revealed the most memorable style trends, which also saw knee high boots, denim jackets and skinny jeans feature in the top 10. Tie die t-shirts, which were made popular in the swinging sixties, also featured, along with flapper dresses of the 1920s and shell suits from the 1980s. Also, among the most loved fashion items of the past were leather biker jackets, dungarees and band t-shirts.

The research, commissioned by Samsung to celebrate the launch of the new Samsung AirDresser, also revealed how a number of these memorable trends are still considered wardrobe staples – with one in four saying skinny jeans are one of their fashion must-haves. A quarter of women favour an LBD, and one in 10 adults have a leather biker jacket. As a result, two-fifths feel today’s fashion is mostly made up of old styles and trends which are making a comeback.

“Our study just goes to show that there are many memorable trends from over the years, and as a result people are hanging on to items, they perceive to be classics, while also investing in vintage finds. This is great for sustainable fashion but often these clothes need to be cared for properly to protect them for the future,” says Dan Harvie, the Vice President of Home Appliances at Samsung. “This is one of the reasons we have developed the Samsung AirDresser, to redefine how people care for their clothes and help prolong every garment’s lifespan.”

The study also found plain t-shirts and a pair of trainers are among the wardrobe staples for the nation, as well as black jeans and plain black trousers. But one in 10 would say a designer coat to keep them warm in the colder months is the most important wardrobe staple.

Nearly half (48 per cent) see these items as essentials because they ‘go with everything’, while 64 per cent said they are just so comfortable. And 49 per cent enjoy wearing them because they are a good fit. It also emerged that just 11 per cent of those polled would describe their fashion sense as ‘on trend’, with as many as six in 10 describing their style as ‘comfortable’. More than a third would simply say their look is more ‘basic’, while 13 per cent think they have a ‘vintage’ edge.

The study also found Brits are hording away these favourite clothes, with the oldest items in wardrobes dating back as many as 12 years, with 22 per cent owning something older than 20 years. As a result, people do what they can to try and care for these older or more delicate items. Nearly three in 10 will wear these items less often if it means preserving them for as long as possible, while a fifth wash them less often. A quarter will also ensure they are washing them on a gentler wash setting.

The research, conducted via OnePoll, found three in 10 find it hard to clean clothes and keep them from losing their shape or getting damaged. As a result, 24 per cent wished their clothes would last longer, and 40 per cent are willing to spend more money on clothes which have a longer shelf-life.

Dan Harvie added, “We all have that favourite item we wished would last us a lifetime, but it’s not that easy. Regular washing is great for when life has got a little hectic for your basic items of clothing, but for those quality garments, over-washing can cause damage to the fabric. The Samsung AirDresser is an innovative solution which keeps clothes refreshed and removes lingering odours and hidden germs. It offers 99.9%* sanitisation with the sanitise cycle and gently cares for clothing, prolonging the period between washes.  This means less stress is put on fabrics which helps pieces maintain their premium feel for longer.”

Top 30 most iconic style pieces of all time:

1. Mini skirts
2. Little black dress
3. Hot pants
4. Denim jackets
5. Platform shoes
6. Flared trousers
7. Leather biker jacket
8. Shoulder pads
9. Knee high boots
10. Skinny jeans
11. Shell suits
12. Boob tubes
13. Dungarees
14. Tie Dye t-shirts
15. Denim mini skirts
16. Flapper dress
17. Cowboy boots
18. Maxi dresses
19. Crop tops
20. Tracksuits
21. Bootcut jeans
22. High waisted jeans
23. Ponchos
24. Knee high socks
25. Halter neck tops
26. Combat trousers
27. Midi skirts
28. Band t-shirts
29. Tracksuit bottoms
30. Frayed jeans

*Eliminates 99.9% of 4 viruses (Adenovirus, Influenza and Herpesvirus) using the sanitize course, testing done on wool and cotton, results may vary from the testing done in lab , School of Pharmacology of Korea University’ 2) Eliminates 99.9% of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 bacteria, testing done by Intertek on 100% cotton. Awarded the British Allergy Foundation Seal of Approval for reduction in exposure to Live House Dust Mites, Fungi/Mould and Bacteria Allergen