Half of women can't throw away clothes that don't fit - because they hope to lose weight so they can wear the items again

•  Survey of 1,000 women found over half women spent £360 on new clothes
•  Staggering one third of the women in survey felt 'bored' of their wardrobe
•  Six per cent of women even believe they are 'addicted' to clothes shopping

Almost half of women can't bring themselves to throw away clothes that are too small for them, according to new research.

The study suggests the phrase 'I have nothing to wear' really does ring true for almost one in four British women.

The wardrobe survey of 1,000 women for George at Asda revealed more than half spend up to £360 a year on new clothes.

The wardrobe survey of 1,000 women for George at Asda revealed more than half spend up to £360 a year on new clothes

But a third admit that they feel 'bored' of their wardrobe and 23 per cent still think they have 'nothing' to wear.

Half of the women polled see buying clothes as a way to 'treat' themselves, with one in 10 rushing out on pay day to snap up a new outfit.

Six per cent of women even believe they are 'addicted' to clothes shopping, according to the research.

Four out of nine of the women polled (44 per cent) admit they are hoarding clothes that they will never wear.

Four out of 10 (40 per cent) keep hold of items that they 'regret' buying, but just one in 10 (10 per cent) believe that they 'spend too much money' on clothes

Asked why they keep hold of neglected items, 42 per cent admit keeping clothing that is too small because they hope they will 'lose weight' and be able to wear it one day.

One in six women will even buy new clothes as a 'reward' for reaching a weight loss goal, while 40 per cent can't bear to throw away clothing with 'sentimental' value.

'I've had this tutu since I was seven. You never know it might fit me one day'

One in 10 women confess that they 'can't remember' most of what's in their wardrobe, with one in five feeling 'guilty' about how many clothes and shoes they own.

Four out of 10 (40 per cent) keep hold of items that they 'regret' buying, but just one in 10 (10 per cent) believe that they 'spend too much money' on clothes.

A spokeswoman for George said: 'It's rare for us to get an honest glimpse into the world of women's wardrobes and intriguing to uncover the reasons we shop, why we are reluctant to let go of items we don't wear and how we can shop smarter.

'What this research has revealed is that clothing bought in smaller sizes accounts for a huge percentage of unworn purchases, so it really is important to buy and dress for your size and shape and feel confident in everything you wear.

'At George, we aim to give our customers 'smart solutions' to their wardrobe dilemmas, whether this is a dress to streamline your silhouette, jeans that banish 'muffin tops' or beautiful basics that are practical for busy lives.

'We want women to fall in love with their wardrobes - no regretted purchases, no painful shoes and no unworn clothes gathering dust.'