What is Bracketing?

Bracketing is the practice of ordering multiple sizes or colors of the same product, with the intention of keeping only one and returning the rest. While it may seem convenient for shoppers, this habit has serious consequences for the environment and the fashion industry.

Why It’s a Problem

Every returned item increases the carbon footprint—due to additional shipping, repackaging, and often disposal. Many returned clothes can’t be resold and are either incinerated or dumped. This causes unnecessary waste and strains resources that could be used more sustainably.

The Impact

• Environmental Cost: Each return generates CO₂ emissions from transport and handling.
  
• Product Waste: Up to 30% of returned garments never make it back to sale.
• Resource Burden: The industry must overproduce to cover bracketing behavior.