India, May 13 -- Fast fashion brands are adding thousands of new styles each year, but researchers warn that the systems needed to reuse clothes remain underdeveloped.

A new analysis of more than 8,000 garments in four EU countries found that most had either no damage or only minor flaws, meaning they could technically be reworn.

The report says cleaning, repair, depilling and restoration require skills, space, resources and technology that many rewear operators, especially non-profits, cannot manage at scale.

Cheap new clothing has weakened the resale value of second-hand garments, with only the top 5% to 10% of items commanding good prices.

Researchers say scaling rewear alone will have limited impact unless the fashion industry als...