Bag a bargain during Op Shop Week

That's a lot of stuff - weighing as much as three Eiffel Towers or 300 blue whales.

And across Australia 83 per cent of women have clothes in their wardrobe that they have only worn once or twice, and just over 60 per cent own clothes that have never been worn or still have tags on, according to the Salvos Stores.

August 27 to September 2 is National Op Shop Week, aimed at raising awareness of the importance of reusing, reinventing and upcycling.

Salvos Store ambassador Faye De Lanty said the lifecycle of a garment has been reduced to almost "single wear" with Aussies buying over 20kg of new clothing each on average per year.

"Over 90 per cent of what the community sends to landfill can be reused and resold and by saving it from landfill you're helping the less fortunate while getting an eco-chic look for less," said Ms De Lanty.

The Urban Upcycling Tours around Adelaide are for keen shoppers who love snapping up a bargain. The op-shop social tours are run by aged care provider ACH Group.

Rhonda Abrahart recently enjoyed her first op shopping trip with the social group. "It's something I don't normally do but it's been fun - and I found a brand new designer bag for under $20," she said.

Lynette Howard has enjoyed several shopping trips with the Wynn Vale group. "I like to look for jigsaw puzzles, books and interesting jewellery," she said. "It's always great fun. You never know what you're going to find; there's always something different."

Lesley Barber enjoys spending time with friends and looks for clothes for her granddaughter and material or off cuts for quilting. "I love it - you don't need to spend a lot of money to shop," she said.

ACH Group Community East Assistant Coordinator Tash Burczyk said people love the tours. "We have a lot of laughs. There's always something to talk about and when you find a bargain it's a good feeling."