Parents spend more on designer clothes for their children than themselves, according to new research.

Researchers quizzed more than 2,000 people nationwide over their hopes, habits and aspirations for the future.

Among the most startling findings, said researchers, was the admission by many would-be parents that they planned to ditch designer labels for themselves so they could kit their children out in the latest fashions.

Patrick Osborne, a statistician for Mintel which carried out the British Lifestyles Survey 2001, said the way people dressed their children could soon be used to display people's level of personal wealth.

"Parents will make sacrifices for themselves in order that their children need not go without the latest designer gear," he said.