Sustainable Fashion in Poland—Too Early or Too Late?

Magdalena Popowska,Aleksandra Sinkiewicz

doi:10.3390/su13179713

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the concept of sustainable fashion from the Polish consumer’s perspective. The aim of this research is to investigate how Polish fashion consumers approach the concepts of sustainability, such as organic, fair-trade, and carbon emissions. Exploring the experience of the Polish consumption context provides a richer understanding of the evolution of fashion sustainability concepts in this and similar countries. The research methods applied comprise the literature review, including the theoretical and empirical items, and the survey conducted among Polish fashion consumers. According to our findings, Polish consumers declare caring more about the general environment but do not pay attention to sustainable development in the clothing industry. It is also worth noting that Poles, compared to those in other countries, have an unfavourable opinion of their own nation on the approach to sustainable development in the garment industry.

Highlights

The global garment industry has been changing over the years in response to the needs of society and recently in response to environmental issues
The aim of the study was to identify the approach of Polish clothing consumers to sustainable development in fashion
The outcome showed the attitude of Polish consumers and the differences in opinions and attitudes between Poles and their counterparts from compared markets

Summary

Introduction

The global garment industry has been changing over the years in response to the needs of society and recently in response to environmental issues. Consumers’ movements trying to persuade the garment industry to introduce the necessary changes in production methods, materials used, or actual control of the supply chain are gaining in importance worldwide. It may be a form of sustainable citizenship in which individuals try to assume social responsibility and meet ecological challenges [1]. These behaviors depend on the consumer awareness, linked to its demographics, including, inter alia, age, ethnicity, and income [2,3]

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Discussion

Conclusion