Clothing Consumption Research Articles

Analisis Budaya Jepang dalam Buku Goodbye, Things Hidup Minimalis Ala Orang Jepang Oleh Fumio Sasaki

Lifestyle is a set of behaviours that are meaningful to the individual and others at a particular time and place, including social relationships, consumption of goods, entertainment, and clothing. Minimalism is the act of reducing things to make room for the more important things in life. A minimalist lifestyle is influenced by a consumptive lifestyle by reducing the items owned. Japanese minimalism has a rich history and is linked to cultural and philosophical traditions. A minimalist lifestyle is characterised by anti-consumerist attitudes and behaviours. A minimalist lifestyle offers many wellbeing benefits, including happiness, life satisfaction, meaning, and better personal relationships. Practising a minimalist lifestyle can be manifested by problem-avoiding behaviours, being content with enough possessions, and thinking carefully before making new purchases. The benefits of living a minimalist lifestyle range from environmental sustainability to mental health. This research aims to understand how Fumio Sasaki represents Japanese culture through the theme of minimalism and identify the Japanese cultural values reflected in this book with a qualitative method by thoroughly describing the data obtained during the research process. This research uses a literature approach by referring to theories obtained from literature in the form of books and journals as the main source and the literature.

Is Generation Z more Inclined than Generation Y to Purchase Sustainable Clothing?

AbstractIncreasing clothing (over)consumption, supported by the fast fashion industry, has caused a significant reduction in clothing costs, raised major sustainability challenges, and highlighted the need for engaging in more sustainable consumption behaviour to mitigate the negative environmental, social, and economic consequences. Although green purchase behaviour is now well understood, extant literature still lacks a comprehensive approach to explain consumers behaviour (especially that of the younger generations) with respect to sustainable clothing. Using survey data collected through a structured questionnaire, this study aims to assess whether Generation Z is more inclined to buy sustainable or eco-friendly clothing than Generation Y. Given the non-random selection of respondents, analysis was conducted using propensity score matching to correct for potential bias based on a set of observable confounders. The results show that Generation Z is more likely to buy second-hand clothing, whereas Generation Y is more interested in clothes made of organic and eco-sustainable fabrics.

Consumers' motives for engaging in second-hand clothing circulation in terms of sustainable consumption

An increase in the number of consumers engaging in second-hand clothing (in short, SHC) circulation is indicated as one of the main ways to balance the consumption of clothes. Therefore, the motives of consumers engaging in SHC circulation are an important issue that requires cyclical and in-depth research. This article aimed to examine consumers' motives for engaging in SHC circulation in the context of the implementation of sustainable clothing consumption in selected European countries. In order to accomplish the objective, 547 CAWI questionnaire interviews were conducted with consumers from five countries: Germany, Sweden, Slovenia, Lithuania and Poland. The main motives for engaging in SHC circulation indicated by respondents are directly - the ecological and altruistic motive - and indirectly - the economic motive - linked to the idea of sustainable consumption. At the same time, it should be noted that consumers are guided by several motives simultaneously, and despite pro-environmental declarations, in most cases, they are also guided by economic motives. The study results can be applied to improving waste management systems and, in particular, campaigns promoting SHC circulation.

Investigating internal motivation in sustainable fashion consumption: attitude towards recycled and upcycled products

ABSTRACT Growing environmental consciousness, especially regarding resource availability and waste levels, has heightened concerns about waste management. Recycling and upcycling movements have resurged due to these factors. Sustainable clothing consumption, in particular, offers an eco-friendly way to maximise the utility of waste materials, creating new, improved products. Understanding consumer behaviour and intentions in recycling and upcycling, especially in sectors like fashion, wood, and plastics, is vital. Consumer recycling and upcycling efforts face challenges due to the perceived effort involved, known as the ‘attitude-behavior’ gap. To address this gap, this research employs motivation theory and Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to propose a framework. The study’s results support all hypotheses in the initial model, indicating its effectiveness in explaining the link between internal motivation, attitude, and intention. This insight can help identify factors influencing attitudes and purchase decisions, allowing for targeted strategies in the green consumer market and influencing buying habits.

A Study on the Impact of Environmental Awareness on Sustainable Consumption Behavior in Maternity Wear

With the relaxation of China’s birth policies and the dual independence gained by Chinese women in both mental and economic aspects, maternity wear, as an essential item for pregnant women, has an enormous design space and a growing consumer market, attracting increasing attention from all quarters [1]. However, due to the continuous changes in pregnant womens body shapes and the fact that most women need to continue working and socializing during the early and middle stages of pregnancy [2], maternity wear has a short wearing cycle and rapid turnover [3] leading to the current unsustainable consumption of maternity wear. This study aims to explore the impact of environmental awareness on the sustainable consumption behavior of maternity wear. Specifically, the study objective is to use Grounded Theory to analyze sustainability issues within maternity wear consumption and identify the factors and stages influencing sustainable consumption behavior through online searches for relevant reports and comments. We address 2 research questions. RQ1: How to improve the sustainability of maternity wear to reduce unsustainable consumption? RQ2: How does environmental awareness influence sustainable consumption behavior in maternity wear? This article, based on Grounded Theory, to ensure the timeliness of comments and reports, conducted sample data collection from 2019 to 2022. We conducted searches using keywords such as “sustainable maternity wear,” “ecofriendly maternity wear,” “sustainable fashion,” “maternity wear consumption,” and “postpartum clothing consumption.” We obtained a total of 1086 relevant articles and materials. After careful screening, we narrowed down our searches and organized 45 feasible textual materials for our study. Through online searches for relevant reports and comments regarding sustainable consumption of maternity wear, it identified consciousness-related influencing factors and three stages of sustainable maternity wear consumption behavior. Furthermore, it proposed reference recommendations for promoting sustainable consumption of maternity wear through management practices.
 Keywords: environmental awareness, maternity wear, sustainability, consumer behavior, grounded theory

When mass meets prestige: The impact of symbolic motivations, inspirations, and purchase intentions for Masstige products

Luxury brands are increasingly targeting the middle class through ‘masstige marketing’ as the trendy business opportunity,' which combines luxury and mass appeal. This strategy aims to make high-end brands more accessible to a wider audience, catering to the desires and preferences of the middle class. Grounded in the Mass Prestige (Masstige) theory, this study examines the direct and indirect impact of Symbolic motivations (snob, Veblen, and bandwagon) on Masstige Purchase Intention (MPI) via Inspiration Towards Masstige (ITM) as a mediator. Moreover, the contingent impact of Brand Credibility (BC) between ITM and MPI was assessed. Two independent studies were conducted among consumers of clothing and car brands. Results supported all the hypothesized paths reflecting symbolic motivations as important predictors of MPI directly and through the underlying mechanism of ITM. However, significant differences were observed in the impact size of the Veblen and bandwagon motivations on ITM and MPI among clothing and car brand consumers. Moreover, results revealed that BC significantly interacts with ITM to augment the MPI in both studies. However, this contingent impact was stronger to enhance MPI among the consumers of car brands than clothing brands. Furthermore, study implications and future research directions are presented in detail.

The Global Clothing Oversupply: An Emerging Environmental Crisis

Fashion is a potent visual indicator of our times, almost a language that speaks for us and something popular or in style, a zeitgeist. Fashion, specifically fast fashion, has gained prominence in discussions about fashion, sustainability, and environmental awareness. The speed of the hedonic treadmills continues to increase exponentially, and the so-called fast fashion has won legions of young fans who can snap up relatively cheap clothes online, but the trend masks darker environmental problems. Concerns about the fashion industry’s environmental impact have increased in recent years. This realization was prompted by accumulated evidence of a rise in clothing consumption due to greater availability and affordability. This shift has fostered not only heedless and hasty clothing consumption but also heedless and hasty clothing disposal. This article attempts to elucidate the relationship between humans and the environment. It also tries to incorporate the concepts of sustaincentrism and traceability to pave the way for sustainable development. This study employs an experimental survey method to ascertain consumers’ perceptions of sustainable fashion and to assess the implications of their current purchasing behavior. The SPSS software is used to analyze the data’s reliability, and regression analysis was employed to determine the fashion industry’s environmental impact. The survey results indicate optimism for a rise in ethical business strategies and the adoption of sustainable approaches within the fashion industry, thereby establishing a green economy.

CLOTHING CONSUMPTION AND DISPOSAL PATTERN AMONGST COLLEGE GOING GIRLS: AN EXPOLORATRY STUDY

For the textile industry to be considered sustainable its environmental impact needs to be reduced by 30-100% by using multiple measures like reusing and recycling. This study sought to determine how conscious college girls between the age of 18 and 22 are of the environmental effects of mindless clothing consumption and disposal. This study examined a number of distinct constructs such as environmental concern, environmental influence on clothing consumption and disposal, consumer behavior in relation to clothing, reasons for buying clothes, clothing disposal pattern, and barriers to clothing disposal for college-going girls.Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were employed to accomplish the goals. Six focus groups with ten to twelve college-age girls each were held as part of the qualitative study. The results of the focus group conversations were used to build a structured questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. The questionnaire was administered to 201 college going girls aged 18 to 22. Thus, gathered data was analyzed descriptively as well as statistically using SPSS.Reliability of each scale was checked using Cronbach's alpha method. To identify the factors in each variable, Principal Component Analysis was used. The survey discovered that while respondents were aware of environmental issues, they were unaware of how the production and disposal of garments affected the environment. The respondents were aware of a variety of recycling and reusing practices; however, they do not engage in these practices. This can be the case because another family member handles these tasks. They frequently buy new clothes in order to keep up with fashion trends and gain psychological comfort. People are unaware of the environmental impact of their clothing disposal, consumption, and purchasing.

Experience in implementing the ecological concept of CSR (On the example of ukrainian fashion brands)

Experience in implementing the ecological concept of CSR (On the example of ukrainian fashion brands)

Lifestyle Construction in Coffee Shops in Malang City from the Perspective of Symbolic Violence

The coffee shop industry is experiencing rapid growth as coffee consumption increases in Indonesia. The focus of this research is Malang City, which is the center of coffee shop growth in Indonesia. Through a cultural studies paradigm approach, this research aims to understand the construction process of coffee consumer lifestyles in Malang City. This phenomenon marks a shift in consumer behavior from necessity to a sub-culture where coffee shops are not only a gathering place, but also a symbol of self-identity and an urban lifestyle. The research used visual methods with 6 participants from two different coffee shops. The data collection process focused on coffee shops, interior design, consumers, and visual elements that influence lifestyle. The concept of Pierre Bourdieu's social praxis theory is used as an analytical framework to understand the construction of lifestyle and the role of symbolic power. The research results show that the existence of coffee shops influences culture and lifestyle in Malang City. Starbucks, as the main agent, shapes the values and standards adopted by local coffee shops such as Amstirdam. Patterns of symbolic violence emerge in consumer clothing standards, depicting coffee shops not only as places to buy and sell coffee, but also as public spaces that shape identity and social norms. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of coffee shops in shaping lifestyle and culture in society.

Circular economy rebound effect in the context of second-hand clothing consumption

The purpose of this paper was to investigate whether consumer behaviour in the second-hand clothing market causes a rebound effect, and if so, what are the reasons behind it. The study examined two potential causes: the price effect and moral licensing. A survey technique was used for data collection to study the phenomenon quantitatively. Non-parametric tests, analysis of relationships between variables and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to analyse the results. The existence of a rebound effect in the used clothing market was confirmed. At the same time, the magnitude of the substitution rate between new clothing and used clothing was estimated at 1:1.23. It was also proved that the phenomenon under study is influenced by both the price effect and moral licensing.

Practice theory approach to Gen Z’s sustainable clothing consumption in Finland

PurposeThis paper aims to answer the questions of what clothing practices related to sustainable fashion can be observed in young consumers' daily lives in Finland’s capital region and what prevents their further proliferation.Design/methodology/approachThis is qualitative research that draws from 22 semi-structured interviews with high school students in the capital area of Finland. The data were analyzed with the use of thematic analysis, a flexible method of data analysis that allows for the extraction of categories from both theoretical concepts and data.FindingsThis paper contributes to studies of young people’s consumption with the practice theory approach, putting forward the category of following sustainable fashion as an integrative practice. The three-element model of the practice theory allows answering the question of challenges that prevent the practice from shaping. The paper further advances this approach by identifying a list of context-specific dispersed practices incorporated into sustainable fashion.Practical implicationsThe study suggests practical ways of improving clothing consumption based on the practice theory approach and findings from empirical research. Sustainable practices require competences, knowledge and skills that the school, as an institution working closely with high school students, could help develop.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the current studies of sustainability and youth culture of consumption with a practice theory approach and findings, related to a particular context of a country from Northern Europe.

On the attractiveness of clothing libraries for women: Investigating the adoption of product-service systems from a practice-based perspective

Clothing libraries, an application of product-service system in the clothing sector, could potentially combat clothing overconsumption but consumer adoption is limited so far. Research so far has largely overlooked the diversity in adoption barriers depending on the context. Using a practice-based approach, this paper explores how adoption barriers differ across clothing consumption profiles and types of clothing libraries. A focus group methodology is used to examine two types of clothing libraries (occasional vs. everyday) intended for women and four clothing consumption profiles (fashionista, rational, emotional, restrained). This paper shows that occasional clothing libraries are perceived as more attractive than everyday clothing libraries because they require a smaller change of practice. Factors such as the possibility of wearing the garment again, existing alternatives (second hand purchase or exchanges with friends or family), the type of occasion (event, seasonal or daily), the need for garment renewal, and the price interact in a similar way for clothing purchases and occasional clothing libraries. This paper also shows that the barriers to practice change differ between consumption profiles. For example, not feeling the need to renew one's wardrobe is an obstacle to subscribing to everyday clothing libraries for the rational profile, while this same factor, feeling the need to regularly renew one's wardrobe, is a lever for subscribing to everyday clothing libraries for the fashionista profile. The findings can be used to tailor clothing libraries to specific consumption profiles' needs in order to shift their fashion practices towards sustainable consumption.

Promoting sustainable practices: Exploring secondhand clothing consumption patterns and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in Japan

The rise of online flea markets in Japan has expanded access to secondhand products. Despite this expansion and the increasing recognition of the need for sustainable consumption, there remains a notable constraint on consumer acceptance of pre-owned items. Thus, this study emphasizes the utility of secondhand product usage in a context where consumer acceptance of pre-owned items is limited despite the recognized sustainability necessity. Additionally, it aims to investigate secondhand clothing-utilization patterns among users, estimate the environmental potential reduction, and assess their contribution to sustainable consumption. Conducted on users of the Japanese online flea market platform, Mercari (sellers: n = 13,325, buyers: n = 9985), the study quantified the potential reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by reusing secondhand clothing. Utilizing a survey, the key findings revealed distinct reuse characteristics for different items, confirming extended product lifespan even for those in poor condition. Moreover, secondhand products were used more frequently than new ones, and buyers exhibited less concern about potential damage. The displacement rate of secondhand for new clothing did not significantly decrease with worsening product condition. The study estimated a potential 9.6 thousand tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (ton-CO2eq) reduction under the assumption of 10 million secondhand clothing items replacing new ones. This study proposes the feasibility of utilizing secondhand items and their potential contribution to environmental conservation in consumption. Further, it establishes the theoretical foundation necessary to articulate the environmental significance of secondhand products. Simultaneously, it provides valuable insights into the broader implications of sustainable consumption practices.

Beyond masters: women’s shifting roles in Nepal’s new neoliberal garment industry

ABSTRACT The late 20th century saw a phenomenal integration of the production and consumption of clothing between the Global North and the Global South. While global integration of mass manufactured garments has been discussed at length, this paper investigates the gender subjectivities within artisanal production of globally-oriented ethnic wear within the garment value chain. This ethnographic case study focuses on the women entrepreneurs animating the large-scale Nepali garment subcluster. This subcluster, with its origins in fringe tourism and development expatriatism became so integrated with its global counterparts that some entrepreneurs became prominent national names. The market conflated female and male designers and entrepreneurs. In this process of symbiotic absorption, and the dominance of garment production in the national economy, female entrepreneurs saw their careers sidelined and their contributions overlooked. This paper draws on an extensive ethnographic fieldwork encompassing the period from 1990s to the first quarter of the twenty-first century to explore the evolving dynamics of the Nepali public sphere in response to profound changes within the Nepali state. These transformations encompass the shift from a Hindu monarchy to a Maoist revolution, resulting in a secular, republican and federal state. The paper further examines the implications of these shifts for the female entrepreneurs in Nepal who have played a substantial role in Nepal’s industrialisation.

Exploring the Role of Environmental Awareness in Managing Sustainable Consumption Behaviors for Maternity Clothing

As China relaxes its birth policies and Chinese women gain greater mental and economic independence, the market for maternity clothing has expanded significantly. This essential item for pregnant women now features a vast design space and a growing consumer market, drawing widespread attention. However, due to the ongoing changes in pregnant women’s body shapes and the requirement for many to keep working and socializing during early and mid-pregnancy, maternity clothing has a brief usage period and a quick turnover, contributing to unsustainable consumption habits. This research aims to explore the effect of environmental awareness on sustainable consumption behavior in maternity clothing. Using Grounded Theory, the study investigates sustainability issues in maternity clothing consumption, identifying the factors and stages that influence sustainable consumption behavior. It focuses on two main questions: research question 1: How can the sustainability of maternity clothing be enhanced to minimize unsustainable consumption? research question 2: What impact does environmental awareness have on sustainable consumption behavior in maternity clothing? Maternity clothing represents a unique segment in the fashion industry due to its short-term usage and specific functional requirements. Despite its temporary use, maternity clothing consumption can significantly contribute to environmental degradation due to unsustainable production practices, use of non-eco-friendly materials, and disposal issues. Current literature has extensively covered sustainability in general fashion but has relatively overlooked the specific context of maternity clothing. Addressing research question 1 helps fill this gap by focusing on targeted strategies to enhance the sustainability of maternity clothing, thereby reducing its environmental impact. Environmental awareness is a critical driver of sustainable consumption behavior. However, the extent to which this awareness translates into actual purchasing decisions, especially in niche markets like maternity clothing, remains under-explored. Understanding this relationship can provide valuable insights into consumer behavior and help fashion brands design more effective sustainability initiatives. By examining research question2, the study aims to bridge the gap in literature regarding the specific impact of environmental awareness on consumption behaviors within the maternity clothing segment. This can inform strategies for promoting eco-friendly practices and increasing consumer engagement in sustainable fashion. To ensure the comments and reports were relevant, data collection was carried out from 2019 to 2023 using keywords such as “sustainable maternity clothing,” “eco-friendly maternity clothing,” “sustainable fashion,” “maternity clothing consumption,” and “postpartum clothing consumption.” A total of 1,086 relevant papers and other materials were obtained, Out of these ,45 viable texts were chosen for an in -depth analysis. The study identified factors related to environmental consciousness and three stages of sustainable maternity clothing consumption behavior. Additionally, it offers recommendations for encouraging sustainable consumption of maternity clothing through effective management practices.

Fast fashion revolution: Unveiling the path to sustainable style in the era of fast fashion

The Fast fashion industry trend has proliferated due to its fast production and affordable prices. However, its negative impact on the climate and environment is significant. Previous research has revealed that Fast Fashion contributes to high greenhouse gas emissions, excessive water usage, water pollution, and the generation of non-biodegradable textile waste. All of these factors harm environmental sustainability. Additionally, the mass production model of Fast Fashion also encourages excessive consumption, creates non-biodegradable textile waste, and increases pressure on natural resources. This study aims to examine the relationship between fashion orientation (FO) and Fast fashion purchase intention (FFPI), as well as their impact on Fast fashion purchasing behavior (FFPB). This research also explores the influence of sustainable clothing consumption attitudes (SCCA) as a moderating factor. Data were collected from 214 respondents through the nonprobability snowball sampling method. The analysis was conducted using the PLS-SEM method. The study's results indicate that FO significantly influences FFPI and strongly correlates with FFPB. Moreover, SCCA moderates the relationship between FFPI and FFPB. These findings imply that to address the negative impact of Fast Fashion on climate change and the environment, changes in FO and FFPI and an increase in SCCA are needed. Education and consumer awareness regarding the negative impacts of Fast Fashion, promotion and support for sustainable clothing brands and products, and implementing policies that encourage more sustainable production and consumption practices are essential steps that can be taken.

The Mediating Role of Purchase Intention on the Effect of Product Quality and Price Fairness on Purchasing Decisions

Children's apparel sector is surging in Indonesia, posing challenges for children's clothing retailers, exemplified by CV. Patras Development. In the realm of heightened market competition, innovation becomes imperative. CV. Patras Development grapples with obstacles such as external competitors offering more cost-effective solutions and raw material sourcing intricacies, compounded by a tranquil business environment in Bali. This quantitative research adopts a methodological approach focusing on latent variables—Product Quality (X1) and Price Fairness (X2) as influencers, and Purchase Interest (Y1) and Purchasing Decisions (Y2) as influenced variables. The study encompasses 72 consumers of children's clothing at CV. Patras Development, with data meticulously processed using SmartPLS accounting software. The findings elucidate that Product Quality and Price Fairness significantly influence the purchasing interest of clothing consumers at CV. Patras Development. Noteworthy is the positive impact of Price Fairness on purchasing decisions, whereas Product Quality and Purchase Intention exhibit no discernible effect on purchasing decisions. Intriguingly, the mediation of Purchase Intention between product quality and price fairness proves inconsequential in shaping purchasing decisions among clothing consumers at CV. Patras Development from an accounting perspective.

The impact of opportunity sales (discounts) on Impulse purchase for clothes in the Saudi society and measuring the community's awareness of the negative repercussions of Impulse purchase on the environment

This study examines the influence of opportunistic sales on compulsive clothing purchases in Saudi society, with a particular focus on women in Jeddah. The rise of e-commerce and online shopping platforms has transformed the shopping experience, leading to increased impulsive and unplanned purchases, also known as "purchasing gluttony." Using a quantitative approach and a descriptive analysis, this research investigates the impact of discounts and promotions on the inclination towards purchasing gluttony. The findings demonstrate that these strategies significantly influence consumers' tendency to engage in excessive buying. To foster loyalty and regular purchasing behavior, products should have a lasting impact on customers. However, the study reveals a limited awareness among Saudi society regarding the negative consequences of compulsive buying on the environment. Therefore, the study recommends educating consumers about sustainability and their role in promoting rational clothing consumption. It also suggests encouraging retailers and marketers to reduce the frequency of discounts throughout the year, thereby supporting environmental preservation initiatives in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce. Future research should focus on sustainability and consumer purchasing behavior while shedding light on the adverse effects of compulsive buying on individuals, society, and the environment.

Students' Level of Awareness on the Waste Contribution of the Fast Fashion with Their Clothing Consumption Behavior

The accessibility and convenience of purchasing fashion items have increased due to continuous manufacturing and high demand. The fast fashion industry has capitalized on the latest trends by offering cheap, affordable, yet disposable items, contributing to global pollution through solid waste and wastewater. This study aims to assess (a) students' level of awareness regarding the waste contribution of the fast fashion industry, (b) their clothing consumption behavior concerning purchases and utilization, (c) their waste disposal practices, and (d) the relationship between clothing consumption behavior and their level of awareness. The study employs systematic random sampling to determine an appropriate sample size from the student population, resulting in 104 student respondents for the adapted survey. Goodman and Kruskal's Gamma analysis assesses the association between clothing consumption and awareness. The results indicate that the students know about the industry's wastewater and solid waste contribution. However, the study also reveals a negligible to moderate relationship between clothing consumption, including the frequency of purchases and utilization, and their overall awareness. This suggests that despite being highly aware of the environmental issues associated with the fast fashion industry, students continue to support and purchase products from this sector.