Second-hand Clothing Research Articles

From Preloved to Reloved: How Second-Hand Clothing Companies Facilitate the Transaction of Used Garments

From Preloved to Reloved: How Second-Hand Clothing Companies Facilitate the Transaction of Used Garments

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.

Moving with rags: India’s second-hand clothes recycling trade

ABSTRACT Global North's Second-hand Clothing (SHC) is disposed to third world nations, giving birth to massive import-based informal markets. In India, these SHCs are illegally imported and often cater to only an urban middle-class customer base. What caters to India’s poor customers is the informal SHC trade called Chindhi 1 trade (chindhi in Hindi means rags), practiced by a nomadic community named Waghri. 2 Chindhiwallis, 3 as they call themselves, practice an itinerant trade of exchanging old clothes for new utensils from urban Indian households to further sell to their rural/urban poor customers, thus operating a traditional and unique SHC recycling industry. This paper presents the informal work conditions of the Waghris, echoing the concerns of India’s informal street vendors. Challenging working conditions, low-income earnings, informal markets, and limited access to wider trade opportunities marginalises the community. The author argues that what perpetuates it further is the stigma associated with their social identity as ‘Denotified’ and formerly criminalised nomadic community in the colonial era. While these communities are recognised in independent India, their traditional livelihoods and community-based trade networks have remained largely undocumented. This paper attempts to draw attention to one such community-based trade practice.

Determining Factors in the Purchase Intention of Sustainable Clothing: An Empirical Study in the Brazilian Fashion Industry

Sustainability is a widely discussed factor in the industry. The fashion industry is one of the most concerned industries due to its impact on environmental degradation. Although there are many sustainable production patterns, there is a need to understand consumer behavior as the main ally for more sustainable consumption. In the fashion industry, sustainable consumption can be represented by purchasing second-hand clothes. However, many people have a negative attitude towards second-hand clothes. Therefore, this study aims to determine the main barriers to buying second-hand clothes. The research is explanatory and uses a quantitative approach through structural equations, analysing the perceptions of 196 individuals. The main results indicate that the main barriers were prejudice against second-hand clothes and socio-environmental awareness. The intention to buy second-hand clothes was explained by 49.7%. The study concludes that, despite the challenges, there is significant potential to increase sustainable fashion consumption through greater education and promotion of the environmental and exclusivity benefits of wearing second-hand clothes.

From a disposable to a sustainable fashion industry: A review of the shameful trade flows of used textiles and the need to address fast fashion

While waste production can contribute to a variety of environmental issues, including greenhouse gas emissions, the production of waste from fast fashion is no exception. Spanning across various sectors such as agriculture, petrochemical production, manufacturing, logistics, and retail, the clothing and textiles industry is considered one of the most polluting industries globally (Bailey et al., 2022). It is responsible for approximately 8 to 10 per cent of total carbon emissions and 20 per cent of global wastewater. In 2021, Chile, for instance, emerged as the fourth-largest importer of used textiles, and the first in Latin America. Currently, imports have surpassed 126,000 million tons per year, with China, the United States, and the Republic of Korea accounting for the majority of imports (Pérez et al., 2022). Drawing on a systematic literature review, the paper aims to shed light on the adverse environmental impacts of fast fashion as a new business approach. By doing so, the paper stresses the need for immediate legal action to halt the current practices of dumping low-quality second-hand clothing in regions of the Global South that lack the infrastructure to effectively handle such hazardous materials. On the whole, the paper concludes that textile waste, similar to plastic waste, is clearly hazardous and, unfortunately, rather obscurely regulated.

Environment as a Determinant Factor for Speech Style and Recognition: A Case of Swahili Language in Tanzania

This study offers a fresh look at the impact of the environment in influencing speech styles, focusing on Swahili as a case study language. This study navigates beyond the usual concerns of speakers, topics, ages, and genders to explore how the environment we surround ourselves can impact our language habits in terms of how and what linguistic expressions we produce. The study is carried out using observation as a method of data collection in the city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and includes a variety of settings such as restaurants, daladalas (public minivans), and mitumba marketplaces (second-hand clothing shops). The collected data was analyzed using the speech acts theory as a guiding framework to determine the various ways in which the environment influences speech. This paper serves high significance in the field by casting on the influence a social environment can have on our speech habits. By suggesting that environment can be a determinant of different speech styles and habits, the study opens up new dimensions to our knowledge of different dynamics that chiefly influence language use.

The Dynamics of Thrifting Clothing Import Based on Customs Law and Sadd Al-Dzariah in Malang

Used imported clothing which is now widespread in Malang apparently does not meet the requirements of the Health Service for sale and purchase. Meanwhile, the aim of this is to ensure the safety and health of consumers so that their physical health is maintained, not only for consumers of imported second-hand clothing but also clothing sellers. This research is empirical juridical with a sociological juridical approach. The data collection method is by conducting interviews and documentation. Then carry out a qualitative descriptive data analysis method to get answers to the problems raised. The aim of the research is to find out the implementation of supervision regarding the prohibition on importing used clothing in Malang, what are the obstacles in carrying out supervision and knowing the implementation of importing used clothing in terms of Islamic Law. First formulation, how to monitor the ban on imports of used clothing in Malang by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. Second, what are the obstacles in carrying out supervision and how the ban on importing second-hand clothing is implemented from Sadd Dzari'ah's perspective. The results of the research show that with the widespread sale of imported used clothing in Malang, it turns out that there is no action from the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, East Java Region II office in Malang in the form of supervision and the need for coordination between institutions so that this form of supervision and action can be achieved and realized.

Juridical Analysis of Responsibility of Importers of Used Goods Prohibited from Importing to Buyers of Used Goods

The rise in buying and selling of imported second-hand clothing is caused by the government's lack of firmness in imposing sanctions on businesses importing second-hand goods. The purpose of this research is to determine the responsibility of importers which must be followed up by the government and not harm consumers in a normative legal manner. The government should follow up on import activities of used goods which are prohibited according to law by imposing sanctions on importers, including sanctions that apply in Law No. 8 of 1999 and Law No. 7 of 2014.

Exploring factors influencing consumer preference for secondhand clothing over traditionally produced textiles goods in the Tamale metropolis in Ghana

Exploring factors influencing consumer preference for secondhand clothing over traditionally produced textiles goods in the Tamale metropolis in Ghana

Unique and Cheap or Damaged and Dirty? Young Women’s Attitudes and Image Perceptions about Purchasing Secondhand Clothing

There is increasing pressure on young consumers to practice sustainable consumption. With young women being key agents in fashion consumption, switching their purchasing to secondhand clothing over new is instrumental to reducing textile waste. This study applied the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Prototype Willingness Model to identify key drivers informing young women’s secondhand clothing purchasing decisions. Young Australian women (N = 48) completed qualitative surveys assessing their underlying attitudinal, normative, and control beliefs and perceived images of typical secondhand clothing shoppers. Thematic analysis indicated the main benefits of secondhand clothing purchasing to be the environmental impact and cost savings, with drawbacks being quality issues, reduced shopping experience, and greater effort required. Clothing diversity was both positive (‘unique finds’) and had a downside (limited sizes). Approvers of secondhand purchasing were mainly friends and family, with older relatives being less supportive. Key barriers were increased prices for quality items and the time required to locate them. Images of typical secondhand clothes shoppers were generally positive (‘cool’, ‘thrifty’, ‘unique’, ‘eco-friendly’), while ‘materialistic’, ‘upper-class’, and ‘ignorant’ but also ‘trendy’ indicated mixed perceptions about those who did not. Crucial in our findings was clarifying the intersections and contextual context of participants’ responses. Identifying the nuances in the underlying beliefs driving young women’s fashion choices assists in theory-informed strategies to encourage sustainable consumption of clothing.

Penegakan Hukum Terhadap Larangan Bisnis Pakaian Bekas Impor (Studi Kasus Di Dinas Perdagangan Kab. Lombok Timur)

This research was motivated by the widespread discovery of sales of imported used clothing in East Lombok, especially in the Masbagik area. The focus of this research refers to the problem formulation, namely the provisions of the regulations prohibiting the imported second-hand clothing business according to the law and how the District Trade Department's efforts. East Lombok in enforcing the law against the imported second-hand clothing business which aims to minimize irregularities in imported second-hand goods. The research method used in this research is Normative-Empirical research. Data collection techniques use interview techniques and literature study. The approach methods used are the conceptual approach, case approach and statutory approach. So the results of this research show that the provisions of the rules prohibiting the imported second-hand clothing business are contained in the Minister of Trade Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 51/M-DAG/PER/7/2015 concerning imported second-hand clothing being prohibited from being imported into Indonesian territory and efforts to enforce the law are being carried out. by the Trade Service is only limited to controlling locations and communicating with the provincial government to carry out control at the import level.

Influence of virtual social capital on sustainable clothing consumption pattern: a study on young people in Ho Chi Minh City

It is undeniable that fast fashion is a deleterious phenomenon changing the fashion industry for the worst. This study has been carried out to achieve the sustainable development of the clothing industry, thereby providing a visible and meaningful contribution to the achievement of SDG 12 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The study clarified the definition and manifestation of a sustainable clothing consumption model that integrates four types of clothing consumption behavior: swapping, the sale of upgraded second-hand clothing, renting, consulting, and matching old clothing. According to an analysis of the data (N=398), virtual social capital and peer influence have a considerably positive effect on BISCCP. Virtual social capital also has a positive impact on peer influence. However, the relationship between virtual social capital as well as BISCCP was negatively affected by both face consciousness and consumer innovativeness. The findings had consequences for comprehending and enhancing consumers' behavioral intentions regarding purchasing sustainable clothes. Thus, it is essential for ecological sustainability and other associated government agencies to establish a parsimonious society, incentivizing the reuse of second-hand clothing to increase people's passion for environmental protection consumption. Not only does the study enhance consumer acceptance of SCCP, but it can also be especially useful to circular economy policymakers in emerging markets.

Towards Sustainable Consumption: Consumer Behavior and Market Segmentation in the Second-Hand Clothing Industry

Towards Sustainable Consumption: Consumer Behavior and Market Segmentation in the Second-Hand Clothing Industry

The Role of Influencers in Online Second-Hand Clothing Shopping: The Case of Dolap Application in Türkiye

The main purpose of this study was to explore the effects of influencers on consumers in the Dolap application in Türkiye, an online second-hand clothing shopping platform. In this context, a semi-structured interview form was used with 20 people who use the Dolap application. Interviews were conducted face-to-face and over the phone. It has been revealed that the influence of influencers on the purchase of second-hand clothing by consumers using the application is low, but the brands used by the influencer when making a purchase decision can affect the purchase decision. The most important basic criterion for purchasing clothing is economic benefit. The most common problem is payments. Buyers are happy to buy cheaper products in the market and sellers are happy to earn income and profit. In this study, the shipping process and the mismatch between the product's image and the product itself emerged as the main sources of concern. According to the results, influencers can have an impact on consumers in terms of purchasing branded products at affordable prices, following fashion, and partially creating environmental awareness. It can be stated that the second-hand clothing market, even in the online environment, paves the way for consumers to develop a purchasing behaviour pattern specific to their own identities and lifestyles, is preferred for reasons such as obtaining economic value (financial savings) due to the opportunity to find quality and branded products at a more affordable price, providing functional benefits arising from the use of the product.

Second-hand clothing trade: achieving circular economy in the fashion sector through international cooperation

This paper explores the global dynamics of second-hand clothing (SHC) in light of the circular economy to identify gaps and suggest pathways to reduce negative impacts on the sector. The analysis identifies current global patterns of SHC international trade and the main hotspots, in order to build a framework for action. The framework incorporates the main stakeholders and a set of actions aimed at reducing the environmental and social issues associated with the international trade of SHC. The analysis suggests that the framework may reduce risks and facilitate the transition to a just circular economy in the SHC sector.

Are Australian Consumers Ready to Wear Recycled Clothing to Practice Sustainable Consumption?

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the extant literature to explore if Australian consumers are ready to reuse clothing as a pathway to sustainability. In this study, sustainability aspects such as collaborative consumption, apparel disposal methods, acquisition of used clothing, consumer concerns and attitudes towards reuse, and sellers’ readiness to offer sustainable solutions to clothing consumption have been explored in the context of the Australian market. The most important research contribution of this paper is the answer to whether Australia is ready to adopt the reuse of clothing through remaking and repurposing as a sustainable approach for the consumption of clothing at its end-of-life (EOL). Facilitators and challenges for the secondhand clothing sector have also been discussed. The findings highlight challenges including consumer awareness, an unwillingness to use secondhand clothing, limited recycling facilities, the availability of brand-new cheaper clothing, and the limited range of secondhand clothing. The facilitators include government policies towards recycling, fashion brands’ initiatives, and high-quality rejected clothing with the potential for reuse. It has been established that creating consumer awareness of secondhand clothing is essential to penetrate the market. Furthermore, there are ample opportunities to research consumers and the clothing reuse and recycling sector in Australia.

The effect of message framing on young adult consumers’ sustainable fashion consumption: The role of anticipated emotions and perceived ethicality

The debate about which communication strategies are most effective for inducing consumers to behave sustainably remains open, despite growing attention on more sustainable forms of fashion consumption. To further this understanding, we investigate the effectiveness of positive and negative message framing in promoting sustainable fashion consumption, where the beneficial versus detrimental environmental consequences of choosing second-hand clothing were highlighted. Across two experiments, positively framed messages were more effective than negatively framed ones in prompting consumers to engage in sustainable fashion consumption. Elevation was the anticipated emotion responsible for this effect, while consumers’ subjective beliefs about the ethicality of advertising messages promoting sustainable consumption served as a moderator. We discuss the theoretical and managerial implications of this research together with its limitations and directions for future research.

Pengaruh Social Factor dan Attitude terhadap Purchase Intention Pakaian Bekas Import

This research aims to determine: (1) The influence of social factors on the purchase intention of imported second-hand clothing (Case study of Generation Z in Kolaka Regency) and (2) The influence of Attitude on Purchase Intention of Imported used clothing (Case study of Generation Z in Kolaka Regency). This research is quantitative research with an explanatory research model using a questionnaire as the instrument. The population in this study were all consumers of imported used clothing with a sample size of 75 respondents using observation, documentation and questionnaire techniques. Data collection techniques are primary data and secondary data. Research instrument testing uses validity and reliability tests with SPSS 25. Research data analysis techniques use the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM-PLS) method with SmartPLS 3.0. Based on the research results, it is known that social factors have a positive and significant effect on purchase intention. This is proven by the t-count or t-statistic which is 2.519 which is higher than the t-table value > 1.666. With P-values ​​0.006. Meanwhile, attitude also has a positive and significant effect on purchase intention because the t-count or t-statistic value of 6.371 is higher than the t-table value of >1.666 with P-values ​​of 0.000. So social factors and attitude have a positive and significant effect on purchase intention by 82.3%.

ANALISIS KOMPARATIF FASHION LIFESTYLE, SELF IMAGE DAN IMPULSE BUYING PAKAIAN THRIFTING PADA PASAR PAGI TUGU PAHLAWAN DAN PASAR GEMBONG SURABAYA

The thrifting trend, namely hunting for used clothes, is currently increasing in several big cities such as the city of Surabaya. Based on preliminary research conducted by researchers in two locations, namely Tugu Palawan Pagi Market and Surabaya Gembong Market. Consumer buying interest in both regions shows that consumers are very enthusiastic about buying used clothes, but second-hand clothing sellers still do not know the factors that encourage consumers to buy used clothes so that impulse buying occurs. This research uses a quantitative research method approach. Quantitative research method is one type of research that is systematic, planned and clearly structured from the beginning to the making of the research design. The quantitative research method in this study uses comparative research. In this study, the author will try to compare several variables that are the focus of observation, namely the variables of fashion lifestyle, self image and impulse buying. Based on the results of comparative analysis using the Independent T test on the variables Fashion Lifestyle, Self Image and Impulse Buying shows that H0 is accepted and Ha is rejected, meaning that there is no significant difference in Fashion Lifestyle, Self Image and Impulse Buying in thrifting consumers Tugu Pahlawan Morning Market and Surabaya Gembong Market. For thrifting clothing business owners in Pasar Pagi Tugu Pahlawan and those in Pasar Gembong Surabaya, thrifting clothing business owners are expected to reduce imports of used clothes because this is based on the issuance of the Minister of Trade Regulation Number 40 of 2022, so that business owners are expected to sell new items that have benefit value and prestige value

An analysis of sustainable fashion design brands in Ukraine: Reduce, reuse, recycle methods

Fifty-seven Ukrainian fashion brands are analysed in this article. All these brands are related to the manufacture of clothing and accessories, and the main part of the production of which is concentrated on the territory of Ukraine. For the analysis, brands are selected considering a hierarchy of waste management, including reduction to avoid waste, reuse of materials and methods to regenerate value, such as upcycling or recycling. Brands are systematized according to: production method (producing from new materials, decoration and customization of existing fashion items, upcycle, recycle), assortment (clothing, accessories, footwear), groups of materials (remnants of new materials, vintage fabrics, outlet and second-hand clothes, materials and components that were in use, secondary materials) and target audience (male, female, unisex). Common sustainable ways of manufacturing fashion products in Ukraine are upcycling, reducing and avoiding waste, decorating, customizing and recycling. There is a powerful raw material base for the production of clothes from secondary raw materials, and there are also textile recycling enterprises in Ukraine. But none of the analysed Ukrainian brands use the products of these enterprises in their production; instead, they use recycled materials purchased abroad. Due to insufficient technological support for the production of new textile materials from recycled raw materials, Ukrainian designers have a request for textiles made from recycled materials. Among the groups of materials by origin, second-hand and outlet clothes are in first place, and textile remnants from manufacturers are in second place. Among the analysed products of the brands, no children’s clothing was found, and almost no underwear and shoes were found. This research can be the basis for finding new niches in the production of sustainable fashion products; for finding new communication channels between stakeholders, such as designers, manufacturers of materials and clothing, consumers, scientists; for finding new ways of selling products and buying raw materials and for further research into technologies for the production of new raw materials from recycled materials.