Sustainable Fashion Industry Research Articles

The Impact of Authenticity and Credibility Factors on Consumer Behavior in the Sustainable Fashion Industry on Weibo--Taking Micro-Influencers and Mega-Influencers as Examples

This study investigates the comparative influence of micro-influencers against mega-influencers on consumer behavior within the sustainable clothing industry on Weibo, and tries to reveal how authenticity and credibility factors shape purchasing decisions. This study utilizes qualitative research through semi-structured interviews with 8 participants (influencers and consumers) to highlight the integral key functions of influencers authenticity and marketing strategies in the sustainable fashion sector. It is found that micro-influencers who are believed to be genuine and more trustworthy, affect consumer buying decisions more than macro-influencers who have a wide reach but may not be seen as genuine enough. The study emphasizes the significance of strategic relationships with influencers, highlighting the imperative process of aligning with influencers whose values resonate with the brand and the audience. Nonetheless, the research realizes the limitations, namely, the small sample size and focus on a specific social media platform and proposes other studies to consider a wide population and different social media platforms.

The Impression of Sustainable Fashion in Customers’ Mind

The research dives into customer perceptions of sustainable fashion and how it is impacting their decision to possibly make a purchase. With the currently evolving trends and increasing consciousness about our environment, people have started opting into more eco - friendly options in their daily life choices. Some of the options are clear but some need to be given more awareness to be implemented. Fashion has been something of that sort where people do not really look into much eco - friendly options and is ready for go for anything that gets them their “look” which delves into confidence and status that are some of the many things fashion provides them. The study has been an intersection of fashion and sustainability. The literature review shows the importance to eco - friendly materials embedded into fashion, technological innovations into the industry and a little about fair working conditions. The methodology involved a Likert Scale questionnaire consisting of 150 respondents who used different fashion brands. Results showed us a neutral overall sentiment level which signals an opportunity for marketers to explore better and create more awareness to drive customers into a purchase. Social media was a crucial response we received in terms of respondents agreeing how online media has helped them in creating more awareness about the sustainability in the fashion industry. This also gave a signal to marketers on more efficient communication strategies and how long term continuous improvements are necessary for a long term impact. They can get the most out of these findings to engage with the customers probably online and to shape an efficient sustainable fashion industry.

Perceptions and Attitudes of The Chinese Young Generation Towards Sustainable Practices in Traditional Fashion Design

This paper examines the awareness and attitudes of China's younger generation towards sustainable practices in traditional fashion design. Ehlers, S. (2016) The younger generation increasingly recognizes the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry and shows support for sustainable practices such as the use of eco-friendly materials and recycling. However, challenges like high costs and consumer inertia persist. Future efforts should focus on promoting sustainable fashion through education, collaboration, and policy initiatives to foster a more sustainable fashion industry.

The Relationship Between Environmentally Friendly Product Innovation, Sustainable Marketing Strategy, and Customer Satisfaction to Financial Performance in the Sustainable Fashion Industry in Indonesia

This research investigates the interplay between eco-friendly product innovation, sustainable marketing strategy, customer satisfaction, and financial performance in the sustainable fashion industry of Indonesia. A quantitative approach using structural equation modeling (SEM) with partial least squares (PLS) analysis was employed to analyze data collected from consumers and key stakeholders in the Indonesian fashion market. The findings reveal significant positive relationships between eco-friendly product innovation, sustainable marketing strategy, customer satisfaction, and financial performance. Specifically, eco-friendly product innovation and sustainable marketing strategy were found to positively influence customer satisfaction and financial performance, highlighting the importance of integrating sustainability principles into product development and marketing strategies. Additionally, customer satisfaction emerged as a critical driver of financial performance, underscoring the importance of delivering value and positive experiences to consumers in the sustainable fashion sector. These findings have important implications for fashion businesses, policymakers, and other stakeholders seeking to promote sustainability and economic growth in the Indonesian fashion industry.

Uncaptured Value in the Business Model: Analysing its Modes in Social Enterprises in the Sustainable Fashion Industry

Social enterprises (SEs) combine economic and social goals and are essential pillars to contribute to a better world. SEs often manage limited resources; wasting some could mean minimizing their social contributions. This study, supported by the theoretical lens of the business model (BM), analyses the modes of uncaptured value in SEs. This qualitative study examines micro and small SEs from the sustainable fashion industry based on ethnographic views and semi-structured interviews. This study contributes to the literature and the managerial field by examining the modes of uncaptured value and their consequences while organizing them in two groups according to the set of decisions and actions of the SEs; presenting a framework that represents stages of the development of SEs according to their relationship with modes of uncaptured value; and, providing a set of valuable knowledge to support the qualification of SEs in better structuring their BMs and practices. Understanding the modes of uncaptured value in the BMs of SEs leverages the value that could be delivered but is not, especially in a context of resource scarcity and social demands.

Research on the Business Operating and Development of Sustainable Fashion Industry

The fashion industry is undergoing transformation, relying on the development of new materials and the upgrading of manufacturing processes to explore new spaces in the sustainable field. This paper studied sustainable fashion and analyzed the current development status and potential of the sustainable fashion industry by taking some companies as case studies, which included the overall market, sales, price strategies, business model and manufacturers, aiming to explore the promoting role of price or business model on the circular economy of the garment industry. The research, summarizes five factors that influence most consumers to buy clothing, and also Revealing the strong connection between consumer purchasing power and demand. Besides, sustainable fashion is sometimes more concentrated in certain categories, and some clothing categories have higher sustainability requirements than other clothing products. Last but not least, the analysis of business models and designers as well as the manufacturers were included to better evidence the potential and current condition for sustainable fashion. Finally, the work signifies the future development trend of the sustainable fashion industry and some better commercialization paths from multiple perspectives.

ENGAGEMENT OF MICROINFLUENCERS IN THE FIELD OF SUSTAINABLE FASHION

The presented article deals with the issue of micro-influencers on social networks, focusing on micro-influencers in the field of sustainable fashion. In the theoretical part, we deal with social networks, influencer marketing, a closer definition of a micro-influencer and the sustainable fashion industry. With the help of a questionnaire survey, we are trying to find out their engagement in this sector from the point of view of users of social networks. We analyse the obtained data in more detail in several sections. In order to fulfil this goal of the work, we set several research questions, which we answer at the end of the work and compare them with other researches.

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.

Sustainable Fashion: A Study among Millennials

Abstract: This research was conducted based on the thorough study of various authors, specialists, and innovators’ articles, research, and speeches. It took into consideration all the conditions that take place in the work environment and how changes occur. We did a literature review that gives an in-depth knowledge of how sustainability is all set to be a big and needed change for the present and future. Research Implications - To build data validity and accessibility, the exploration proposes utilizing eco-marks that are needed to be normalized in the design business. Also, a feasible design ought to be made at a much reasonable cost rather than simply taking a gander at it at another market of benefits making. The questionnaire gave an insight into the way consumers perceive the sustainable fashion industry. There are a huge proportion of consumers who still are doubtful to make a switch or to accept the new conception of this fashion. There is still progressive news that there is a widespread acknowledgment of sustainable fashion among the majority of consumers. The way the new consumers are approached, included, and delivered the product and the information plays a vital role.

Consumers’ awareness and attitudes in circular fashion

Circular fashion is a new concept shift towards a more sustainable fashion industry. Consumers' awareness of the fashion industry's environmental and social damage is increasing, along with the transformation of their purchasing habits. Circular economy appears to be a solution to these issues. Nonetheless, users' awareness of the principles of circular economy might benefit their application in real life. This research studies the relationships between awareness and attitudes towards the principles of circular economy as well as the mediators, which are namely, benefits and enablers. The main purpose of this study is to test a hypothesised model through structural equation modeling with Partial Least Squares. The results show that the principles have a positive relationship to the attitudes, benefits, and enablers of circular economy. Additionally, the effect of gender on consumers' attitudes towards sustainable fashion is worth analysing since it seems to play a significant role.

Evaluating methods to achieve raw material transparency in fashion supply chains: A focus on cotton

The global cotton and fashion industries are complex, inherently opaque and environmentally and socially exploitative. This is because of a long history of colonial practices founded in the cotton industry and a current fashion industry that is dominated by bottom-line focused large brands. Fashion supply chain transparency is needed to address the myriad of issues plaguing the fashion industry. As a tool for reaching a fair, just and sustainable fashion industry, transparency is a necessary step in reaching an accountable supply chain from the raw material level all the way to the retailer. The goal of this study is to identify the most impactful methods for increasing transparency throughout the entire fashion supply chain. Through in-depth, qualitative interviews with industry experts, six key areas were identified as methods for increasing transparency to the raw material (tier 4 or 5 level) and reducing risk within the fashion supply chain. These include restructuring of the cotton commodity market, the need for technology, increasing brand investment, trust and honesty, the need for policy, reduction of cotton certification reliance and the intervention of cotton advocacy organizations. Additionally, this research also brings to light a lack of real progress towards large-scale change within the industry and found that there is a need for complete structural change to both the cotton commodity market and the fashion supply chain if the goal of reaching a fair, just and sustainable fashion industry is to be possible.

The role of different stakeholders in the transition to a sustainable fashion industry in Europe

Today’s fashion industry is among the most unsustainable industries on the planet, responsible for around 3–5 per cent of global carbon emissions. Theory and literature show that making this industry more sustainable is possible by implementing circular economy (CE) principles and new technological developments along the entire value chain, but in practice there is still considerable reluctance and ignorance about implementing more sustainable practices in fashion. This article studies the role of different stakeholders in fostering the transition to a more sustainable fashion industry in Europe. We do this by using a conceptual framework with four groups of actors, namely companies, consumers, public authorities and NGOs. A literature review is supplemented with qualitative case studies of five Belgian companies active in the fashion industry and two public circular platforms. The study first reveals a clear lack of knowledge and information about circularity, both among companies and consumers. Knowledge dissemination should be considered a first important instrument for change. NGOs and public authorities can play an important role in creating social awareness and drawing attention to the issue. Furthermore, public authorities should create the necessary financial, economic and legal framework to stimulate sustainable business models and accelerate change in consumption patterns. The cases we have studied use one or a combination of sustainable practices, ranging from more sustainable design and material choices up to reuse and repair options, but they are still searching for an economically viable model in the longer term. Our study also shows that the realization of circular business models and its success largely depends on the interaction between the different stakeholders. The new EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles is a first promising step in this direction. The next crucial challenge will be to put this EU strategy successfully into practice. The transition to a sustainable fashion industry will require both substantial investments and conviction from all stakeholders, but this will pay off in the long run.

Environmental Aims and Resource Allocation Strategy for a More Sustainable Fashion Industry

Environmental Aims and Resource Allocation Strategy for a More Sustainable Fashion Industry

Tension and Paradox in Women-Oriented Sustainable Hybrid Organizations: A Duality of Ethics

AbstractThe pursuit of social goals and ethics in business creates challenges. Sustained efforts to address poverty, environmental degradation or health/wellbeing require meaningful and transformative responses that impact across multiple levels—individual, community and the global collective. Shifting predominant paradigms to facilitate change entails a renegotiation of business strategy—between organizations, their purpose(s), individual and collective stakeholders and ultimately with society at large. Hybrid organizations such as social enterprises are positioned to affect such change. However, in balancing divergent goals such organizations encounter tensions and paradox, creating a duality of ethics. Utilizing in-depth interviews to develop a case within the sustainable fashion industry, we identify tensions and paradox within women-oriented hybrid organizations. Significantly, managing these tensions and paradox results in multiple dualities of ethics, often with a wider impact on organizational founders/managers. We find three interrelated ethical dualities: business strategy and personal values; financial sustainability and holistic sustainability; and business, employee, societal wellbeing, and personal wellbeing. This insight is noteworthy when looked at within the broader context of sustainability and highlights the importance of sustainability in women-oriented hybrid organizations.

컬렉션에 나타난 가변적 패션디자인의 지속가능한 표현방법 분석

This study aims to identify a design approach for the sustainable fashion industry by identifying the expression method and characteristics of variable design in fashion collections. The research method consisted of a case study and associated literature review. The results of this study are as follows. Transformable fashion was divided into five types: expandable fashion, folding fashion, detachable fashion, multifunctional fashion, and modular fashion. Expandable fashion is a design method whereby the whole garment, or part thereof, can be stretched or folded enabling a design that is customizable according to the user’s tastes and extending the lifespan of fashion through emotional durability. Folding fashion can also increase emotional durability but, in this case, through handicrafts, and extends the lifespan of fashion through its flexibility that allows considerable adaptability to changes in the user’s body shape. Detachable fashion is easily maintained and repaired while allowing the user to adapt the style of the garment, thus extending the lifespan of the product and increasing the reduction of CO2 emissions through the saving in resources. Multifunctional fashion is a slow-fashion design method that reduces environmental impact through the saving of resources as one item of clothing can be used in various ways according to the user’s environment and purpose. The purpose of modular fashion is to allow the user to form a variety of structures and uses through the combination and matching of each detachable module.

Sustainability motives, values and communication of slow fashion business owners

AbstractResearch on sustainable consumption is increasing however, it mostly focuses on commercial products. Fashion industry in general remains understudied especially small size business in sustainable fashion. Even this segment continues to be neglected in research, it creates a significant impact on sustainability. The study is carried in Lithuania. While sustainability is regarded as the business standard in neighboring countries, especially Scandinavia, Lithuania is still learning how to become more conscious and sustainable. Although the country has the capacity to lead sustainability in the region, there is inadequate education on this matter. Regardless, several local businesses and governments agree that incorporating sustainability is a single clear route to economic growth. The paper aims to understand motives and values of Lithuanian sustainable clothing business owners and explore how they communicate these motives and values. The study employs a qualitative approach of in‐depth semi‐structured interviews. The analysis is guided by the framework of grounded theory, which leads to the conception of four themes: (1) Initiating a Change; (2) Respectful and Responsible Approach; (3) Slowness; (4) Personal and Purposeful Communication. A possible limitation of this study is the language barrier. Participants could choose whether they wished to speak in English or Lithuanian. Three out of seven chose to speak their native language, while four agreed to speak in English. Although English‐speaking participants did not show any difficulty expressing themselves, their interviews turned out to be shorter than those conducted in Lithuanian. Findings indicate that the motives, values, and communication procedures of the owners are reflected in bringing about a change in consumers' minds and actions, taking responsibility to show respect to stakeholders and the environment, slowing down in every step from design to shipping, and building a conscious and educated community. The paper has defined relevant terms and put forward the ground values of the sustainable fashion industry by giving a voice to sustainable clothing business owners, their experiences, and insights.

A Sustainable Fashion Industry Business Model Revolution Based on the Metaverse: Practices and Reciprocal Processes

The technological breakthrough of the metaverse makes it accessible as an online social environment where customers can socialize and reside in the form of avatars, as well as able to possess virtual property in the same manner they own physical property. The incorporation of the fashion industry into the metaverse can contribute to the development of its sustainability by revolutionizing the design, production, and communication stages of the supply chain, enabling circular economy business models, and minimizing environmental damage while satisfying customer needs. Through a review of relevant theoretical literature and an analysis of practices, this paper intends to illustrate a mechanism, describe how digital fashion based on the metaverse benefits industry sustainability, consumers, and the environment, and serve as a reference for practitioners seeking to advance their business strategies.

Materials biography as a tool for designers’ exploration of bio-based and bio-fabricated materials for the sustainable fashion industry

The fashion industry is highly responsible for critical environmental problems and the sector is increasingly aware of the urgent need to embark on a sustainable transition. Materials, primarily textiles, are particularly problematic for the sector’s unsustainability, despite the intensive research into alternative solutions that is currently underway. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of these socio-environmental challenges and describes how governments, industry, and designers are seeking to address the situation. Furthermore, it identifies a panorama of alternative bio-based and bio-fabricated materials that could facilitate the transition toward more sustainable fashion. We present a selection of 24 case studies of newly developed bio-based and bio-fabricated materials and group them by their origin. Analysis of the cases led to the delineation of five “materials biography categories” to help understand the prominent narratives and to communicate their characteristics and fundamental attributes. This taxonomy also serves to support concepts for a circular economy by helping to build a sort of “material passport” or “product biography,” two concepts underpinning the outcome of this study, and emphasizes the need for tools to further the communication and traceability of these emergent materials. We propose “materials biography,” an overarching idea that catalogues essential dimensions and offer it to designers, companies, and final users to enhance their perception and awareness of such novel materials.

Regulation of the fashion supply chains and the sustainability–growth balance

PurposeThe sustainability of global production chains is at the centre of discussion in the past few years. One of the most polluting sectors is the fashion industry. Fashion brands often decline responsibility, and continue misleading or exaggerated communication. This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of regulation in the fashion industry and show practices of fashion firms.Design/methodology/approachBased on documentary analysis and literature review, the article describes current civil, supranational and governmental policies aiming to enhance the three dimensions of sustainability. Connecting these to the high-growth firm theory, the authors present a case study of a rising Hungarian fashion star based on press, sustainability and balance-sheet report analysis and personal interviews.FindingsThe article highlights some problematic areas of sustainability and greenwashing and describes the different levels and targeted areas of regulation. From the entrepreneurial perspective, the difficult balancing among growth and sustainability is analyzed and illustrated by the detailed case study. The authors provide regulatory suggestions (including the creation of a supranational monitoring agency).Practical implicationsEven if the authors doubt that global fashion chains can be sustainable, they offer both managerial and policy suggestions to reach the highest level of sustainability.Social implicationsThe suggested measures can contribute to the more sustainable practices and fraud reduction in the fashion industry.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, the economic-regulatory approach used in this study to sustainable fashion industry is new, such as the presentation of the practices of a high-growth firm with a sustainable image.

Analysis of the sustainability aspects of fashion: A literature review

Today, the fashion industry faces challenges related to the sustainability problem due to its richness, heterogeneity, and globality. Taking into account the complexity of the fashion industry, this review of the literature analyzes the sustainability of fashion, beginning with the development of fibers and ending with the use of worn garments and considers the environmental, economic, and social sustainability aspects that must be evaluated throughout the life cycle of the product. The results of the literature review have shown that the integration of complex decisions into the business models of both manufacturing and marketing companies must be implemented to develop the sustainable fashion industry from a long-term perspective.