Investigating consumer behaviour for environmental, sustainable and social apparel
International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology
ISSN: 0955-6222
Article publication date: 13 October 2020
Issue publication date: 29 April 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate consumers' perceptions of and consumer behaviour towards apparel labels and environmental, sustainable and social apparel.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative research was conducted, and empirical data were collected from 399 US consumers.
Findings
Findings indicate that consumers expressed positive sentiments towards apparel sustainability, yet they lacked knowledge about socially and environmental practices within the apparel industry. Overall, it is apparent that the respondents have an interest in environmental and social labelling; but they are not aware of brands that sell these types of garments nor their validity. It was also found that consumers may not have much knowledge regarding environmental, sustainable and social apparel or their meanings.
Originality/value
By surveying the consumers about their perspectives on apparel labels and environmental, sustainable and social apparel, valuable market information was obtained. Sustainably and ethically produced garments are of demand as transparency in the apparel industry grows. Brands looking to become more transparent about their production methods will need to find new ways to reach their target market by accurately labelling products and educating their consumers about these label claims.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful for valuable comments and suggestions from two anonymous reviewers and Professor George Stylios (the Editor). The authors would also like to thank Dr. Kittichai (Tu) Watchravesringkan and Dr. Trish Kemerly for their helpful comments on earlier drafts of this paper.Funding: The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.Declaration of conflicting interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Citation
Byrd, K. and Su, J. (2021), "Investigating consumer behaviour for environmental, sustainable and social apparel", International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, Vol. 33 No. 3, pp. 336-352. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCST-03-2020-0040
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited