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This paper aims to explore the attitude-behaviour gap consumers experience when transitioning from buying fast fashion to embracing sustainable fashion consumption. Despite being driven to make sustainable fashion purchases, consumers are confronted with certain retail barriers that impede them from making the shift.

This study draws from the theory of planned behaviour and the behavioural-reasoning theory approaches to theoretically develop and assess five key fashion consumption barriers that moderate the relationship between sustainable fashion consumption motivations and actual behaviour. These are the steep price of sustainable fashion, low visibility, restricted availability, limited cognisance of the deleterious consequences of fast fashion and low trust in sustainability claims. Under heightened levels of moderators, the relationship between motivation and behaviour was predicted to be weaker. The author's data sample of 376 consumers validated the hypotheses.

This article contributes to the field of sustainable fashion retail consumption in three ways: (1) it reveals that the expensive cost of sustainable fashion is not an obstacle to its adoption, and consumers are willing to pay more but struggle to access the styles they prefer; (2) it unveils that, in contrast to recent scholarship, the lack of knowledge of the adverse environmental effects of fast fashion is still a barrier to transitioning to sustainability and (3) it implies that consumers are less motivated to lower their consumption of clothing when they feel dubious about fashion companies' sustainability claims.

The findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge on green consumption by shedding light on the complex dynamics between moderating factors and the transition from intention to behaviour in sustainable fashion consumption.

Extending the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this paper aims to measure the relative importance of different barriers to sustainable fashion consumption (SFC).

Existing studies have mainly adopted a qualitative methodology for identifying barriers to uptake of SFC, this study uses six of the main identified barriers: environmental apparel knowledge, perceived value, price sensitivity, product attributes and variety, availability and scepticism into the TPB framework to test and reveal which barriers have the greater impact on the TPB cognitions and consequently on building intention towards SFC. To test this model a survey study among 669 consumers from Europe, Asian and North America was conducted, structural equation modelling is used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings confirm the role of TPB cognitions on predicting intention and show that the proposed barriers provide a satisfactory explanation of the TPB model. Furthermore, results show that product attributes and variety and environmental apparel knowledge have the greatest impact on the TPB cognitions and on building intention towards SFC. Differences were found between the impacts of the price for the three continents.

This research contributes to the emerging sustainable fashion literature by examining the impact of different barriers to SFC in an extended TPB framework. To the best of our knowledge price sensitivity, availability and scepticism have never been studied in the context of sustainable fashion. It also provides a multifactor group analysis which uncovers differences among consumers from different continents.

Sustainable fashion encompasses principles of ethical production, fair trade, and the use of organic materials. This study explores the antecedents influencing behavioural intentions to purchase sustainable fashion among Brazilian fashion consumers, utilising the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as a framework and examining the role of Eco-shame.

A survey involving 378 respondents was conducted, and structural equation modelling was applied to analyse the data.

The study revealed that Perceived Behavioural Control, Attitude, and Eco-shame significantly influenced Behavioural Purchase Intention toward sustainable fashion products. In contrast to prior research, Subjective Norms did not demonstrate a substantial influence on Behavioural Purchase Intentions.

Enhancing the generalizability of findings necessitates expanding the sample size and employing a probability sampling method for future research endeavours.

In the realm of sustainable fashion consumption, it is imperative to understand consumer behaviour shifts, particularly amid the prevalence of fast fashion. This research aims to bridge this knowledge gap and underscore consumers’ motivations for selecting sustainable fashion products.

This study makes a theoretical contribution by introducing Eco-shame as an extension of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to evaluate Behavioural Purchase Intentions toward Sustainable Fashion Products, an innovation that has been absent from prior literature.

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of Covid-19 on sustainable fashion consumption behavior by proposing a conceptual framework combining consumer-specific factors and product-specific factors with a special emphasis on consumer value perceptions.

Theory of consumption value was integrated into the knowledge, attitude behavior model in the conceptual framework having consumer-specific and product-specific aspects. Perceived value (PERVAL) scale was used to measure value perceptions. The model was verified by a survey conducted among a random sample of 520 participants. The factors were extracted by using exploratory factor analysis and then confirmed by using confirmatory factor analysis. The hypotheses in the conceptual model were tested for different consumer groups, and the strength of the relationships was calculated by using multigroup analysis in structural equation modeling.

It was observed the environmental concern raised the need for getting knowledge about the environment. The impact of environmental knowledge on the value perception of sustainable fashion products varied for the consumers affected by Covid-19 at different levels. Quality perception and price perception were influenced most by environmental knowledge in that order for the consumers with “high fear and uncertainty” and “low fear and uncertainty”. Similarly, the perceived emotional and social values were influential on purchase intention for consumers with high fear and uncertainty, whereas price and social value perceptions were influential for the consumers with low fear and uncertainty.

This study is the initial study that investigated the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the consumption of sustainable fashion products. The integration of theory of consumption value into the knowledge, attitude behavior model allowed identifying the relationship between environmental issues and sustainable fashion consumption. Using the PERVAL scale for measuring perceived value, the study provided valuable insights for understanding the most important value dimensions for sustainable fashion products for consumer groups affected by Covid-19 at different levels. The results regarding the changes in the rankings related to the impact of environmental knowledge on dimensions of perceived value and the impact of perceived values on purchase intention enabled the integrated model to explain the attitude–behavior gap.

The purpose of this study is to examine relationship between numerous factors (fashion orientation, conspicuous consumption and environmental consciousness) that influence fast fashion (FF) purchase intention and their impact on FF purchase behavior and exploring the moderating effect of sustainable clothing consumption attitude.

This study uses quantitative analysis approach, wherein data have been collected from 571 college students by using non-probability snowball sampling. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) has been applied to analyze the relationships among variables.

Determinants fashion orientation and conspicuous consumption have substantial impact on the desire to buy FF, which has strong association with FF purchasing behavior. Environmental awareness, contrarily, has detrimental impact on FF purchasing intentions. Furthermore, sustainable clothing consumption attitude significantly moderates FF intention–behavior relationship.

Findings may be viewed as a driving course in textile and garment sector for entrepreneurs as they represent customers’ intents and behavior in connection to the adoption of FF. Strategists can understand the product’s lifecycle; marketers can define innovative ways of marketing, advertising and promotion; start-ups can look for opportunities in sustainable fashion industry by innovating, manufacturing and dealing in eco-friendly sustainable products; and policymakers can make suitable policies to create awareness regarding sustainable fashion.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no study that comprehensively deals with defining, structuring and validating factors affecting purchase intention and behavior in case of fashion industry, accompanied by the role of sustainable consumption attitude as a moderator between FF intention and behavior, in a single model.

This study proposes and empirically tests the hypothesis that most consumers differ significantly in how accurately they express knowledge about what experts define as indicators of fashion sustainability behavior.

Sustainability discipline scholars (i.e., experts) provide the following two examples of accurate sustainability knowledge: (1) Sustainable-fashion manufacturers ensure safe working conditions for their employees; (2) fibers such as wool can be commercially recycled. In the current study, 85% of participants in separate samples of Chinese (n = 244) and Korean (n = 214) adults provide incorrect answers to the two statements, contradicting experts' beliefs. The study here develops and tests a general, asymmetric predictive, case-based theory of simple and complex antecedent conditions and outcomes for consumers with correct or incorrect knowledge of fashion sustainability behavior for fashion products.

According to the study consumers who have a high level of knowledge about sustainable fashion consistently have high purchase intentions for these products. On the contrary, consumers with insuffient knowledge of sustainable-fashion have low purchase intentions.

The analysis emphasizes the importance of government policy in encouraging important-term consumer behavior. Government policy has a direct and indirect impact on sustainable consumer behavior.

This study's practical contribution is that it amphasizes the important role of government policy in encouraging sustainable consumer behavior (Perez-Castillo and Vera-Martinez, 2021). Government policy both directly and indirectly influences sustainable consumer behavior. Understanding consumers' consumption behavior as influenced by knowledge of sustainable development allows policymakers to develop more targeted policy measures, thereby promoting the achievement of sustainable development goals. For example, incorporating sustainable issues into the school curriculum can encourage students to practice sustainable behavior when purchasing, using, or disposing of products. People may require encouragement to understand why sustainable development is necessary, how to facilitate it, what the expected effects are and how it will affect their lives.

Knowledge of sustainable development, as well as consumer behavior research, can help improve consumer environmental awareness and understanding of sustainable development, guiding them towards greener and more environmentally friendly consumption habits. Understanding consumers' reactions to knowledge of sustainable development and subsequent changes in their consumption behavior guides businesses to engage in green product design, green production and green marketing, thus improving their competitiveness and market share (Rynarzewska et al., 2023). Some countries around the world are working hard to meet their sustainable development goals. By comparing consumer consumption behavior in different countries under the influence of knowledge on sustainable development consumer can share experiences and practices, strengthen international cooperation and communication and promote the global sustainable development process collaboratively.

The current study contributes by looking into the validity of the claim that consumers who have accurate sustainable fashion knowledge are more likely to purchase brands with high sustainability characteristics.

This study segmented consumers by combining emotional and shopping characteristics to develop typologies that classify their consumption patterns and disposal behaviors.

To identify segments of fashion consumers, an online questionnaire was administered measuring emotional and shopping characteristics, including perspective taking, empathic concern, personal distress, hedonism, and frugality. An online questionnaire involving 168 US-based participants were used to accomplish the purpose of the study. A cluster analysis was conducted to identify segments of participants based on these variables. Consumption patterns and disposal behavior, including motivation to buy environmentally friendly items, consciousness for sustainable consumption, buying impulsiveness, likelihood to follow fashion trends, and tendencies to dispose of or repair damaged or unwanted items were also measured via the questionnaire as dependent variables to be predicted by identified segments.

Three clusters of consumers were identified as: Distressed and Self-Oriented, Warm and Thrifty, and Cold and Frivolous. Distressed and Self-Oriented individuals reported the highest levels of personal distress and hedonism. Warm and Thrifty individuals reported the highest levels of empathic concern, perspective taking and frugality, and the lowest levels of personal distress and hedonism. Cold and Frivolous individuals reported the lowest levels of perspective taking, empathic concern, and frugality.

The classification of consumers into segments brings a new dimension to the field of sustainable fashion. Clusters were created according to the variables of emotional characteristics (i.e. perspective taking, empathic concern, and personal distress) and shopping characteristics (i.e. hedonism and frugality). The analysis unveiled three distinct clusters that can be utilized to develop tailored strategies to successfully promote sustainable fashion consumption.

Fashion designers in South Africa remain ambivalent in embracing sustainable fashion. This study examines the role of neutralisation techniques on attitude towards sustainable fashion. The study was conducted in South Africa, an emerging market known for water scarcity and pollution emanating from the textile industry.

A structured questionnaire was used to collect cross-sectional data from a sample of 590 fashion designers using a web-based online survey. Study constructs were drawn from the neutralisation theory and theory of planned behaviour.

Standard multiple regression analysis results identified denial of injury, appeal to higher loyalties and external locus of control as the major rationalisation techniques influencing South African designers' negative attitudes towards sustainable fashion.

Research was conducted in South Africa where the concept of sustainable fashion is still at developmental stages. The generalisation of the study findings may be enhanced by extending the study to other markets with a fully developed market for sustainable fashion.

The study results underscore the necessity of reducing social, structural and institutional barriers associated with the adoption of sustainable fashion. This study provides input towards efforts to develop attitude change strategies to stimulate designers to embrace sustainable fashion.

The research study contributes to theory, practice and future research.

The objective of this paper is to synthesise the published literature on consumer awareness and acceptance of Sustainable Fashion (SF) and highlight that sustainability decisions taken across procurement, designing, manufacturing and retailing must include the consumer perspective of SF.

Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on sustainable fashion combined with consumer behavior was conducted. The study approach involved descriptive analysis, content analysis and theoretical analysis in the first section. The later sections focus on sustainability practices across the apparel supply chain that can foster acceptance of sustainable fashion.

In this review paper, five solutions that are typically used for leveraging consumer awareness and acceptance towards sustainable fashion are identified from the latest research papers: (1) attention to micro-sensitive factors (2) shared responsibilities (3) repositioning sustainable fashion for larger audience (4) positioning conscious fashion and (5) unified approach. These solutions are proposed as most important for achieving success in sustainable production and sustainable consumption (SPSC) for the fashion industry. Further, suggestions for how to embed sustainability related business decisions across sourcing, designing, manufacturing, distribution and recollection and retailing are also provided.

Through this research, a clear view emerges of the progression of publication and where future research should be directed to popularise sustainable fashion among consumers. Research findings and proposed solutions will be valuable inputs for brand managers, marketers and retailers as they conceive new plans and make decisions about addressing sustainability challenges in textile and apparel manufacturing firms.

This is a first of its kind of study on sustainable fashion that highlights the importance of understanding consumer behaviour in influencing sustainability decisions required across sourcing, designing, manufacturing and retailing to achieve substantial economic advantages in the fashion industry. End-to-end supply chain processes (i.e. procurement, design, manufacturing, marketing and retailing) are considered to identify several factors that influence consumer behavior in favor of sustainable fashion throughout the supply chain.

This study applies the modified brand avoidance model to examine factors that influence sustainable fashion avoidance behaviour among millennial shoppers in South Africa.

A positivistic approach and a web-based online survey were employed to collect cross-sectional data from 423 millennial fashion shoppers. Standard multiple regression analysis was used to test proposed hypotheses.

Unmet expectations, materialism and symbolic incongruence emerged as major predictors of millennials' intention to avoid sustainable fashion. Sustainable fashion avoidance intention was found to have a positive effect on sustainable fashion avoidance behaviour.

This study relied on self-reported data collected from millennial shoppers. Future studies may improve the generalizability of this study's results by conducting a comparative study with other cohorts such as baby boomers and Generation X who espouse different shopping values. Future studies may benefit from the use of longitudinal data in order to understand how millennial shoppers relate to sustainable fashion as it evolves.

The results of this study suggest the importance of developing value propositions that align sustainable fashion with cultural, personality and symbolic cues valued by millennial shoppers. Consumer education on the benefits of sustainable fashion is recommended as a long-term behavioural change strategy.

The purchase behaviour of sustainable fashion should be encouraged as it enhances environmental sustainability including safeguarding the livelihoods of future generations.

This study contributes to literature on sustainable fashion avoidance behaviour. This is one of the pioneering studies to empirically examine the influence of unmet expectations, symbolic incongruence and ideological incompatibility in the context of an emerging market, such as South Africa.