We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Human Perceptions of Recycled Textiles and Circular Fashion: A Systematic Literature Review
Summary
A systematic literature review of 100+ studies on recycled textiles and circular fashion found that consumers generally hold positive attitudes toward sustainability benefits but are deterred by perceived quality risks, with emotional and functional value perceptions varying by product type.
The textile and fashion industry has had significant technological developments but is currently criticised for its environmental and social impacts and for being a major contributor to waste. The rise of the circular economy (CE) has promoted more sustainable concepts, including the trending of recycling strategies to add value to the textile and plastic waste. However, adding value to products and for users implies technical upscaling and clear communication about the benefits of recycling. This paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) and explores the state of the art of recycled textiles (RT) and circular fashion (CF) as perceived by humans. The literature review was performed on the basis of journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers using the ScienceDirect (SD) and Web of Science (WoS) databases. The review identified that a significant proportion of consumers from different countries have a basic understanding of sustainable products but that there have been differences in consumers’ attitudes towards sustainable purchase, use, consumption, and post-purchase behaviour. Diverse and even contradictory results occurred concerning the relationships between RT and CF and their perceived product attributes in terms of quality and functionality, as well as social-cultural factors. Manufacturers’ and brands’ perceived values of RT were observed to be influenced by different factors on the basis of the recycling system and cultural values, while designer attitudes towards sustainability were observed to be influenced by external factors. This review contributes to the creation of three main implications in terms of environmental impact and awareness, including actions and concrete proposals for RT and CF.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Consumers’ Value and Risk Perceptions of Circular Fashion: Comparison between Secondhand, Upcycled, and Recycled Clothing
A survey of 850 Korean consumers in their 20s–30s found that emotional value was the strongest driver of circular fashion purchase intention across secondhand, upcycled, and recycled clothing, while economic risk was the most significant barrier.
Trends in the Fashion Industry. The Perception of Sustainability and Circular Economy: A Gender/Generation Quantitative Approach
This study surveyed consumer perceptions of sustainability and circular economy concepts in the fashion industry across gender and generational groups, finding significant differences in awareness and willingness to adopt sustainable purchasing behaviors.
Role of Consumer Attitudes and Policies in Increasing Sustainable Buying Habits in the Fashion Industry
Researchers surveyed consumers across diverse regions and demographics to assess attitudes toward sustainable fashion purchasing, finding that policies, financial barriers, geographic setting, and physical barriers all influence willingness to choose sustainable over fast fashion products.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Sustainability and Changing Consumer Behavior in the Textile Industry. Is it Significant?
This study examined how COVID-19 affected consumer behavior and sustainability attitudes in the textile industry. The pandemic increased awareness of hygiene and health, but the relationship between environmental concern and sustainable purchasing behavior remained complex. Understanding how crisis events shift consumer priorities informs marketing strategies for sustainable fashion brands.
Natural and Sustainable? Consumers’ Textile Fiber Preferences
Researchers surveyed Norwegian consumers and found a strong preference for natural over synthetic textile fibers, contradicting sustainability tool ratings, while also finding that perceptions of fiber sustainability were negatively correlated with willingness to reduce clothing consumption.