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Millennial Perceptions of Fast Fashion and Second-Hand Clothing: An Exploration of Clothing Preferences Using Q Methodology

Author

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  • Katelyn Sorensen

    (College of Education and Human Sciences, Department of Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0802, USA)

  • Jennifer Johnson Jorgensen

    (College of Education and Human Sciences, Department of Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0802, USA)

Abstract

Millennials are becoming more conscientious of the products they buy, as well as the social and environmental implications behind them. However, Millennials with low discretionary incomes have limited choices in today’s marketplace, and it is unclear as to how these consumers perceive low-cost apparel options, including fast fashion apparel and second-hand apparel. The purpose of this study is to explore and compare Millennials’ perceptions of inexpensive fast fashion and second-hand apparel. The Q methodology was employed to determine patterns among perceptions. Participants sorted 14 statements describing ideal clothing items into a Q sort grid. The Q sort grid forced participants to rank statements by the degree to which they agree (or disagree). Once the Q sort grid was completed, participants shared their thoughts (qualitatively) as to why they ranked each statement the way that they did. The findings indicate that there are varied perceptions across the Millennial generation, which resulted in the emergence of four distinct factors for both fast fashion and second-hand apparel. The findings of this study are extensive. Fast fashion retailers and consignment shops will need to update their future strategies in order to target the Millennial generation.

Suggested Citation

  • Katelyn Sorensen & Jennifer Johnson Jorgensen, 2019. "Millennial Perceptions of Fast Fashion and Second-Hand Clothing: An Exploration of Clothing Preferences Using Q Methodology," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:8:y:2019:i:9:p:244-:d:260060
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Andrzej Poszewiecki & Joanna Czerepko, 2022. "New Trends in Consumption in Poland as Shown by the Example of a Freeshop Concept," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-16, November.
    3. Maddison Smith & Wiebke Finkler & Robert Aitken, 2023. "Connecting People with Science: A Proof-of-Concept Study to Evaluate Action-Based Storytelling for Science Communication," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-20, July.

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