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What Affects Garment Lifespans? International Clothing Practices Based on a Wardrobe Survey in China, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the USA

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  • Kirsi Laitala

    (Consumption Research Norway (SIFO), Oslo Metropolitan University, 0130 Oslo, Norway)

  • Ingun Grimstad Klepp

    (Consumption Research Norway (SIFO), Oslo Metropolitan University, 0130 Oslo, Norway)

Abstract

Increasing the length of clothing lifespans is crucial for reducing the total environmental impacts. This article discusses which factors contribute to the length of garment lifespans by studying how long garments are used, how many times they are worn, and by how many users. The analysis is based on quantitative wardrobe survey data from China, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the USA. Variables were divided into four blocks related respectively to the garment, user, garment use, and clothing practices, and used in two hierarchical multiple regressions and two binary logistic regressions. The models explain between 11% and 43% of the variation in clothing lifespans. The garment use block was most indicative for the number of wears, while garment related properties contribute most to variation in the number of users. For lifespans measured in years, all four aspects were almost equally important. Some aspects that affect the lifespans of clothing cannot be easily changed (e.g., the consumer’s income, nationality, and age) but they can be used to identify where different measures can have the largest benefits. Several of the other conditions that affect lifespans can be changed (e.g., garment price and attitudes towards fashion) through quality management, marketing strategies, information, and improved consumer policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Kirsi Laitala & Ingun Grimstad Klepp, 2020. "What Affects Garment Lifespans? International Clothing Practices Based on a Wardrobe Survey in China, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the USA," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-45, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:21:p:9151-:d:439539
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. K. J. Watson & S. G. Wiedemann, 2019. "Review of Methodological Choices in LCA-Based Textile and Apparel Rating Tools: Key Issues and Recommendations Relating to Assessment of Fabrics Made From Natural Fibre Types," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(14), pages 1-16, July.
    2. Ana Neto & João Ferreira, 2020. "From Wearing Off to Wearing On: The Meanders of Wearer–Clothing Relationships," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-22, September.
    3. Wencke Gwozdz & Kristian Steensen Nielsen & Tina Müller, 2017. "An Environmental Perspective on Clothing Consumption: Consumer Segments and Their Behavioral Patterns," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(5), pages 1-27, May.
    4. Kirsi Laitala & Ingun Grimstad Klepp & Roy Kettlewell & Stephen Wiedemann, 2020. "Laundry Care Regimes: Do the Practices of Keeping Clothes Clean Have Different Environmental Impacts Based on the Fibre Content?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-31, September.
    5. Laure Herweyers & Camilla Catarci Carteny & Linda Scheelen & Regan Watts & Els Du Bois, 2020. "Consumers’ Perceptions and Attitudes toward Products Preventing Microfiber Pollution in Aquatic Environments as a Result of the Domestic Washing of Synthetic Clothes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-14, March.
    6. Kirsi Laitala & Ingun Grimstad Klepp & Beverley Henry, 2018. "Does Use Matter? Comparison of Environmental Impacts of Clothing Based on Fiber Type," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-25, July.
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    1. Ingun Grimstad Klepp & Kirsi Laitala & Stephen Wiedemann, 2020. "Clothing Lifespans: What Should Be Measured and How," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-21, August.

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