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Sustainability in the Fashion Industry in Relation to Consumption in a Digital Age

Author

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  • Adriana Lopes Vassalo

    (School of Management, Polytechnic University of Tomar, 2300-313 Tomar, Portugal)

  • Célio Gonçalo Marques

    (TECHN&ART—Centre of Technology Restoration and Art Enhancement, Polytechnic University of Tomar, 2300-313 Tomar, Portugal)

  • João Tomaz Simões

    (TECHN&ART—Centre of Technology Restoration and Art Enhancement, Polytechnic University of Tomar, 2300-313 Tomar, Portugal)

  • Maria Manuela Fernandes

    (School of Management, Polytechnic University of Tomar, 2300-313 Tomar, Portugal)

  • Susana Domingos

    (TECHN&ART—Centre of Technology Restoration and Art Enhancement, Polytechnic University of Tomar, 2300-313 Tomar, Portugal)

Abstract

This study addresses the challenges faced by the fashion industry and its consumers in relation to sustainability and the circular economy in a digital age, relating them to the impacts that this industry triggers, both environmentally and socially. The aim is to understand the relations between environmental concern, fashion consumer awareness and adaptation to the digital evolution, and how these can result in an intention to buy sustainable fashion. The methodology adopted was based on other studies in the area, allowing us to answer the investigation question and, finally, to present some reflections that could mitigate the problems found. This research concisely highlights the limitations of the current linear economy, demonstrating the difficulties in the transition to a more sustainable world. This article is relevant for researchers in the field of fashion brand communication and consumer behaviour, as the results show some theoretical and experimental content for a better development of strategies and practices in the field of sustainable fashion, taking into account the digital evolution.

Suggested Citation

  • Adriana Lopes Vassalo & Célio Gonçalo Marques & João Tomaz Simões & Maria Manuela Fernandes & Susana Domingos, 2024. "Sustainability in the Fashion Industry in Relation to Consumption in a Digital Age," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-63, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:13:p:5303-:d:1419881
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sertaç Ercan & Burak Yaprak & Mehmet Zahid Ecevit & Orhan Duman, 2025. "Sustainable but Disgusting? A Psychological Model of Consumer Reactions to Human-Hair-Derived Textiles," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-19, August.
    2. Lawrenz C. Canag & April Joy F. Loquinario & Rhea May V. Pepano & Ralph B.Peninoy, 2024. "Democratizing Fashion Consumer Engagement and Redefining Style in the Digital Age," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 8(12), pages 935-949, December.
    3. Vanessa Effendy & Zengrui Xiao, 2025. "How Does Cultural Sustainability Promote Fashion Consumers’ Purchase Intention?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-14, February.

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