A systematic review of drivers of sustainable fashion consumption: 25 years of research evolution

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to identify drivers and moderators of sustainable fashion consumption (SFC) by reviewing the evolution of SFC research. A systematic review was conducted using 25 years (1995–2020) of SFC research, which resulted in the synthesis of a final sample of 213 studies to determine growth patterns in SFC themes. Studies were divided into 3 periods: Period 1 (1995–2010; emergence), Period 2 (2011–2015; growth), and Period 3 (2016–2020; maturity/expansion). The results indicated that the scope of SFC expanded from product-based to include larger sustainable fashion practices. Consumer values, consumer knowledge, normative influences, and fashion orientation emerged as four major frequently researched themes in SFC research. Potentially problematic issues identified include the lack of understanding of cross-cultural differences related to SFC behavior patterns. A future research agenda is proposed, along with suggestions for practitioners.

KEYWORDS:

• Sustainable fashion consumption
• systematic review
• consumer value
• consumer knowledge
• social and personal norms

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).