• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.181-191
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• 2020

The fashion industry has faced environmental, social, and ethical issues due to increased interest in ethical consumption. Numerous ethical studies have been conducted in the fashion industry. This study looked at the current state of research by year, academic journal, and detail in major related papers published in Scopus, KCI and KCI between 2009 and 2019. Ethical fashion studies began to appear in 2009 and were concentrated in certain academic journals and focused on fashion marketing and fashion design. Topics in ethical fashion were terms such as sustainable, eco-friendly, up-cycling, recycling, eco, zero-waist, and organic. In ethical fashion studies, environmental studies were conducted most often; in addition, the terms used along with ethical fashion tend to be frequently used for each particular major. Looking at key words used in research by period, the study showed that research was most diverse between 2016 and 2019. In particular, environmental and social issues of ethical fashion and convergence with animal protection, new distribution, science and technology sectors were newly added between 2016 and 2019. This study used text mining and network analysis to understand the overall trends of ethical fashion studies in Korea. In conclusion it is important to realize the relationship between the main words along with the current status analysis.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.125-139
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• 2018

This study explores determinants of purchase intentions for vegan fashion products based on the modified planned behavior model. Survey data from 434 university students were subjected to an analysis using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. The results showed that almost half of the consumers surveyed recognized vegan fashion products and a little more than a half of consumers surveyed had purchase experience for vegan fashion products. Clothing, bags, and shoes are the most frequently purchased vegan fashion product categories. From the results of the model test, purchase intentions on vegan fashion products were determined by attitude, subjective norms, ethical responsibility, and ethical identity of the consumers. When consumers have a more positive attitude, have higher subjective norms, stronger ethical responsibility, and stronger ethical identity regarding the purchase of vegan fashion products, they are likely to have a greater intention to purchase vegan fashion products. The findings contribute to the literature by adding test results for vegan fashion products among the ethical product categories, highlighting the importance of the consideration of product category, which can give somewhat different results when exploring ethical consumption. Based on these findings, marketers need to use special tags or signage highlighting the ethical values and meanings of vegan fashion products to better communicate with target consumers with a high level of ethical responsibility and to help increase consumers' control over purchase behaviors through reducing barriers generated by insufficient product information.

• Human Ecology Research
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.251-262
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• 2016

This study analyzes the relation of the consumption values and ethical fashion consumption behavior as well as other influential factors between Korean and German ethical consumers based on the 'Modified Theory of Planned Behavior.' A survey was conducted on female consumers in their 20s and 30s, who experienced ethical fashion consumption in Seoul and Berlin. A factor analysis, reliability analysis, F -test and multiple regression analysis were performed for model verification. The research results indicated that emotional value (in case of Korea) and functional value out of consumption values (in case of Germany) have significant effects in regards to the influence of consumption values on ethical self-identity. The effects of ethical self-identity on ethical fashion consumption behavior indicated that Korean ethical self-identity influenced the ethical fashion consumption behavior of moderating and simplicity and eco-friendly certification versus local consumption as well as above factors (in case of Germany) explained by ethical self-identity. Both variables had a negative moderating effect in Korea in regards to the moderating effects of social comparison and materialism in the relations of ethical self-identity and ethical fashion consumption behavior; however, only materialism was an influential factor in Germany. The results of the research variables by individualism/collectivism indicated that the horizontal-collectivism group showed the highest ethical self-identity along with the lowest materialism tendency that had a high point of consumption behavior towards local consumption. However, the vertical-individualism group was outstanding. The consumption behavior aimed at moderating and simplicity.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
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• v.60 no.8
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• pp.151-167
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• 2010

This research is to analyze ethics in fashion design for more valuable and sustainable human life against the increasing alienation of the human being, the global ecological crisis resulted from contemporary consumption society. I expect that it can be helpful to plan ethical fashion design practice more effectively. For this, the documentary study and practical case study have been executed. The results are as follows. The ethics in design can be defined as the responsibility to reform the social, environmental problem of consumptive design, to sustain together without human alienation, environment disruption and to do social good for total human being ultimately. The ethical design practice means to suggest solutions to problems of human rights and environment and to act willingly. Based on this, ethical fashion design appeared as responsible design solution which has two directions. One is the fashion design for coexistence and sharing, including the design for all which considers even underprivileged minority, the design to promote public issues as well as to donate some profits. The other is the eco fashion design for sustainable environment, including eco-friendly design which is reductive and slow in whole design process, the design to inform the seriousness of environmental crisis as well as to donate some profits. The last one of the most important ethical responsibility as fashion designer is to abide by vocational ethics, that is, the prohibition of design piracy.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.421-433
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of consumer's ethical consumption consciousness and lifestyle on sustainable fashion. The data was analyzed by reliability analysis, factor analysis, cluster analysis, one-way ANOVA, Duncan's multiple range test, and multiple regression. The major results of this study were as follows. First, three factors of sustainable fashion were identified: eco-friendliness, recycling, and safety. Second, three factors of ethical consumption consciousness were identified: social ethics, environmental ethics, and public ethics. Based on these factors, the subjects were categorized into three clusters (high, middle, and low ethical consumption consciousness group). Third, four factors of life style were identified: pursuit of brand, appearance, cautiousness, and information. Based on these four factors, the subjects were categorized into three clusters (brand/appearance, cautiousness/information, and unconcerned group). Fourth, three factors of ethical consumption consciousness significantly influenced eco-friendliness factor of sustainable fashion. Also, the recycling factor of sustainable fashion was influenced by social ethics, environmental ethics, pursuit of brand, and pursuit of information. The safety factor of sustainable fashion was influenced by environmental ethics, public ethics, and pursuit of information. The results of this study suggest that practical and various environmental education need to be provided to consumers, because high environmental ethical consciousness consumers evaluated sustainable fashion positively. Additionally, accurate information on eco-friendliness, recycling, and safety of clothing products would need to be provided by fashion businesses through various routes, because those with information-pursuing lifestyle were found to have deep interests in sustainable fashion.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.1071-1084
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• 2017

This study investigates ethical fashion consumption factors and corporate social responsibility (CSR) factors to segment consumer groups by ethical fashion consumption (EFC) and identify differences of EFC groups in the perception of CSR and demographics. I surveyed 390 people over age 20 in February and March, 2017. Data were analyzed with factorial analysis, cluster analysis, ANOVA, LSD, Chi-square, Cronbach's ${\alpha}$, using SPSS 20.0. The survey showed. 1) Five EFC factors (boycott/active purchase, donation/environmental protection, saving, legal consumption, and recycle) were extracted. 2) Four CSR factors (responsibility for stakeholder, ethical/environmental responsibility, social/charitable responsibility, and economic responsibility) were extracted. 3) EFC consumers were classified into four segments (low ethic, recycle, legal, and high ethic). 4) The perception of CSR factors was different among EFC groups. 5) The distribution of age level, education level, occupation, monthly purchase cost of clothing, and religion were different among EFC groups.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.1956-1964
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• 2009

Understanding ethical fashion consumers in Korea is essential for the expansion of the ethical fashion market. This study analyzed ethical consumers in Korea in an examination of the factors that influence ethical purchase behavior and attitudes. The differences between ethical fashion consumers and non-ethical fashion consumers were investigated using eight variables (perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE), self-direction, benevolence, universalism, social responsibility, perceived behavioral control, face saving, and group conformity). Data were collected by means of a questionnaire through both on-line and off-line surveys from April 20 to June 7, 2009. Only the respondents knowledgeable of ethical products or ethical consumption were asked to complete the questionnaire. A total of 494 samples were used for analyses. Using independent samples t-test, the differences in each variable between two groups were examined. There were significant differences between ethical fashion consumers and non-ethical fashion consumers in attitudes toward ethical consumption behavior, behavioral intention, PCE, self-direction, universalism, social responsibility, and face saving variables. The factors influencing attitude and behavior intention were investigated by step-wise regression analyses. For ethical fashion consumers, the attitudes to ethical consumption behavior were largely influenced by PCE and benevolence. Social responsibility was the most predictable variable in guiding behavioral intention. Behavioral intention was also influenced by benevolence and attitude. Group conformity was found to be negatively correlated with behavioral intention. The findings of this study provide significant guidance for marketers of ethical fashion products. This study is the start of ethical fashion consumer research in Korea and can develop into variable subfields in the future.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.568-577
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• 2023

This study examined how middle-aged female consumers' environmental consciousness influences their attitudes and ethical purchasing behavior toward RUR (recycling, upcycling, and reuse) knit products. The research employs a survey method, targeting 30-40 year old women residing in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do Province. On-line and off-line data collection were conducted. The following conclusions emerged through statistical analyses, including factor analysis, cluster analysis, t-test, and regression analysis. Firstly, respondents' environmental consciousness variables were classified into two factors, delineating high and low environmental consciousness clusters, demonstrating significant differences between them. Secondly, the high environmental consciousness cluster exhibited more positive consumer attitudes and ethical purchasing behavior towards RUR knit products. Moreover, it was established that environmental pollution consciousness and eco-friendly product purchase consciousness influenced environmental consciousness on consumer attitudes and ethical purchasing behavior. Lastly, the study confirmed that consumer attitudes mediated environmental consciousness and ethical purchasing behavior. In conclusion, this research establishes a meaningful link between environmental consciousness, consumer attitudes, and ethical purchasing behavior in 30-40 year old women. Environmentally conscious groups positively influence attitudes toward RUR knitted fashion and promote ethical purchasing behavior. Consequently, it is recommended that knit fashion companies prioritize environmental consciousness and eco-friendly products in their marketing strategies. Furthermore, diversifying the application of RUR knit products, coupled with eco-friendly production techniques, can amplify their appeal and utility, ensuring a positive impact on consumer behavior.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.68-84
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• 2020

The purpose of this thesis is to suggest a Practical Plan for ethical consumption by reviewing the category of Vegan Fashion and investigating its Social Value of vegan fashion. This will be achieved through investigating the papers and official home pages of 13 selected Vegan Fashion brands. It was found that in terms of use of materials such as leather, fur and organic fibers the brands can be divided into three sections: fur-free, cruelty-free and perfect vegan. A Practical Plan is suggested based on the aspects of production, consumption, distribution and education. Firstly, the provider should be required to understand vegan materials deeply, it is also desirable for them to get vegan certifications. Secondly, the seller should also understand about vegan materials, and be able to explain this to consumers. The education from the seller is vital and the meaning of logos and associated contents used by the label should be clearly explained to consumers. Thirdly, the association of consumers, and fashion brands should cooperate to enhance the level of general understanding in society further, this should influence new laws, that address ethical issues regarding the use of fur in fashion. Environmental problem of the future might be reduced if the stakeholders in Vegan Fashion are cooperatively and actively trying to educate the general population and make Vegan Fashion popular and ethical consumption popular.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.932-941
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• 2013

This study aims to investigate the impacts on adolescents of the application of the education program for ethical consumption related to clothing in terms of their clothing-related ethical consumption consciousness, and in terms of their general ethical consumption knowledge and behaviors. Additionally, the effects of clothing-related ethical consumption consciousness and general ethical consumption knowledge on general ethical consumption behavior were examined. The program for education in ethical consumption related to clothing for adolescents was developed and applied, two surveys for the pre-post test design were conducted with high school female and male students, and a total of 158 responses were analyzed. The results of this study were as follows. 1) The results of the factor analysis and the reliability test on ethical consumption consciousness for high school students clearly showed factorial structures including Pro-environmentalism, Animal welfare, Social responsibility, and Recycling. 2) Analysis of the differences in the means of ethical consumption consciousness, knowledge, and behaviors of respondents between pre-test and post-test revealed that posttest means of all research variables after application of the education program were higher than pre-test means. 3) The ethical consumption knowledge had important medicating roles in the relationship between ethical consumption consciousness with regard to clothing and general ethical consumption behaviors. Overall, the study provides empirical evidence to support the notion that there is a need for applying an ethical consumption education program to lead adolescents to consume ethically.