• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.1039-1055
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• 2024

This study aimed to explore the perceived definition, perceptions, and preferences of "vegan leather" among Korean consumers. An in-depth survey was conducted among Korean women in their 20s-50s. The self-assessed perception level of vegan fashion or vegan leather was lower than that of vegan in general and higher among those in their 50s than those in their 30s. Over 50% of respondents defined vegan leather as leather from plant materials, while 40% viewed it as including all types of alternative leathers, such as faux and synthetic options. However, a notable 57.6% of participants showed confusion, failing to distinguish between several provided definitions of vegan leather and demonstrating inconsistency in their subsequent responses. The study also explored factors influencing consumer preferences for different types of leather. The most decisive factors were ethical considerations regarding animal welfare and environmental impact, while the sensory qualities of faux leather largely drove negative sentiments. The results of the study provide insights significant for the development process of alternative leather materials and emphasize the importance of social agreement in a consistent definition of vegan leather.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.55-70
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• 2022

In the 21^st century, the demand for eco-friendly leather, such as eco-leather and vegan leather, is steadily increasing. This study examines the influence of eco-friendliness on consumers' purchasing intentions and the possibility of eco-friendly changes in the fashion accessory market, which is dominated by leather material and leather substitutes. This study administered a questionnaire survey to 227 males and females between 20 and 60 years of age in Korea. With a 5-point Likert scale, data were collected on evaluation criteria when purchasing shoes and bags and purchasing intention of various leather substitute materials according to the democratic variables. The eco-friendliness attitude was divided into eco-consciousness and green behavior. As the eco-friendly attitude increased, most purchasing standards increased, but the purchasing criteria, such as trends, brands, and prices, did not correlate with the eco-friendly attitude. The eco-consciousness of a consumer had a high correlation with the design evaluation criteria, while the green behavior of the consumer aligned with durability and comfort criteria when purchasing a bag. There was a preference for recycled leather, vegetable leather, synthetic leather, and chemical leather, and the fabric type was ranked as natural fiber, biodegradable fiber, and synthetic fiber. Consumers with both green behavior and eco-consciousness are more likely to purchase biodegradable textiles and vegetable leather for the material of shoes and bags.

• 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.