• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.93-104
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• 2024

Purpose: Using green supply chain management (GSCM), the current study focuses on the fashion design industry as a central player in promoting an eco-conscious consumption culture by creating awareness of the need to produce and consume eco-friendly fashion products instead of only capitalizing on the shifting consumer tastes, preferences, and expectations. Research design, data and methodology: This study selected a PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist as a research methodology. The purpose is the detailed and disinterested evaluation of all the published information related to the topic of the research. Results: This study suggests brief solutions of the GSCM based on the five categories of sustainable fashion activities that contribute to the development of eco-friendly fashion designs and marketing strategies. This strategy employed by firms to promote sustainable production and consumption is a major factor in enhancing consumers' environmental awareness. Conclusions: The study delves into how brands in the fashion design industry provide a platform for collective action by investing in educational campaigns and transparent communication, collaborating with various stakeholders to maximize awareness of the need for eco-conscious consumption and the availability of green fashion products. Practitioners should consider developing a comprehensive framework to assess the feasibility of different awareness strategies and purchase stimulation approaches.

• 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 the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.59-76
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• 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about environmental severity and new social, economic, and cultural changes. Conscious fashion, which is oriented to sustainable and valuable consumption, has become a trend to consume products produced using eco-friendly and ethical processes, from the selection of the product materials to the manufacturing process. The purpose of this study is to identify the concepts and characteristics of conscious fashion and zero waste, and to explore design trends of zero wastein the new normal era of conscious fashion through the analysis of various cases. The research method is a literature review on conscious fashion based on relevant professional and academic books and articles, designer collections, and campaigns from 2010 to the present, when conscious fashion as eco-friendliness and sustainable fashion became a trend. The concept and characteristics of conscious fashion were examined them in terms of environmental, ethical, social, and cultural aspects and the concept and characteristics of zero waste through previous studies and case analysis. Through this, the trends of zero-waste design in conscious fashion were categorized into: first, an eco-friendly design orientation that utilizes reuse and reduce methods of clothing and fabric; second, a variable design orientation that practices zero waste designs by using diversity of patterns through deconstruction, disassembly, and various cutting methods. Third, long-term circulation of design through the recycling of resources by second-hand trade, the utilization of stock clothing, resale, and availability of eco-friendly materials through the development of new technologies. As an active practice for the sustainable fashion industry expands, it is expected that continuous research will be conducted as a future core value to realize the possibility of long-term circular zero-waste design through social responsibility and conscious recycling, reuse, and reproduction.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.253-259
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• 2024

From the consumer's perspective, eco-friendly consumption is still a topic that can cause various psychological discomforts, and psychological discomfort can lower the intention to consume eco-friendly products through negative consumer psychological mechanisms. This study analyzed the influence of psychological discomfort regarding eco-friendly consumption on people's willingness to pay additional prices for eco-friendly products. In addition, we examined the moderating effect of consumers' involvement in the product family in this relationship. As a result of a statistical analysis based on consumer response data obtained from an online survey conducted with 407 American consumers, the level of people's psychological discomfort with eco-friendly consumption is directly related to their willingness to pay additional prices for eco-friendly products. Although it did not have a significant effect, it was confirmed that the influence of psychological discomfort on willingness to pay premium price was significantly different depending on the consumer's level of involvement.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.62-71
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• 2023

Recently, interest in natural fabric materials that are not harmful has increased, and hemp is being studied as a new eco-friendly product. This study produced hemp fabric with improved flexibility and increased antibacterial properties by blending it with Hanji yarn. Various weaving methods were proposed to overcome the rough physical properties of hemp, and the functions of the developed products were evaluated through antibacterial tests. The mixing ratios of hemp and Hanji yarns was 50% hemp: 50% Hanji weft, 70% hemp: 30% Hanji weft, 30% hemp: 70% Hanji weft, and 100% hemp. Overall, the higher the ratio of Hanji yarn, the higher the fastness property, and the higher the ratio of hemp yarn, the higher the flexibility of the fabric, which was evaluated to be comfortable to wear. The 99.9% antibacterial properties of hemp products were considered to contribute to maintaining the health of modern people. Owing to its high intensity and high air permeability, it is considered highly usable in the production of children's clothing with a lot of activity. It was evaluated as an advantage that the disadvantage of hemp, which was limited as a material for summer clothing, was broadened to use for all seasons due to the fusion of Hanji. Otherwise, low consumer satisfaction as an outdoor wear is a disadvantage because hemp products had low elasticity and wrinkles.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.336-348
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• 2016

This study was executed to deduce the factors affecting eco-friendly behaviors and attitudes, to analyse the difference of eco-friendly behaviors and attitudes between countries, and to draw the variables affecting clothing recycling behavior. The sample comprised people from the UK, China, South Korea. The results were as follows. The four factors related to eco-friendly behaviors and the five factors related to eco-friendly attitudes were derived from the results of factor analysis. In the case of eco-friendly behaviors, four eco-friendly behavior factors showed a significant difference all according to gender and country. In the case of eco-friendly attitudes, saving of natural resources for eco-friendly life, recycling for eco-friendly life, and individual preference for eco-friendly life showed a significant according to gender, also recycling for eco-friendly life, individual preference for eco-friendly life, social awareness for eco-friendly life, and company's awareness for eco-friendly life showed a significant difference according to country. All of the variables related to clothing recycling behaviors showed the significant difference according to gender and countries. It was verified that the stronger the behaviors or attitudes for waste recycling and environmental protection, individual preference for eco-friendly life, saving of natural resources, buying eco-friendly products, and separate collection for recycling, the more positive the action to clothing recycling. The results of this study will be helpful to establish a marketing strategy for each country and to deduce a plan to attract clothing recycling form people.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.190-197
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• 2024

With increasing global interest in environmentally friendly materials and the consequent rise in demand, there is a growing need for alternatives to synthetic fibers, which can cause skin diseases and other side effects. The fashion industry is emphasizing material sustainability owing to concerns about increasing carbon emissions. Moreover, consumers express a strong desire for ecofriendly and sustainable materials. Therefore, clothing brand companies are developing eco-friendly products to enhance their corporate image. Hemp fibers are recognized for their functionality and are utilized as crucial materials in the development of eco-friendly products by global fashion companies. In this study, we produced socks that effectively improve foot health using hemp stem bark extract fibers and demonstrated the positive efficacy of natural fibers through functional and wearability evaluations. Hemp stem bark extract fibers showed 99.9% antimicrobial effectiveness against bacteria responsible for sweat-induced bacterial proliferation and odor, when blended with lyocell fibers and woven into fabric to manufacture socks. Wearability evaluations of these terry cloth socks confirmed a reduction in foot odor and fatigue among the participants with a consumer satisfaction of 4.63/5. These findings confirm the effectiveness and positive impact of the natural antimicrobial properties of hemp fibers and terry cloth structure in improving foot health.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.131-148
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• 2021

Upcycling is a sustainable way to recycle waste resources and solve the global problem of environmental pollution. Upcycling is now attracting attention as fiberization and the disposal of waste clothing have become a serious issue. However, the customer's willingness to purchase upcycled products should be increased by propagating that the product value of a reborn commodity is of high value; these products are meant for new purposes and prepared with recycled materials. In this study, we created 11 designer items by applying an eco-friendly concept in the design process of upcycled textiles and products. From 2020 to 2021, a PBL(Problem Based Learning) curriculum was taught in design planning classes. The final 11 design items were derived after developing an eco-friendly product design for upcycled textiles. These final items were as follows: 5 fashion bags, 3 dog products, 1 clothing, 1 fashion accessory, and 1 sanitary mask design. In order to develop only one aesthetic design idea for upcycling, we considered the following features: user-centered convenience, functionality, and practicality. Then, tie-dye, drawing, patchwork, and embroidery were used to create innovative design items. The product design of recycled materials is based on high functionality, waterproofing, and the use of organic natural materials. The results of this study indicate that the creative product design of upcycling has contributed to a sustainable and eco-friendly environment. Related research studies must be conducted for innovating the continuous design process of the future.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.815-824
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• 2013

This study divides female consumers according to eco-friendly attitudes and the purchase frequency of eco-clothing products; in addition, it analyzes the characteristics of each group in terms of LOHAS lifestyles, the attitudes for eco-clothing products, and satisfaction. Eco-clothing attitudes of female consumers were lower than eco-friendly attitudes. A total of 360 female consumers were divided into 4 group according to purchase frequency and the eco attitude, Type 1: survival (33.0%), Type 2: wellbeing (25.6%), Type 3: curious (15.0%), Type 4: LOHAS (26.4%); in addition, age, income, marit alstatus, occupation, LOHAS lifestyle and shopping places were differentiated by type. Type 1 (low eco attitude and low eco-clothing purchase) were composed of the youngest, college students, low income, low level of LOHAS lifestyles and low level of eco-clothing attitude. Type 2 (high eco attitude and low eco-clothing purchase) were interested in healthy eating & exercise among LOHAS lifestyles; in addition, Type 1 & 2 showed alow level of eco-clothing satisfaction. Type 3, low eco attitude and high eco-clothing purchase, were characterized with high expenditures on clothing relative to income as well as lower levels of family activities and leisure life than LOHAS Type 4. Type 4 (high eco attitude and high eco-clothing purchase) were the oldest group and mostly composed of married workers (the highest income) with the highest LOHAS lifestyles and the highest level of eco-clothing satisfaction.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.377-389
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• 2018

Consumer interest in eco-friendly fashion products has been consistent. While most relevant research emphasizes individual morals and environmental concern as the most crucial determinants to eco-friendly consumption behavior, more recent studies point out that in so doing there has been somewhat a neglectance on the importance of fundamental marketing strategies. More specifically, the crucial role of interior colors in fashion retail stores has been managerially considered something certain yet no empirical results have been found to support such a strong managerial assumption. For instance, colors such as green, blue, and brown are believed to represent natural images and are more appropriate to the eco-friendly marketing and the relevant research has been lacking. Therefore, this study attempts to explore the effect of in-store interior design colors (green versus non-green) on consumer perception of green store images. A total of 382 respondents were gathered for an online survey using differing store images as the stimulus and used for testing hypotheses. In the results, respondents exposed to store images using green interior colors reported a higher evaluation of green store image of the store. The effect is found to be significantly moderated by respondent's environmental concern: to explain, respondents of high environmental concern are less influenced by green color interiors when they evaluate the brand's eco-friendly image. In sum, the positive influence of green interior colors on green store image is found statistically significant, with its stronger effect for consumers of low concern. Managerial and academic discussions are provided.