Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Understanding the Young Consumers’ Existing Practices of Using Second-hand Clothing: Perspectives from a Developing Country

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Abstract

Second-hand clothing products are considered fashionable, fun,unique, nostalgic, affordable, and environment-friendly. This study employed a qualitative approach and aimed to understand the young consumers’ existing practices of using second-hand clothing in the context of a developing country (Bangladesh). In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample approach and the participants were recruited using a snowball sampling technique. It was found that some of these practices are leading consumers toward a circular economy unconsciously. One of the most significant existing practices is donating used clothes to people who are at the bottom of the social hierarchy. The shared nostalgia and emotional influence were visible in the consumers’ expressions. Despite second-hand clothing being a potential answer to ecological stress, the majority in Bangladesh do not actively search for environment-friendly solutions while purchasing or reusing a cloth. The findings of this study may be helpful to clothing companies and the government in formulating sustainability and circular economy policies.

Keywords: Young consumer, Fashion product, Second-hand clothing, Circular fashion, Sustainability

How to Cite:

Mahdi, E., Iqbal, M., Ferdous, J. & Akter, M., (2024) “Understanding the Young Consumers’ Existing Practices of Using Second-hand Clothing: Perspectives from a Developing Country”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17415