Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Exploring Sustainable Fashion Habits among First-year College Students: A Wardrobe Study

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Abstract

As apparel production has doubled over the last 20 years, consumers have decreased their apparel utilization, driven by a fast fashion culture that encourages consumers to frequently acquire cheap, short-lived, low-quality garments. Young people are often implicated as a population driving the consumption of fast fashion, as apparel is essential for their identity development. This study interviewed seven first-year college students for 1.5-2 hours each to understand the expressive and functional pressures and practices they engage in to shaping their apparel choices. Results indicated Gen-Z growing distrustful of fast fashion retailers due to ethical concerns regarding apparel manufacturing (e.g., child labor and environmental contamination) and expressing disdain for fast fashion products because of their lack of quality and uniqueness. Additionally, Gen-Z has adopted sustainable fashion practices such as donating and selling goods, buying second-hand, altering products, repairing damaged items, and buying higher-quality clothes that will ensure a longer lifespan. 

Keywords: Sustainability, Thrifting, Buying, Fast Fashion, College Students, Personal Style

How to Cite:

Avila, E. C., Arthur, K., Eyster, L. & Martinez, C. J., (2025) “Exploring Sustainable Fashion Habits among First-year College Students: A Wardrobe Study”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 81(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.18537