Short answer

Adopt a strategic approach to sustainable fashion design by considering both incremental improvements and transformative innovations, informed by the seven identified research streams.

Field
Sustainability
Source
European Journal of Marketing (2020)
Method
Systematic Literature Review
Sample
465 papers
Evidence
Moderate effect

The field of sustainable fashion research within management is fragmented, necessitating a consolidated understanding to guide future societal impact and academic inquiry. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2020 study published in European Journal of Marketing. Using Systematic literature review with 465 papers, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Adopt a strategic approach to sustainable fashion design by considering both incremental improvements and transformative innovations, informed by the seven identified research streams.

Study
SustainabilityHigh ImpactModerate effect

Sustainable Fashion: A Synthesis of Current Research and Future Directions

The field of sustainable fashion research within management is fragmented, necessitating a consolidated understanding to guide future societal impact and academic inquiry.

European Journal of Marketing · 2020

01

Key Findings

  • 01Sustainable fashion research can be broadly categorized into two main approaches: pragmatic change and radical change.
  • 02Seven distinct research streams emerge, spanning organizational and consumer habits, offering a framework for understanding the multifaceted nature of sustainable fashion.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Adopt a strategic approach to sustainable fashion design by considering both incremental improvements and transformative innovations, informed by the seven identified research streams.

How to apply

When developing sustainable fashion products or strategies, consider how your approach aligns with either pragmatic or radical change, and identify which of the seven research streams are most relevant to your project.

Project actions

  • 01When researching sustainable fashion, look for studies that discuss both incremental improvements and more disruptive innovations.
  • 02Consider how your design project can address one or more of the seven identified research streams.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo synthesize the existing body of management literature on sustainable fashion to identify key research streams, knowledge gaps, and opportunities for future research and societal impact.
MethodSystematic Literature Review
ProcedureA systematic review of academic papers on sustainable fashion published in management literature from 2000 to June 2019 was conducted, resulting in the analysis of 465 papers.
Sample465 papers
ContextFashion industry, Management literature

Variables

IV["Approach to sustainable fashion (pragmatic vs. radical)","Research stream focus"]
DV["Societal impact of sustainable fashion initiatives","Future research directions"]
CV["Management literature as the source","Timeframe of publications (2000-2019)"]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Comprehensive systematic review of a fragmented field.
  • +Identification of key research streams providing structure.

Limitations

The review is based on literature up to June 2019, so it may not capture the very latest developments in sustainable fashion.

Reliability & validity

The systematic review methodology enhances reliability and validity by providing a structured and transparent approach to literature selection and analysis.

Think critically

How might the distinction between pragmatic and radical change influence the adoption and success of sustainable fashion innovations?

05

Design Principles

"Integrate a dual approach of pragmatic and radical change in sustainable design strategies to address diverse stakeholder needs and drive comprehensive impact."

Designers and product developers in the fashion industry face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Understanding the existing research landscape helps identify effective strategies and areas ripe for innovation, moving beyond isolated efforts to a more cohesive approach.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Research on making fashion sustainable is scattered. This study groups it into two main ideas: making small changes and making big, fundamental changes. It also finds seven key areas to focus on for both companies and shoppers.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use this review to justify the scope of your sustainable fashion design project and identify areas for deeper investigation.
  • 2.Cite this paper to demonstrate an understanding of the existing academic landscape in sustainable fashion.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research synthesizes the fragmented literature on sustainable fashion within management, identifying two core approaches (pragmatic and radical change) and seven key research streams. This framework is valuable for understanding the current landscape and guiding future design projects towards impactful solutions.

09

Source

European Journal of Marketing

Sustainable fashion: current and future research directions

journal · 2020

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about sustainable fashion: a synthesis of current research and future directions?
Adopt a strategic approach to sustainable fashion design by considering both incremental improvements and transformative innovations, informed by the seven identified research streams. Evidence: European Journal of Marketing (2020).
Why does "Sustainable Fashion: A Synthesis of Current Research and Future Directions" matter for design?
Designers and product developers in the fashion industry face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Understanding the existing research landscape helps identify effective strategies and areas ripe for innovation, moving beyond isolated efforts to a more cohesive approach.
How can designers apply this research?
Adopt a strategic approach to sustainable fashion design by considering both incremental improvements and transformative innovations, informed by the seven identified research streams.
What were the main findings?
Sustainable fashion research can be broadly categorized into two main approaches: pragmatic change and radical change.. Seven distinct research streams emerge, spanning organizational and consumer habits, offering a framework for understanding the multifaceted nature of sustainable fashion.
What research method was used?
Systematic Literature Review with 465 papers.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2020 journal from European Journal of Marketing.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When developing sustainable fashion products or strategies, consider how your approach aligns with either pragmatic or radical change, and identify which of the seven research streams are most relevant to your project.
What are the limitations?
The rapidly evolving nature of sustainable fashion means any review represents a snapshot in time, and new research continues to emerge.