Date of Defense

12-10-2018

Date of Graduation

12-2018

Department

Family and Consumer Sciences

First Advisor

Zee-Sun Yun

Second Advisor

Mary Simpson

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to explore current consumer behavior and perspective on sustainable apparel as well as future trends in the market place such as willingness to buy. I investigated the market for organic apparel brands, and identified potential areas of growth. My findings concluded that young consumers lack interest in sustainable apparel because they are not sufficiently educated in the topic and are not willing to sacrifice their style identity, consequently purchasing trendy fast-fashion items. The fashion industry is famously claimed to be the second most polluting industry in the world, so I designed a line of organic undyed knit tops made from hemp, linen and bamboo to encourage conscious consumerism and implement new sustainable consumer habits. Called Conscious, it was inspired by market trends and the current environmental impact of disposable fashion on the environment. Conscious offers styles that are affordable and timelessly stylish. This paper will expand on my design process approach which contributes to the current knowledge and understanding of sustainability in the apparel industry and textiles. This project is valuable because it is a creative approach towards repairing the apparel industry’s unsustainable practices.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

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