Consumers' preferences for clothing purchases in the context of the circular economy principles
Vol. 18, No 1, 2025
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Simona Bartosova
Matej Bel University in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia E-mail: simona.bartosova@umb.sk ORCID 0009-0007-3214-5449
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Consumers' preferences for clothing purchases in the context of the circular economy principles |
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Zlatica Fulajtarova
Matej Bel University in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia E-mail: zlatica.fulajtarova@umb.sk ORCID 0009-0002-9168-4083 Zdenka Musova
Matej Bel University in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia E-mail: zdenka.musova@umb.sk ORCID 0000-0002-1067-8291 Marta Hustava Sipulova
Matej Bel University in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia E-mail: marta.sipulova@umb.sk ORCID 0009-0004-3248-5775 Gabriela Pajtinkova Bartakova
Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia E-mail: gabriela.bartakova@fm.uniba.sk ORCID 0000-0003-4476-4689
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Abstract. The study explores consumers' interests, attitudes, and purchasing behavior towards sustainable clothing within the framework of circular economy principles. The research used statistical tests, including Pearson chi-square and Spearman's rank correlation, to examine the relationships between demographic factors (gender, age, household income) and aspects of purchasing behavior (willingness to buy sustainable products, actual purchases, and willingness to pay extra for sustainable products). The findings indicated that consumers concerned about environmental issues are more likely to engage in green activities and purchase green or recycled products, even at a higher price. No significant relationship was found between household income and the purchase of sustainable clothing with specific sustainable brands or certificates. The study also revealed a strong consumer inclination towards reducing waste and extending clothing life, with only 24.5% of respondents throwing clothes directly in the bin. More than 65% of respondents pass on clothes to siblings or friends, and more than 62% donate them to charity. These results demonstrate the growing trend in consumer behavior towards sustainability in purchasing and disposing of clothes. |
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Received: April, 2024 1st Revision: December, 2024 Accepted: June, 2025 |
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DOI: 10.14254/2071-789X.2025/18-1/13 |
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JEL Classification: M31, Q56 |
Keywords: responsible consumer behavior, sustainable clothing industry, clothing purchases, circular economy, Slovakia |
