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E3sconf Incasst2024 02005
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Abstract. The Fast fashion industry trend has proliferated due to its fast
production and affordable prices. However, its negative impact on the
climate and environment is significant. Previous research has revealed that
Fast Fashion contributes to high greenhouse gas emissions, excessive water
usage, water pollution, and the generation of non-biodegradable textile
waste. All of these factors harm environmental sustainability. Additionally,
the mass production model of Fast Fashion also encourages excessive
consumption, creates non-biodegradable textile waste, and increases
pressure on natural resources. This study aims to examine the relationship
between fashion orientation (FO) and Fast fashion purchase intention
(FFPI), as well as their impact on Fast fashion purchasing behavior (FFPB).
This research also explores the influence of sustainable clothing
consumption attitudes (SCCA) as a moderating factor. Data were collected
from 214 respondents through the nonprobability snowball sampling
method. The analysis was conducted using the PLS-SEM method. The
study's results indicate that FO significantly influences FFPI and strongly
correlates with FFPB. Moreover, SCCA moderates the relationship between
FFPI and FFPB. These findings imply that to address the negative impact of
Fast Fashion on climate change and the environment, changes in FO and
FFPI and an increase in SCCA are needed. Education and consumer
awareness regarding the negative impacts of Fast Fashion, promotion and
support for sustainable clothing brands and products, and implementing
policies that encourage more sustainable production and consumption
practices are essential steps that can be taken.
1 Introduction
The fashion industry is a dynamic sector, continually evolving in tandem with technological
advancements and the currents of globalization [1]. It has considerably influenced human
life, marking notable contributions not just economically but also in creativity, culture, and
innovation [2],[3]. Despite the myriad advantages associated with the global expansion of
the fashion industry—such as resource accessibility, collaborative opportunities, and more—
its environmental toll is undeniable. Reports from 2019 reveal that the fashion sector accounts
for 10% of global carbon emissions and is a leading contributor to marine microplastic
© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution License 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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pollution [4]. Research even suggests that the industry's greenhouse gas emissions surpass
the cumulative emissions from the shipping and aviation sectors [5].
Diverse segments characterize the fashion industry. These include High-end and Luxury
Fashion, which emphasizes top-tier, luxury designs; Designer Fashion, which centralizes
designer involvement; Sustainable Fashion, which promotes eco-friendly practices; and Fast
Fashion, renowned for its rapid mass production in response to fleeting trends [6]. Fast
Fashion is a particularly impactful segment with significant environmental repercussions [7].
Fast Fashion is the business model that prioritizes quickly producing vast amounts of
clothing to cater to consumer demand. This segment's hallmark is the frequent unveiling of
new collections, allied with brief production timelines, ensuring consumers can access the
latest fashion trends at affordable rates. Brands such as Zara, Pull & Bear, H&M, Cotton On,
and Forever 21 epitomize this approach [8]. From 2017 to 2020 alone, this segment witnessed
a surge of 21% [9]. However, the environmental costs are steep, with the sector responsible
for an estimated 10% of global carbon emissions—expected to rise by half by 2030 [10].
Given its global ubiquity and environmental implications, it is crucial to understand the
factors influencing consumer attraction towards Fast Fashion.
The behavioral intention theory is central to the discourse on consumer behavior, as
Fishbein and Ajzen propounded in 1975 [11]. It postulates that individual behavior can be
forecasted based on the intention underpinning that behavior. In the fast fashion matrix,
intentions often intertwine with social perceptions—seeing clothing as a functional tool for
social elevation and self-affirmation [12]. Therefore, those gravitating toward fast Fashion
frequently exhibit robust intentions to purchase these products. Conversely, ecologically-
aware consumers tend to eschew the fast fashion paradigm, prioritizing the environmental
footprint of their purchases [13].
Recent years have seen a heightened consumer cognizance of the environmental
downsides of fast Fashion, especially its contribution to pollution and waste [14]. Numerous
empirical studies substantiate that eco-positive individuals lean towards sustainable clothing
choices [15,16]. However, some research counters this, suggesting that despite growing
environmental awareness, the tangible consumer shift toward sustainable Fashion remains
minimal [17,18].
The exciting dichotomy between intention and actual purchase behavior in Fast Fashion
invites deeper exploration. This study seeks to investigate this by integrating moderating
variables. The aim is to see how attitudes toward sustainable consumption moderate the
relationship between Fast Fashion purchase intentions and actual purchase behavior.
Shedding light on this moderating effect can provide insights to industry stakeholders and
new entrepreneurs. This, in turn, can guide the formulation of innovative strategies, pushing
the fashion world towards more sustainable practices and products.
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and interests manifested in one's fashion selections. Consequently, it aids in unearthing the
intricate dynamics that dictate consumer behavior in the fashion industry, shedding light on
the motivations that steer choices in a marketplace brimming with diverse and ever-evolving
tastes [20].
Moreover, understanding fashion orientation offers a pathway to decipher consumers'
diverse desires and interests, facilitating the tailoring of strategies that can more adeptly cater
to the varied preferences of individuals. This theoretical lens illuminates consumption
patterns, encouraging a market approach grounded in empathy and awareness toward
individual consumer needs [21].
Thus, probing into the intricate nuances of fashion orientation offers insights into
consumer behavior and holds implications for the broader fashion industry, especially in
marketing and product development. Therefore, a detailed exploration of this concept is vital,
promising avenues for enriched consumer engagement and a deeper understanding of the
dynamics that govern fashion choices.
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2.6 Fast fashion purchase intention and fast fashion purchase behavior
In order to unravel the complexities of consumer behavior dynamics in the fast fashion
industry, it is pivotal to understand the determinants that govern purchase intentions and
actual purchase behaviors. In this context, "purchase intention" is a term utilized to denote
consumers' propensity or willingness to purchase a specific product or brand, acting as a
forerunner to the actual purchasing action [35].
The fast fashion industry thrives on offering affordable and quickly available trendy
clothing, catering to the impulsive tendencies of fashion enthusiasts. Joung [35] pointed out
that the industry has fostered a system that encourages consumers to swiftly access the
desired attire, potentially nurturing an enhanced predisposition towards fast fashion purchase
intentions and purchase behaviors. This feature, favorable to consumers, feasibly amplifies
individuals' tendencies to undertake purchasing initiatives in the fast fashion domain [36].
Scrutinizing the journey from purchase intention to the actual buying action necessitates
a deep understanding of consumer purchasing behavior, which embodies an individual's
inclination to perform actions directed at acquiring a particular product. It emerges as a
pivotal instrument in examining and evaluating specific products available in the market [37].
Substantial empirical evidence corroborates this narrative, illustrating a striking positive
correlation between fast fashion purchase intentions and actual purchase actions [38,39]. Liu
[40] underlines that an apparent readiness to engage with a fast fashion commodity is a
significant precursor to an actual purchase. This notion finds resonance in the research
conducted by Pena et al. [41], who accentuated the dominant role of purchase intentions in
guiding purchase behaviors.
Despite the apparent connection between purchase intention and behavior, it is essential
to note that not all intentions result in actual buying actions [42]. Research by Conner and
Norman [43] underscores this discrepancy, highlighting a gap where the intention, or the
aspiration to undertake a behavior, sometimes manifests into actual actions.
In order to ascertain if this discrepancy is present in the fast fashion industry, further
research is warranted. To deepen our understanding of the role of fast fashion purchase
intentions in influencing actual buying behavior, we propose the ensuing hypothesis:
H2: The intention to purchase fast Fashion positively affects actual purchasing behavior
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Based on this, this study examines the moderating role of attitudes towards sustainable
clothing consumption in the relationship between purchase intention and actual purchase
behavior in the context of fast Fashion. A strong alignment with sustainability principles may
weaken the relationship between purchase intention and purchase behavior in fast Fashion.
On the other hand, a weaker inclination towards sustainable practices may strengthen this
relationship. Based on this framework, we propose the following hypotheses:
H3: Sustainable clothing consumption attitude moderates the relationship between
intention and fast fashion behavior.
3 Methodology
This study employed quantitative analysis, anchored in survey research techniques, to probe
the preferences and behaviors of young Indonesian consumers concerning fast fashion
products. The objective was to delve deep into various individual attributes and perspectives
aligned with our research aims. In this context, we detail our data collection and analysis
methodology.
We crafted a targeted sample of young consumers actively engaged with fast Fashion in
Indonesia. This encompassed individuals with prior experience with fast fashion products.
We employed a randomized selection method to ensure a diverse array of respondents
representing various Indonesian regions. Our primary demographic was individuals aged 17
and above, as they form the core consumer base for fast Fashion.
The primary tool for data collection was a self-administered questionnaire designed using
Google Forms. It incorporated questions aligned with the research objectives, probing
respondents' attributes such as gender, age, education, family income level, and their fast
fashion purchase frequency. The survey was disseminated via social media platforms, namely
WhatsApp and Instagram, targeting eligible respondents.
Of the 226 participants, 35% were from Yogyakarta, while 65% were from other regions.
A gender distribution indicated 36.7% male and 64.3% female respondents. The dominant
age group was 17-26 years, representing 64.2%. Family income distribution revealed 20.8%
earning below 1 million, with 48.2% earning between 1 and 3 million. The educational
backgrounds were varied: 33.6% had completed senior high school, 15.9% held diplomas,
38.1% had bachelor's degrees, and 12.4% had postgraduate qualifications. Regarding fast
fashion purchasing habits, 34.5% shopped once a year, 31.9% three times annually, and
33.6% shopped more frequently.
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This study meticulously maps the consumption trends of fast Fashion among young
Indonesians. Data on demographics and purchase frequency are critical to understanding
market dynamics. Our subsequent analysis will utilize the PLS-SEM statistical method to
uncover core findings based on the empirical data obtained.
4 Result
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The diagram depicted in Figure 3 explains the relationship between attitudes towards
sustainable clothing consumption and the propensity to engage in fast fashion purchase
behavior. This relationship is assessed through the lens of Simple Slope Analysis, which
offers a nuanced perspective on how different attitudes towards sustainable clothing
consumption can influence the desires and actions of purchasing fast fashion items,
represented on the x-axis and y-axis, respectively.
The center of this diagram is the red line that depicts the observed trend among individuals
with average sustainable clothing consumption attitudes. This line serves as a baseline that
signifies a moderate attitude toward sustainable consumption and a balanced approach
toward buying fast fashion items.
The upper green line in the diagram signifies a scenario where increased adherence to
sustainable clothing consumption reduces fast-fashion purchasing behavior despite an initial
solid intention to purchase. This depicts consumers gradually withdrawing from the fast
fashion market as their awareness and commitment to sustainable practices increases.
In contrast, the lower blue line signifies individuals who maintain a low sustainable
clothing consumption attitude, indicating that they continue to purchase high levels of Fast
Fashion, especially when their intention to purchase is critical. This underscores the
persistence in consumer behavior, highlighting a group less influenced by sustainable
consumption principles and, therefore, more likely to purchase fast Fashion, determined
primarily by their initial intentions.
Through this detailed visualization, Figure 3 successfully demonstrates the dynamic
interaction between sustainable clothing consumption attitudes and fast fashion purchasing
behavior. Delimiting different behavioral patterns through a simple slope analysis facilitates
a clearer understanding of how sustainability attitudes can be an essential determinant in
shaping purchasing decisions and behaviors in the context of the fast fashion industry. This
suggests that cultivating positive attitudes towards sustainable clothing consumption can
distance consumers from the appeal of fast Fashion, leading them to more environmentally
friendly choices in their consumption patterns.
5 Discussion
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Besides external factors, intrinsic motivations such as the desire to express oneself
through clothing significantly impact purchasing decisions [52]. Fast Fashion often provides
a platform where individuals can satisfy this need, creating or maintaining a specific image
without sacrificing financial aspects. This is reinforced by the availability of affordable
products and promotions and discounts that encourage impulsive buying, often offering the
emotional satisfaction derived from purchasing new products [53].
In conclusion, fashion orientation, a confluence of tendencies towards the latest trends,
social influences, and personal motivations, is central in determining the purchasing
intentions of fast fashion products. Industry stakeholders must understand this dynamic to
craft more directed strategies aligning with consumer preferences. Considering these
variables, the industry can steer towards creating products that cater to consumer desires and
promote more responsible consumption.
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actual purchasing of fast fashion items. Similarly, Mehta & Kaur [49] found that sustainable
clothing consumption attitudes attenuate the relationship between the intention to purchase
fast fashion products and actual purchase behavior, with awareness and orientation towards
sustainability positively swaying consumers' motivation to avoid fast fashion products.
Modern consumers are increasingly cognizant of the detrimental repercussions of the fast
fashion sector on both the environment and broader society [49]. While new fashion trends
and promotions retain their influence on buying intentions, their capacity to dictate actual
purchasing decisions needs to be improved.
Educational endeavors elucidating the fashion industry's adverse environmental
ramifications have the potential to alter consumer perspectives radically, consequently
swaying their buying intentions significantly [58]. This assertion anchors on the premise that
informed consumers can make choices aligned with sustainability principles, thus facilitating
a discerning approach to fast fashion consumption.
The fast-paced evolution of fashion trends imposes a dilemma on consumers, ensnaring
them between adherence to the latest fashion trends and sustaining their commitment to
sustainability [59]. This scenario evokes a cognitive dissonance, where consumers grapple
with the allure of affordably priced fast fashion merchandise while painfully aware of the
ensuing environmental detriments. This dichotomy instigates a critical reassessment of
buying intentions, fostering a scenario where decisions transcend price and trend
considerations.
6 Conclusion
Based on the outlined discussion, it is clear that fashion orientation, which includes the
tendency to follow current trends, social influence, and personal motivation, plays a central
role in shaping consumers' purchase intentions toward fast fashion products. In addition,
there is a substantial correlation between intention to purchase and actual purchase behavior,
which positive attitudes towards the brand or product can reinforce. However, it is crucial to
note that such intentions sometimes translate into actual purchases due to various potential
barriers. Another important insight from this discussion is the moderating role of sustainable
clothing consumption attitudes, which may reduce the likelihood of purchasing fast fashion
products despite the initial intention to purchase. Growing awareness among consumers
regarding the adverse impacts of the fast fashion industry on the environment and society is
driving a more critical and selective approach to purchasing decisions, often favoring more
sustainable alternatives.
For industry stakeholders, the insights gained from this research illustrate the need for
astute strategies that align with evolving consumer preferences. These preferences now
balance keeping up with the latest trends and demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.
As such, this nuanced understanding of the consumer base offers opportunities to fulfill
desires without compromising responsible consumption. This requires a shift in marketing
strategies, focusing on trends and promoting sustainable practices, potentially encouraging a
more thoughtful approach to fast fashion consumption
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