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A Mixed-Method Study of Design Practices and Designers’ Roles in Sustainable-Minded Clothing Companies

Author

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  • Essi Karell

    (Department of Design, School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland)

  • Kirsi Niinimäki

    (Department of Design, School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland)

Abstract

The way in which the current fashion industry operates needs to fundamentally change. In this endeavour, designers are considered central figures throughout the sustainable fashion literature. However, too little is known about clothing designers’ practical contributions to sustainability. Therefore, this study investigates how sustainability is integrated into design practices in sustainable-minded clothing companies and determines the role of clothing designers in this respect. A mixed-method study was conducted based on a sequential exploratory strategy. The data were collected in two stages: a preliminary phase based on five expert interviews and a survey phase, which involved 31 clothing designers from around Europe. The data analysis was also divided into two phases: thematic analysis of the interviews and content analysis of the survey. The findings indicate that the sustainable design practices within these companies predominantly focus on material choices and aspects that support product longevity. Yet, there is little empirical evidence to support claims regarding garments’ true longevity. Knowledge regarding materials, recycling and best practices is also lacking among clothing designers. Lack of knowledge and company strategies frequently dictate and restrict the design work. This further highlights the fact that designers’ opportunities to influence environmental and social change are more limited than earlier literature suggests.

Suggested Citation

  • Essi Karell & Kirsi Niinimäki, 2020. "A Mixed-Method Study of Design Practices and Designers’ Roles in Sustainable-Minded Clothing Companies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-25, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:11:p:4680-:d:368734
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Róbert Štefko & Vladimira Steffek, 2018. "Key Issues in Slow Fashion: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-11, July.
    2. Nicholas A. Ashford & Ralph P. Hall, 2011. "The Importance of Regulation-Induced Innovation for Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 3(1), pages 1-23, January.
    3. Anika Kozlowski & Michal Bardecki & Cory Searcy, 2019. "Tools for Sustainable Fashion Design: An Analysis of Their Fitness for Purpose," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(13), pages 1-19, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Young Kim & Sungeun Suh, 2022. "The Core Value of Sustainable Fashion: A Case Study on “Market Gredit”," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-21, November.
    2. Margherita Pero & Elisa Arrigo & Antoinette Fionda-Douglas, 2020. "Sustainability in Fashion Brands," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(14), pages 1-4, July.
    3. Riikka Piippo & Kirsi Niinimäki & Maarit Aakko, 2022. "Fit for the Future: Garment Quality and Product Lifetimes in a CE Context," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-15, January.
    4. Xiaoxiao Zhou & Ryoga Miyauchi & Yuki Inoue, 2023. "Sustainable Fashion Product Innovation: Continuous Value of Apparel Products on Second-Hand Product Trading Platforms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-17, May.

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