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Is Price an Indicator of Garment Durability and Longevity?

Author

Listed:
  • Sarah Wakes

    (Department of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Otago, Dunedin PO Box 56, New Zealand)

  • Linda Dunn

    (Department of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Otago, Dunedin PO Box 56, New Zealand)

  • Dahna Penty

    (Centre for Materials Science & Technology, University of Otago, Dunedin PO Box 56, New Zealand)

  • Kayla Kitson

    (Centre for Materials Science & Technology, University of Otago, Dunedin PO Box 56, New Zealand)

  • Tim Jowett

    (Department of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Otago, Dunedin PO Box 56, New Zealand)

Abstract

Increasing focus on the sustainability of clothing has highlighted issues such as “fast fashion”, impacts of laundering, durability, perceptions and expectations of wear and quality. The general consensus is that low-price garments (usually “fast fashion”) are of low quality, low durability to laundering and are therefore more likely to be disposed of after minimal wears. The aim of this research is therefore to explore the relationship between price, perception of quality, frequency of laundering and durability to laundering of a common garment. Physical experiments on black T-shirts was undertaken to determine whether the price of a garment determines its quality in terms of durability to laundering; and a survey was conducted on perceptions of whether the quality of a garment is tied to its price. Price was found to not be a good indicator of physical performance, especially when it is lower. The two highest-priced T-shirts experienced the least change and this was attributed to better-quality fabric and construction. Participants expected more durability and higher quality as the price of the T-shirt increased and expectations were mostly pessimistic of garment performance to laundering compared to the actual performance compared against theoretically acceptable changes in garment dimension.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Wakes & Linda Dunn & Dahna Penty & Kayla Kitson & Tim Jowett, 2020. "Is Price an Indicator of Garment Durability and Longevity?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:21:p:8906-:d:435378
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wencke Gwozdz & Kristian Steensen Nielsen & Tina Müller, 2017. "An Environmental Perspective on Clothing Consumption: Consumer Segments and Their Behavioral Patterns," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(5), pages 1-27, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Saliha Karadayi-Usta & Erfan Babaee Tirkolaee, 2023. "Evaluating the Sustainability of Fashion Brands Using a Neutrosophical ORESTE Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-17, September.

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