Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Drivers of Fashion Overconsumption: A Systematic Literature Review 

Authors: Md. Hasan Sheikh (The University of North Carolina at Greensboro) , Ummey Hani Barsha (Auburn University) , Mazed Islam (Bangladesh University of Textiles)

Abstract

The study investigates the drivers of fashion overconsumption using the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) framework. Through analysis of 49 peer-reviewed articles, the study identifies seven key themes influencing overconsumption behavior: enticing marketing, credit card usage, social influence, discount price, values, traits, and fashion orientation. The findings categorize these themes into external stimuli (marketing, credit cards, social influence, discounts) and internal organisms (values, traits, fashion orientation) that lead to overconsumption response. The study develops a conceptual framework demonstrating how these drivers interconnect through the SOR model, contributing to unsustainable consumption patterns. This study provides valuable insights for industry practitioners, academics, and consumers to promote sustainable fashion practices and reduce environmental degradation caused by excessive fashion consumption. The findings contribute to understanding consumer behavior in fashion consumption and developing strategies for sustainable fashion practices.

Keywords: Fashion Overconsumption, Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) Theory, Systematic Literature Review, Consumer Behavior

How to Cite: Sheikh, M. , Barsha, U. H. & Islam, M. (2025) “Drivers of Fashion Overconsumption: A Systematic Literature Review ”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings. 81(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.18692