Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Old Value: Millennials' Knowledge of Mending Skills and its Effect on their Clothing Consumption

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Abstract

The predominance of fast fashion has led to the normative consumer behavior of disposal when clothing is less than perfect, no matter how superficial the damage. This disposal mindset has led to an increase in both clothing donations and textile waste. One factor that has been researched as a remedy of this shortened clothing consumption process is the loss of mending skills. The purpose of this study was to examine what mending skills Millennials in particular have, what they do with their clothing that needs to be repaired, and where they donate their clothing. Through the use of survey research of 101 Millennials, the results indicate that this generational cohort donates to large organizations and gives their clothes to others for repair when their mending skills are lower, whether someone they know or someone they pay. The findings indicate opportunities for educators and consumers.

How to Cite:

Meacham, S. & McAndrews, L. E., (2016) “Old Value: Millennials' Knowledge of Mending Skills and its Effect on their Clothing Consumption”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 73(1).