The Consumption Desire for Slow Fashion

This study investigated slow fashion consumers from a human desire viewpoint in order to examine the psychological aspects of slow fashion consumption. First, the concept of slow fashion was defined. Second, this study reviewed the concepts of desire found in Oriental philosophies and applied them to slow fashion consumption. This process identified the fundamental desire that motivates consumers of slow fashion. Lastly, the psychological aspects slow fashion consumers were examined through a comparison of fundamental desire and external reasons given by interviewees in regards to personal motivation to purchase slow fashion products. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 10 unmarried women 25 to 37 years old with experience in buying slow fashion products. Exploratory data were classified into external reasons and fundamental reasons to derive the concept of slow fashion. First, slow fashion is defined as sustainable fashion that considers humans and nature. It also seeks to produce morally good products that transcend time and space. Second, we identified the following external reasons: social responsibility, pursuit of healthy products, and pursuit of beauty. Finally, we extracted four factors that reflected fundamental desire: Recognition Desire, Ostentation Desire, Sexual Appeal Desire, and Power Desire. Altruism was emphasized by respondents who expressed social responsibility among external reasons and the desire for recognition among fundamental reasons. However, this goodwill also originated from human desire due to the emotional healing they receive from helping others. Interviewees sought psychological benefits such as self-satisfaction and spiritual growth through slow fashion that implied an Association of slow fashion consumption with human desire. Slow fashion consumption was influenced by moral convictions as well as various desires; in addition, external reasons for slow fashion consumption could be explained by desire.

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