Product Development, Manufacturing, Retailing and Consumption of Sustainable Fashion

The lifecycle of clothing commences with the gathering of raw materials through to fabric production, product development, production, retailing, purchase, maintenance and divestment, with sustainability issues arising at each stage. Whilst consumers’ retention and maintenance of clothing usually form the longest part of the garment lifecycle, our ability to care for the items is highly influenced by decisions taken by companies at the initial stages of product development. Choices made by designers in terms of materials, colouration, components and design details, for example, have crucial impacts on the durability and longevity of merchandise after its purchase. The key issues which impact upon sustainability in the development, manufacture, selling and consumption of clothing will be explored in this chapter.