學術專題

South African Journal of Business Management | Vol 56, No 1 | a4961 | 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajbm.v56i1.4961      [PDF]

Abstract

Purpose: In the circular economy era, where fashion rental platforms are crucial for promoting sustainable consumption, this research contributes by identifying the primary factors influencing consumer behaviour. Specifically, we investigate how sustainable fashion drivers and attitudes towards technology influence consumers’ intention to use fashion rental platforms.

Design/methodology/approach: The conceptual model focuses on how fashion innovation (FI) and the perception of the sharing and circular economy (PSCE) affect task–service fit (TSF), enjoyment (ENJ) and the intention to use the platform. A survey and partial least squares structural equation modeling were employed to test the proposed hypotheses. Data from 192 participants with an academic background in fashion were empirically analysed.

Findings/results: The results indicate that both FI and the PSCE have a significant and positive impact on TSF and ENJ, which in turn significantly influences platform use intention. This finding underscores the importance of sustainable fashion concepts as key drivers of consumer attitudes and behaviour within this emerging platform and service model.

Practical implications: This study provides strategic insights that can empower fashion rental platforms. By emphasising innovative design and environmental values, platforms can attract and retain consumers interested in FI and the circular economy.

Originality/value: This study expands the understanding of consumer behaviour on fashion rental platforms by highlighting the key role of FI and the PSCE in influencing user intentions. By integrating these innovative constructs, the study provides new insights and empirical support for developing the fashion rental industry.

Keywords: fashion rental platform; fashion innovation; perception of the sharing and circular economy; task–service fit; enjoyment

Abstract

A fabric touch tester is a novel instrument with fabric handling properties. Its principal advantage is that the device has integrated modules for compression, surface friction, and thermal and bending properties. This module integration simplifies the testing process, and provides an efficient measurement method, and a comprehensive physical index. This study focused on woven fabrics for dress shirts. The fabric samples comprised three groups with various yarn compositions – that is, cotton, polyester, and wool. Sample group 1 was composed of cotton, polyester, and blended yarns; sample group 2 mainly compared the effect of twist yarns on the fabric touch; and sample group 3 was composed of wool and blended yarns with polyester. The handling properties were assessed by compression work and the compression recovery rate for the compression attributes. The results revealed that fabric (T100p1) with high twist-level yarns had a higher value of compression work (242.56 gf*mm2), and the texture type may affect the compression characteristics more significantly than the blending ratio. The fabric touch tester can also distinguish small changes in the compression properties of samples (0.43–0.71), the maximum heat flux and surface roughness amplitude for the thermal and surface roughness properties. The results revealed that the maximum heat flux value of all the samples in this study was 1109 Wm−2, the sample C100 using pure cotton yarn had the highest maximum heat flux value (1270 Wm−2). Moreover, the sample W100 with 100% wool fiber yarn had the highest surface roughness amplitude in the warp direction (81 μm) and surface roughness amplitude in the weft direction (67 μm). Finally, the bending average rigidity was used to assess the bending performance of the fabric samples. These fabric touch tester indicators were applied to analyze the fabric handling characteristics of woven shirting fabrics, and perform cross-analysis among samples.

Keywords: Fabric touch tester, handling properties, compression, surface friction, thermal properties, bending properties