Environmentally responsible apparel consumption and convertible dresses

Among the many methods to make sustainable garments, convertible garments have the potential to change style and function that allow consumers to keep and use garments longer with the possibility of enhancing sustainability. This research analyzes consumer preferences in changeable design options for convertible dresses and the consumers' influence on environmentally responsible apparel consumption (ERC) behaviors on their preferences regarding changeable design options of dresses, which are popular items. An online survey collected data from a convenient sample of 321 female college students from four universities in the United States. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS through descriptive analysis, cluster analysis, and independent samples t-test. There were significant differences between high and low ERC groups in design preferences that considered important aspects of purchasing, using convertible dresses, and purchase intentions. Detailed differences among sub-groups were analyzed. Designers are encouraged to make tying/folding/wrapping dresses with changes of size/fit, dress length, or color/pattern. The results are beneficial for apparel designers when developing convertible dresses with the guidance of consumers' design preferences and differences according to ERC levels.