Abstract
This thesis serves as an in-depth analysis of the fast fashion industry as it relates to consumers and seeks to identify and promote changes to enhance sustainability with a focus on reusing and repurposing secondhand clothing. The fast fashion industry is unique in its business model, means of production, and harm associated with it. It thrives on the exploitation of consumer desires that silently influence what and how consumers purchase clothing. Through an analysis of consumer desires and the harms associated with the industry through a literary discussion of scholarly articles previously written on these topics, solutions for both businesses and consumers are identified. Furthermore, awareness, involvement, and innovation are the focus of exploration for providing realistic solutions for consumers to become knowledgeable about sustainability and its impact. The outcome of the literary discussion was a creative project based on one sustainable practice, upcycling, through the restoration and alteration of second-hand clothing.
Semester/Year of Award
Fall 12-1-2025
Mentor
Dr. Randi Polk
Mentor Department Affiliation
Language and Cultural Studies, Anthropology, and Sociology
Access Options
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Honors Scholars
Degree Level
Bachelors
Department
Justice Studies
Recommended Citation
Hallman, Sarah, "A Closer Look At Your Closet: An Analysis of Consumer Desires, Fast Fashion’s Negative Harms, and Sustainable Solutions for Change" (2025). Honors Theses. 1127.
https://encompass.eku.edu/honors_theses/1127
