What the study found
Consumer clothing disposal behaviour in the Czech Republic differed by gender and age, and female consumers were described as primarily acting sustainably with textile waste. The abstract also says durability problems were the main reason clothes were discarded.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that manufacturers and policymakers can support sustainability through better textile quality, at-home recycling initiatives, and consumer education. The study indicates that consumer education is the most important factor for policymakers to prioritise in encouraging better purchasing, repair, and disposal behaviours.
What the researchers tested
The study used a quantitative, positivist approach with a structured questionnaire to measure clothing disposal behaviours and reasons in the Czech Republic. Responses were analysed with frequency percentages, gender- and age-normalised summaries, cross-tabulation chi-square tests, and Cramér’s V for effect size.
What worked and what didn't
The findings say female consumers were more likely to act sustainably with textile waste, but the abstract notes that changes in purchasing habits could improve this further. Durability issues were identified as the main disposal reason, and the paper says this points to possible roles for better textile quality, recycling initiatives, and education.
What to keep in mind
The sample was anonymous and self-selected, and it was younger and digitally connected, which may limit how well the findings generalise. The abstract also notes that respondents are presumed to have an interest in fashion or sustainability, and the sample was 81% women.
Key points
- Clothing disposal behaviour in the Czech Republic varied by gender and age.
- Female consumers were described as primarily acting sustainably with textile waste.
- Durability issues were the main reason clothes were discarded.
- The authors say better textile quality, at-home recycling initiatives, and consumer education could support sustainability.
- The sample was self-selected, younger, digitally connected, and 81% women.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Czech consumers’ clothing disposal is shaped by gender and age
- Authors:
- Jakub Wiener, Divan Coetzee, Tereza Šubrová
- Institutions:
- Technical University of Liberec
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-03
- OpenAlex record:
- View
Get the weekly research newsletter
Stay current with peer-reviewed research without reading academic papers — one filtered digest, every Friday.