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Indian Journal of Marketing

ISSN: 0973-8703 Frequency: Monthly Peer Review: Double-blind Published since: 1968 Language: English
A publication of AMCPL
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New Delhi, India
Indexed in: Scopus Q3 UGC-CARE Group II ABDC: C Google Scholar J-Gate NAAS NISCAIR Crossref

Original Article

Subscription Original Article

Determinants of Sustainable Clothing Adoption : A Mixed-Method Study Integrating Thematic Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling

Kanika Rana1Sonali Banerjee2Vaishali Agarwal3Ashima Saxena4Priyanka Chadha5

1 Research Scholar , Amity Business School, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Sector 125, Noida - 201 313, Uttar Pradesh

2 Assistant Professor, Amity Business School, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Sector 125, Noida - 201 313, Uttar Pradesh

3 Professor, IMS, Ghaziabad

4 Assistant Professor School of Management IILM University Gurgaon, Gurgaon – 122 011, Haryana

5 Assistant Professor, Amity Business School, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Sector 125, Noida - 201 313, Uttar Pradesh

Volume 56
Issue 6
Pages 43–61
Year 2026
Received: Sept. 25, 2025 Accepted: April 25, 2026 Published: June 15, 2026
Abstract

Purpose: The study explored the determinants affecting sustainable clothing adoption behavior by extending the theory of planned behavior through the inclusion of consumer awareness (CAW), environmental concern (EC), environmental knowledge (EK), and perceived barriers (PB) in the emerging market scenario.

Methodology: A mixed-method approach was used in this research. During the qualitative phase, 120 respondents participated in an open-ended survey, and thematic analysis revealed sustainability-related factors affecting the adoption of sustainable clothing behavior, which were integrated into the extended theory of planned behavior (ETPB). During the quantitative phase, data were collected from 244 respondents using a structured Likert scale questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was utilized to validate the framework and examine the relationships among constructs.

Findings: The results highlighted that consumer attitude, perceived behavioral control, CAW, EC, and EK significantly influenced purchase intention, while PB negatively impacted purchase intention, and subjective norms were identified to be insignificant. Purchase intention strongly influenced buying behavior and mediated the relationship between antecedents and sustainable clothing adoption. Practical

Implications: The study highlighted that marketers and policymakers should promote the adoption of sustainable clothing by promoting sustainability awareness, improving eco-labeling transparency, strengthening consumer education, and reducing barriers related to affordability and accessibility.

Originality: The research incorporated thematic analysis with an ETPB framework to provide an extensive understanding of sustainable clothing adoption in an emerging market context.

Keywords sustainable clothing adoption consumer awareness environmental knowledge perceived barriers environmental concern structural equation modeling
How to Cite

Kanika Rana, Sonali Banerjee, Vaishali Agarwal, Ashima Saxena, Priyanka Chadha (2026). Determinants of Sustainable Clothing Adoption : A Mixed-Method Study Integrating Thematic Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling. Indian Journal of Marketing, 56(6), 43–61. https://doi.org/10.17010/ijom/2026/v56/i6/176018

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