Consumers and Sustainable Fashion: A Systematic Literature Review (2020-2024)

The fashion industry remains a major driver of environmental harm and social inequality. Since 2020, disruptions such as the Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions and emerging sustainability issues have significantly reshaped how consumers engage with fashion, fueling public debate, increasing industry focus and attracting academic interest in sustainable fashion consumption. However, research produced during this timespan is often fragmented, employing diverse methods and perspectives. This systematic literature review aims to synthesise studies published between 2020 and 2024 on consumer positions toward sustainable fashion. Key recent trends include the dominance of survey-based studies adopting quantitative approaches, a geographical focus on Asia and Europe and an increasing variety of adopted theoretical approaches. Moreover, main recent topics of interest emerge through content analysis, such as the importance of adequate communication, the role of digital channels, interest in sociodemographic trends and a deeper, evolving understanding of the attitude-behaviour gap. Overall, the study aims to offer timely guidance for future research and concrete targeted strategies for a more sustainable fashion system.