GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Ethical Fashion Industry Statistics

Ethical fashion industry statistics show a growing demand for sustainable and ethically produced clothing, with consumers increasingly seeking transparency and accountability from brands.

Highlights: Ethical Fashion Industry Statistics

  • 66% of consumers globally say they are willing to pay more for sustainable goods.
  • In a survey by Nielsen, sustainable fashion trends prove most popular with Generation Z and Millenials.
  • The global ethical fashion market size was valued at USD 6.35 billion in 2019.
  • Ethical fashion is expected to reach a value of USD 8.25 Billion by 2023 at a CAGR of 6.2%.
  • 73% of global consumers would definitely or probably change their consumption habits to reduce their impact on the environment.
  • 69% of millennials check if a product is eco-friendly or sustainable before making a purchase.
  • In 2019, online searches for "sustainable fashion" tripled.
  • One in eight retailers are now showing signs of making improvements and moving towards ethical fashion.
  • The gender split in ethics-driven shopping habits is 69% female to 31% male.
  • 56% of European consumers put ethics/sustainability practices as the most important factor in their purchasing decision.
  • On a global scale, 57% of all consumers are willing to change their purchasing habits to help reduce negative environmental impact.
  • More than one in three consumers are now buying from brands based on their social and environmental impact.
  • The percentage of consumers who will pay more for brands committed to positive social and environmental impact has increased from 55% in 2014 to 66% in 2015.
  • In a 2019 survey, 50% of US and UK consumers considered sustainability when making a purchase.
  • There was a 37% increase in the number of shoppers using the terms "sustainable", "ethical", or "eco" to find products online in 2019.
  • More than two thirds (68%) of consumers cite limiting impact on the environment as the main reason for making an ethical purchase.
  • About 75% of the 16-24 age group try to make sustainable fashion choices as of 2019.
  • In 2019, three out of five fast fashion items were made from environment-friendly materials.

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The Latest Ethical Fashion Industry Statistics Explained

66% of consumers globally say they are willing to pay more for sustainable goods.

The statistic “66% of consumers globally say they are willing to pay more for sustainable goods” indicates that a significant majority of consumers across the world place a high value on sustainability when making purchasing decisions. This finding suggests a strong market potential for companies that prioritize sustainability in their products or operations, as consumers are increasingly showing a willingness to pay a premium for goods that have a positive environmental or social impact. This statistic underscores the growing demand for sustainable products and highlights the importance for businesses to integrate sustainability into their practices to meet consumer preferences and drive competitiveness in the market.

In a survey by Nielsen, sustainable fashion trends prove most popular with Generation Z and Millenials.

The statistic indicates that sustainable fashion trends are more popular among Generation Z and Millennials compared to other age groups. This suggests that younger generations are particularly interested in environmentally and socially conscious fashion choices. The preference for sustainable fashion among Gen Z and Millennials may be driven by increased awareness and concern for environmental issues, as well as a desire to support ethical and transparent practices within the fashion industry. This trend could potentially lead to shifts in consumer behavior and influence the direction of the fashion industry towards more sustainable and ethical practices to cater to the preferences of these younger generations.

The global ethical fashion market size was valued at USD 6.35 billion in 2019.

The statistic states that the global ethical fashion market was worth USD 6.35 billion in the year 2019. This figure indicates the total value of sales generated by companies involved in producing and selling ethical and sustainable fashion products worldwide during that particular year. The term “ethical fashion” typically refers to environmentally friendly practices, fair labor conditions, and social responsibility throughout the supply chain. The market size of USD 6.35 billion suggests that consumer interest and demand for ethically produced clothing and accessories were significant in 2019, motivating brands to offer more sustainable options and driving growth in this sector.

Ethical fashion is expected to reach a value of USD 8.25 Billion by 2023 at a CAGR of 6.2%.

This statistic suggests that the market for ethical fashion is projected to grow significantly, with its value expected to reach USD 8.25 billion by the year 2023. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.2% indicates the expected average annual growth rate of the industry over the specified time period. This positive growth trajectory suggests a rising consumer demand for ethically produced clothing and accessories, driven by factors such as increasing awareness of sustainability and ethical practices in the fashion industry. The projected value and growth rate indicate a promising future for ethical fashion as a profitable and sustainable sector within the broader fashion industry.

73% of global consumers would definitely or probably change their consumption habits to reduce their impact on the environment.

The statistic indicates that a significant majority of global consumers, specifically 73%, express a willingness to alter their consumption behaviors in order to decrease their environmental footprint. This suggests a growing awareness and concern among consumers regarding sustainability and environmental issues. The data highlights a potential shift towards more eco-friendly consumption practices, which may have implications for businesses and industries aiming to meet the evolving preferences and values of their customer base. Overall, this statistic reflects a positive trend towards increased environmental consciousness and a willingness to adopt more sustainable consumption habits among a majority of global consumers.

69% of millennials check if a product is eco-friendly or sustainable before making a purchase.

The statistic that 69% of millennials check if a product is eco-friendly or sustainable before making a purchase indicates a significant trend among this demographic towards prioritizing environmental considerations in their buying decisions. This finding suggests that millennials are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their consumption choices and are seeking out products that align with their values of sustainability and eco-friendliness. Companies that cater to this preference by offering environmentally-friendly products may be more likely to attract and retain millennial consumers, underscoring the importance of sustainability in contemporary consumer behavior and marketing strategies targeting this demographic.

In 2019, online searches for “sustainable fashion” tripled.

The statistic suggesting that online searches for “sustainable fashion” tripled in 2019 indicates a significant increase in interest and awareness around environmentally conscious clothing practices. This surge in searches could reflect a growing trend towards ethical consumerism and a shift in consumer preferences towards more sustainable and eco-friendly fashion choices. The tripling of online searches may suggest that consumers are becoming more informed and are actively seeking out sustainable fashion options, leading to potential changes in the fashion industry towards greater sustainability practices and transparency.

One in eight retailers are now showing signs of making improvements and moving towards ethical fashion.

The statistic ‘One in eight retailers are now showing signs of making improvements and moving towards ethical fashion’ suggests that approximately 12.5% of retailers are actively taking steps to improve their practices and align with ethical fashion standards. This could include measures such as sourcing materials ethically, ensuring fair working conditions in their supply chain, and promoting sustainable manufacturing processes. The statistic indicates a positive trend towards more responsible and sustainable practices within the retail industry, reflecting increasing consumer demand for socially and environmentally conscious products. Ultimately, this statistic highlights the potential for significant positive impact as more retailers transition towards ethical fashion practices.

The gender split in ethics-driven shopping habits is 69% female to 31% male.

The statistic indicates that among individuals who engage in ethics-driven shopping habits, 69% are female and 31% are male. This gender split suggests that a larger proportion of females prioritize ethical considerations in their shopping decisions compared to males. The disparity could be influenced by various factors, such as differing values, attitudes, and awareness towards ethical consumerism. Understanding these gender differences in ethics-driven shopping habits can be valuable for businesses and marketers aiming to target specific demographic groups and tailor their messaging and products accordingly.

56% of European consumers put ethics/sustainability practices as the most important factor in their purchasing decision.

The statistic ‘56% of European consumers put ethics/sustainability practices as the most important factor in their purchasing decision’ indicates that a majority of consumers in Europe prioritize ethical and sustainable practices when making purchasing decisions. This suggests a growing awareness and importance placed on social and environmental responsibility among European consumers, influencing their choices as they seek products and brands that align with their values. As a result, companies operating in the European market should consider integrating ethical and sustainable practices into their business strategies to cater to this consumer preference and potentially gain a competitive advantage.

On a global scale, 57% of all consumers are willing to change their purchasing habits to help reduce negative environmental impact.

The statistic indicates that a majority of consumers worldwide, specifically 57%, express a willingness to modify their purchasing behavior in order to contribute to minimizing the negative environmental impact of their consumption choices. This suggests a growing awareness and concern among consumers regarding environmental issues, with a significant portion demonstrating a readiness to take action through their buying decisions. The statistic underscores the potential impact that consumer choices can have on driving sustainability and environmental conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of businesses and industries aligning with sustainability practices to meet the evolving preferences and values of modern consumers.

More than one in three consumers are now buying from brands based on their social and environmental impact.

This statistic indicates that a significant proportion of consumers are now making purchasing decisions based on social and environmental considerations. Specifically, it suggests that slightly more than 33% of consumers are actively choosing brands that demonstrate social responsibility and positive environmental practices. This trend reflects a growing concern among consumers about sustainability, corporate ethics, and the impact of their purchasing decisions on society and the planet. Companies that prioritize social and environmental responsibility are likely to attract this segment of consumers who value ethical practices and are willing to align their purchasing behavior with their values. This statistic underscores the importance for businesses to incorporate sustainable and socially responsible practices into their operations to remain competitive in today’s market.

The percentage of consumers who will pay more for brands committed to positive social and environmental impact has increased from 55% in 2014 to 66% in 2015.

The statistic indicates that there has been a notable increase in the percentage of consumers willing to pay a higher price for brands that are dedicated to making positive social and environmental impacts. Specifically, the percentage has risen from 55% in 2014 to 66% in 2015, suggesting a growing trend towards socially responsible consumption. This shift in consumer behavior highlights an increasing awareness and importance placed on ethical considerations by individuals when making purchasing decisions. Brands that actively demonstrate their commitment to social and environmental responsibility may therefore have a competitive edge in attracting and retaining customers in a marketplace where values and sustainability are becoming increasingly significant factors in consumer choices.

In a 2019 survey, 50% of US and UK consumers considered sustainability when making a purchase.

The statistic that states “In a 2019 survey, 50% of US and UK consumers considered sustainability when making a purchase” suggests that a substantial portion of consumers in the United States and the United Kingdom place importance on sustainability factors when deciding what products to buy. This finding indicates a growing trend towards environmentally and socially responsible consumption behaviors among individuals in these countries. The statistic highlights a significant shift in consumer preferences towards supporting companies and products that align with sustainable practices, indicating a potential opportunity for businesses to capitalize on this trend by incorporating sustainability initiatives into their offerings.

There was a 37% increase in the number of shoppers using the terms “sustainable”, “ethical”, or “eco” to find products online in 2019.

The statistic stating there was a 37% increase in the number of shoppers using the terms “sustainable”, “ethical”, or “eco” to find products online in 2019 indicates a significant shift in consumer behavior towards more environmentally conscious and socially responsible purchasing habits. This increase suggests that more individuals are actively seeking products that align with their values of sustainability and ethics, signaling a growing awareness and interest in supporting environmentally friendly and socially responsible brands. This trend can have implications for businesses to adapt their marketing strategies and product offerings to meet the increasing demand for sustainable and ethical products in the market.

More than two thirds (68%) of consumers cite limiting impact on the environment as the main reason for making an ethical purchase.

The statistic that more than two thirds (68%) of consumers cite limiting impact on the environment as the main reason for making an ethical purchase indicates a significant portion of consumers prioritize sustainability when making purchasing decisions. This statistic suggests that there is a growing awareness and concern among consumers about the environmental impact of the products they buy, leading them to seek out ethically produced goods. By highlighting this trend, businesses and marketers can recognize the importance of incorporating sustainable practices into their products and messaging to resonate with this consumer group and potentially attract more environmentally conscious consumers. Overall, this statistic underscores the increasing relevance of environmental considerations in the consumer marketplace and the importance of aligning business practices with these values.

About 75% of the 16-24 age group try to make sustainable fashion choices as of 2019.

The statistic indicates that approximately 75% of individuals within the 16-24 age group reported making conscious efforts to engage in sustainable fashion practices as of 2019. This suggests a notable trend among young adults towards prioritizing environmentally friendly and socially responsible fashion choices. Such behavior may include purchasing from sustainable and ethical brands, opting for second-hand clothing, recycling or upcycling garments, and being mindful of the environmental impact of their fashion consumption. The high percentage suggests a significant level of awareness and concern among this demographic regarding sustainable practices within the fashion industry, highlighting a potential shift towards more sustainable behaviors among the younger generation.

In 2019, three out of five fast fashion items were made from environment-friendly materials.

The statistic “In 2019, three out of five fast fashion items were made from environment-friendly materials” indicates that 60% of the fast fashion items produced that year were manufactured using sustainable and eco-friendly materials. This suggests a positive shift in the fashion industry towards more sustainable practices in response to growing environmental concerns. The use of environment-friendly materials in the majority of fast fashion items signifies a step towards reducing the industry’s environmental impact, such as lower carbon emissions, reduced water usage, and decreased waste generation. This statistic highlights a promising trend towards sustainability in the fast fashion sector, but also points out the need for further improvements to promote environmentally responsible practices throughout the industry.

References

0. – https://www.www.forbes.com

1. – https://www.www.unilever.com

2. – https://www.www.nielsen.com

3. – https://www.www.fashionrevolution.org

4. – https://www.www.retailgazette.co.uk

5. – https://www.www.sustainyourstyle.org

6. – https://www.www.mckinsey.com

7. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

8. – https://www.www.bbc.co.uk

9. – https://www.www.firstinsight.com

10. – https://www.www.theguardian.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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