Design for Reuse: The Impact of Initial Clothing Design Choices on Reuse Potential in Finland's Second-Hand Market

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School of Arts, Design and Architecture | Bachelor's thesis
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Date

2025

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Major/Subject

Design

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Degree programme

Bachelor's Programme in Design

Language

en

Pages

66+6

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Abstract

The second-hand clothing market is predicted to continue growing in the coming years. At the same time, post-consumer waste generated by overconsumption and overproduction in the fashion industry remains a concerning issue. This thesis investigates how fashion design can enhance clothing reuse within the second-hand market, aiming to support circularity in the fashion industry. While the environmental and social impacts of fashion production are gaining the attention of researchers, manufacturers, and consumers, the reuse of garments offers a promising intervention point that has not been deeply explored in the reviewed literature. This study is positioned in the context of the Finnish second-hand online clothing market, due to the high level of maturity and potential growth of this industry. Focusing on the reuse phase of the garment lifecycle, the research explores how initial design choices impact a product's potential to be resold and reused. The aim is to identify what elements and designers should focus on to improve the potential of clothing being resold and reused. Following this, the thesis reviewed literature from three different streams to frame the research: design for longevity, second-hand consumption, and consumer motivations and needs. The study adopts a qualitative research approach through semi-structured interviews with two groups of experts in this field: Circularity Experts and SHC Resale Professionals. Based on the data insights, four key themes emerged as relevant to addressing the reuse phase within the design process: Quality, User-Centric Design, Aesthetic Appeal, and Life-Cycle Awareness. These themes include design elements and strategies that may potentially prolong garment circulation, specifically during the reuse phase, influencing their potential to be resold. Based on the findings, this research reflects on the practical implications for designers, brands, and resale professionals aiming to integrate reuse considerations into product development. This becomes increasingly important given the current shift in legislation and growing pressure for a more sustainable industry in the EU. The research also contributes to current and future research examining second-hand clothing market from a design perspective, as well as approaches to designing for clothing circulation.

Description

Supervisor

Chun, Namkyu

Thesis advisor

Rumo, Delphine

Keywords

design for reuse, second-hand clothing market, second-hand consumer, circular fashion, designers, clothing design, Finland

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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202507135603

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[kand] Taiteiden ja suunnittelun korkeakoulu / ARTS (Open access)