LASTING Archives - Clothing research

Understanding garment durability through local lenses: a participatory study with communities across the globe

Authors: Hester Vanacker, Andrée-Anne Lemieux, Kirsi Laitala, Michelle Dindi, Sophie Bonnier & Samir Lamouri. Abstract The overproduction of garments, often of low quality, contributes significantly to environmental degradation, especially in the Global South. Therefore, assessing the durability of garments has attracted… Understanding garment durability through local lenses: a participatory study with communities across the globe

Garment durability framework with intrinsic and extrinsic properties in the centre, surrounded by durability, life cycle stages and local context.

New study highlights how cultural and local contexts shape the longevity of clothing

A new open-access article in Scientific Reports (Nature Portfolio) explores how communities across the globe define and practice garment durability. The study, titled “Understanding garment durability through local lenses: a participatory study with communities across… New study highlights how cultural and local contexts shape the longevity of clothing

Announcing the publication of Decentering Durability: Decarbonizing and Decolonizing Ideas and Practices of Long-Lasting Clothes

Just published in Fashion Theory, an article exploring durability through a decolonial lens. The research it builds on was conducted as part of the LASTING project, led by our very own Kirsi Laitala and funded… Announcing the publication of Decentering Durability: Decarbonizing and Decolonizing Ideas and Practices of Long-Lasting Clothes

Clothing Research at ESA 2024

The European Sociological Association’s main biennial event this year took the clothing researchers to Porto! When: 27th – 30th August 2024Where: University of Porto, Portugal Set on the beautiful backdrop of Porto, the main themes… Clothing Research at ESA 2024

Holding on or letting go: Conflicting narratives of product longevity

Authors: Lisbeth Løvbak Berg, Marie Hebrok Abstract Increasing product longevity is seen as an effective way to reduce consumption within the circular economy. This paper explores narratives of product longevity, focusing on textiles, household appliances,… Holding on or letting go: Conflicting narratives of product longevity

The Impact of Modes of Acquisition on Clothing Lifetimes

Authors: Kirsi Laitela, Ingun Grimstad Klepp and Lisbeth Løvbak Berg Abstract Reducing the environmental impact of clothing is dependent on a reduction of the produced volume. This chapter discusses how mode and volumes of acquisition… The Impact of Modes of Acquisition on Clothing Lifetimes

Panel discussion on stage at Lasting's end seminar.

Lasting, durability and lifespan: Looking closer at the terms

The Lasting project’s end seminar discussed if durability and lifespan is relevant for all product groups, or fails to address the actual pressing issues for some, such as textiles.

Lost in the masses: is product longevity the solution?

Seminar, Wednesday 18th of October 2023, 10:00-15:15, OsloMet, Pilestredet 35

Narratives of product longevity: a business vs. consumer perspective

Authors: Lisbeth Løvbak Berg and Marie Hebrok Abstract This paper explores narratives of product longevity expressed by businesses and consumers, with the aim of illuminating and comparing ways in which the two stakeholder groups express… Narratives of product longevity: a business vs. consumer perspective

Why won’t you complain? Consumer rights and the unmet product lifespan requirements

Authors: Kirsi Laitala, Lisbeth Løvbak Berg and Pål Strandbakken. Abstract The Consumer Purchases Act is one of the cornerstones for ensuring that businesses are liable for defective or faulty products that do not meet the… Why won’t you complain? Consumer rights and the unmet product lifespan requirements

Flawed or redundant: products with long lifespans against the odds

Authors: Harald Throne-Holst and Kirsi Laitala Abstract Many strategies are proposed that should enable the consumers to keep using the products for longer, but there is less research on which and how consumer practices contribute… Flawed or redundant: products with long lifespans against the odds

A full PLATE with a 7-course SIFO menu

Holding on or letting go? Why don’t consumers complain more? Why do we hang on to stuff that is flawed? How to make fast fashion out of fashion and actually degrow the textile sector? All… A full PLATE with a 7-course SIFO menu