Teaching Module on Clothing
Consumerism
Prepared by: __________________________
Institution: ___________________________
Academic Year: ________________________
This module is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the
phenomenon of clothing consumerism, its historical roots, modern-day challenges, and the
pathways toward sustainable fashion practices. It can be used by teachers, students, and
researchers as a resource for critical engagement with fast fashion and consumer culture.
Module Information
Module Title: Clothing Consumerism
Target Learners: Senior High School / College Students
Duration: 3–4 weeks (12–15 hours)
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of economics, environmental studies, and social issues
Module Developer: [Your Name]
Rationale
In today’s globalized world, fashion is no longer just about clothing but a complex
intersection of culture, economics, psychology, and sustainability. Clothing consumerism
has accelerated in the 21st century due to the rise of fast fashion brands that provide
affordable, trendy clothes at the cost of environmental damage and social exploitation. This
module is relevant because it helps learners critically analyze their own fashion
consumption habits, recognize the hidden costs behind the clothes they wear, and explore
possible solutions for a sustainable future.
General Objectives
At the end of the module, learners will acquire knowledge and skills that allow them to
critically understand clothing consumerism and promote sustainable practices in their own
communities.
Specific Objectives
1. 1. Define clothing consumerism and its historical development.
2. 2. Analyze the economic, environmental, and social consequences of fast fashion.
3. 3. Explain the psychological and cultural drivers of consumer behavior in clothing.
4. 4. Evaluate sustainable alternatives and industry practices.
5. 5. Design projects and campaigns that promote responsible clothing consumption.
Intended Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate understanding of key concepts related to clothing consumerism.
- Apply theories and case studies in analyzing the impacts of fast fashion.
- Engage in reflective activities that connect personal habits to global issues.
- Create innovative solutions that contribute to sustainable clothing consumption.
I. Introduction to Clothing Consumerism
Clothing consumerism refers to the increasing tendency of individuals and societies to buy
clothing in larger quantities and at faster rates than ever before. This phenomenon has been
largely shaped by the fast fashion industry, where clothing is mass-produced rapidly, sold
cheaply, and designed to be worn only for a short period. Unlike in the past, when garments
were handmade and valued for their durability, modern consumerism encourages constant
renewal of wardrobes, often resulting in waste and unsustainable practices.
For example, in the early 1900s, most people owned only a handful of clothing items, which
were repaired and reused. In contrast, today’s consumers may buy dozens of new outfits
each year, with some items worn only once for special occasions or social media posts. This
cultural shift has wide-ranging consequences not only for the environment but also for
labor rights, cultural traditions, and individual identity.
II. Environmental Impacts of Clothing Consumerism
The environmental consequences of fast fashion are vast and alarming. The industry is one
of the largest contributors to climate change, responsible for approximately 8–10% of
global greenhouse gas emissions (UNEP, 2020). The production of textiles requires massive
amounts of water and energy, and the waste generated is staggering.
- A single cotton T-shirt requires about 2,700 liters of water to produce (WWF, 2013).
- The dyeing and finishing processes pollute rivers, such as the Citarum River in
Indonesia.
- Over 92 million tons of textile waste are produced annually, with only 1% recycled
(World Bank, 2019).
- Synthetic fabrics shed microplastics, which account for 35% of ocean pollution (IUCN,
2017).
Learning Activities
Activity 1: Reflection Journal – Students write about their last three clothing purchases and
analyze the motivations behind them.
Activity 2: Group Debate – “Fast fashion benefits consumers but harms society: Should it be
banned?”
Activity 3: Case Study – Investigate the 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy and discuss corporate
responsibility.
Activity 4: Survey Project – Collect data on peer clothing habits and present findings.
Activity 5: Advocacy Campaign – Create posters, videos, or social media content promoting
sustainable consumption.
Assessment Methods
- Quizzes and exams to test conceptual understanding.
- Reflection papers connecting personal habits with global impacts.
- Group presentations on case studies.
- Final project: Campaign design for sustainable clothing practices.
References
Ekenga, C. C. (2018). The global environmental injustice of fast fashion. Environmental
Health, 17(92).
Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2017). A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning fashion’s
future.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (2017). Primary Microplastics in the
Oceans.
UNEP. (2020). Putting the brakes on fast fashion.
World Bank. (2019). How Much Do Our Wardrobes Cost to the Environment?
WWF. (2013). The Impact of Cotton on Freshwater Resources.
Verplanken, B. & Herabadi, A. (2001). Individual differences in impulse buying tendency:
Feeling and no thinking.
