Durability in Clothing: User Studies and Business Models as a Strategic Tool

Durability in Clothing: User Studies and Business Models as a Strategic Tool

Danish title: Holdbarhed i beklædning: brugerstudier og forretningsmodeller som strategisk redskab

The project explores how knowledge of people’s relationships with and use of clothing—including practices of maintenance, repair, and replacement—can inform the development of new products, services, and business models that support longer use phases and more sustainable patterns of consumption.

In collaboration with a number of Danish SMEs in the textile and clothing sector, the project conducts user studies to investigate how clothing is used and becomes part of everyday practices. Building on these insights, the project will develop and test new solutions that can contribute to extending the useful life of clothing.

A key focus is how design strategies for durability can be integrated into the development of circular business models. The project will develop and test at least 21 circular value propositions in which durability in use is embedded as an integral part of the business strategy. The aim is to generate practice-based knowledge as well as concrete methods and tools that companies can apply when developing solutions that support longer garment lifespans.

The project’s findings and experiences will be shared with companies and other relevant stakeholders through an annual Textile Seminar, publications, and other dissemination activities.

The project is supported by the Danish Board of Business Development through Virksomhedsudvikling Danmark and is led by KLOTHING at the Royal Danish Academy, in close collaboration with Copenhagen Business Academy, Aalborg University, and a number of Danish SMEs in the textile and clothing sector.