Work

Circular Shirt Builder: an apparel configurator to support healthier consumption boundaries in the textiles circular economy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The fashion industry faces urgent challenges related to overconsumption, material waste, and consumer detachment from garment lifecycles. While circular economy (CE) principles offer a promising alternative, strategies that actively engage consumers in circular practices remain underexplored. This study presents the Circular Shirt Builder (CSB), a physical apparel configurator designed to promote circular behaviours through modular garment design and embodied customisation. Using a Living Lab methodology, 19 participants engaged with the CSB in a stakeholder engagement platform in a retail-like setting, assembling modular shirts from a predefined library of components. The study employed a dual analysis approach: inductive thematic analysis and a deductive evaluation using the [ Anonymised for review] Framework . Findings suggest that the CSB can foster emotional attachment, support learning about garment construction, encourage creative self-expression, and prompt reflection on consumption habits. Several wellbeing dimensions, such as playfulness, agency, and prospective thinking, appeared to be activated through the hands-on interaction. This research indicated that configurator tools grounded in circular and wellbeing principles may support long-term product use, more mindful consumption, and greater consumer involvement in transitions toward a circular textile economy.

Source: Cleaner and Responsible Consumption

DOI: 10.1016/j.clrc.2026.100390

Authors: Ricardo O'Nascimento, Bruna Petreca, Morag Seaton, Sharon Baurley

Institution: Royal College of Art

Language: English

Topic: Cultural and Historical Studies

Subfield: Visual Arts and Performing Arts

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,630