Capturing sustainable fashion purchase behavior of Hispanic consumers in the US

ABSTRACT Despite the vital role Hispanic consumers play in the U.S. apparel market, research on their sustainable apparel consumption behavior is limited. This study investigated the influence of normative expectations on young Hispanic consumers’ organic apparel purchasing behavior. A self-administered online survey was used to collect data from a population of Hispanic college students. The proposed conceptual model was tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). The study results revealed that social norms did not directly influence organic apparel purchase behavior of Hispanic consumers. Instead, social norms determined personal norms and organic apparel knowledge, which then affected the purchase behavior. Perceived health benefits also significantly affected young Hispanic consumers’ purchase behavior of organic apparel. We also found that organic apparel knowledge significantly affected the perceived quality and health benefits of organic apparel. This study contributed to the literature by 1) understanding the complex relationships of social norms with personal norms, organic apparel knowledge, and organic apparel purchase behavior of Hispanic consumers, and 2) incorporating perceived product value into the conceptual model. Findings of this study can help sustainable apparel manufacturers and retailers to develop effective marketing strategies for targeting Hispanic consumers in the US apparel markets.