Sustainable enclothed cognition

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings By introducing the concepts of SEC and its relationship with ESL and ERC, Cegarra-Navarro et al. (2025) emphasize sustainable enclothed cognition and its implications for both brands and consumers. The values, attributes, and emotions displayed by consumer clothing choices, acting as a form of non-verbal communication, are integral in the creation of sustainable business practices. Intersectional knowledge, composed of rational, emotional, and spiritual, highlights how consumer knowledge and decisions are shaped beyond aesthetics and function. This provides a clear avenue for brands to leverage consumer cocreativity and engagement to foster stronger relationships, enhance brand credibility, and create strategies and initiatives that align with their audiences’ values. Research limitations/implications Fashion brands and retailers should implement sustainable practices and processes within their product design, creation, and dissemination. Fashion brands and retailers should implement programs to educate consumers about sustainable fashion practices and their impact and encourage cocreativity and customer engagement. Consumers should practice self-reflection and exhibit conscious decision-making about how clothing choices align with their values and emotions. Consumers should actively seek education and knowledge about sustainable fashion. Policymakers should pursue educational initiatives and incentives to develop and maintain the relationship between brand and consumer to leverage sustainability. Researchers should integrate concepts of SEC, ESL, and ERC into curricula and partner with brands to implement findings. Practical implications Fashion brands and retailers should implement sustainable practices and processes within their product design, creation, and dissemination. Fashion brands and retailers should implement programs to educate consumers about sustainable fashion practices and their impact and encourage cocreativity and customer engagement. Consumers should practice self-reflection and exhibit conscious decision-making about how clothing choices align with their values and emotions. Consumers should actively seek education and knowledge about sustainable fashion. Policymakers should pursue educational initiatives and incentives to develop and maintain the relationship between brand and consumer to leverage sustainability. Researchers should integrate concepts of SEC, ESL, and ERC into curricula and partner with brands to implement findings. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.