Measures and barriers in the implementation of higher education in sustainable fashion design: a systematic literature review

Purpose This paper aims to identify the current actions and hindrances encountered in the implementation of fashion design for sustainability (FDfS) in higher education institutions (HEIs), for which a theoretical framework was built to boost FDfS in universities. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was conducted taking as reference Web of Science, Scopus and Education Resources Information Center databases from 2015 to now. A content analysis was also performed by studying the full 48 articles and their contributions. Findings Based on the targeted audience, a framework was developed that considered student awareness, teachers’ participation, HEIs and other related stakeholders to make fashion design and the fashion industry part of the process toward sustainability. Research limitations/implications Despite fashion design requiring a comprehensive subject to be analyzed and involving the textile industry, providers and sales forces, this study only focuses on the education system. Practical implications This paper provides the academic community with a comprehensive description of higher education practices in FDfS to the academic community, promotes research in the field and paves the way for HEIs toward sustainable development. Originality/value Literature has not hitherto examined the linkage between fashion design and HEIs. Furthermore, the active engagement of HEI stakeholders at all levels contributed to the environment or community concerned with the pursuit of research, education and scholarship to formulate the new framework.