1. Introduction
Sustainability has emerged as a paramount concern within the global fashion industry, drawing attention from diverse stakeholders such as fashion brands, consumers, researchers, and practitioners, with a specific focus on environmental and social factors [
1,
2,
3]. Consumers are becoming more aware of issues in the fashion industry and have a desire to support ethical practices through their purchasing decisions [
4,
5,
6,
7,
8]. While the broader fashion industry faces scrutiny for its sustainability challenges, our study directs its lens toward the distinctive and evolving landscape of Muslim fashion. In navigating this intersection, we seek to unravel the complex dynamics that define sustainable consumer behavior within the context of Muslim fashion.
Muslim fashion is a unique approach to fashion trends that has its roots in Islamic principles [
9]. It entails the careful planning of garments and accessories that respect Islamic standards for modest attire, placing a focus on suitable body covering and observance of Sharia hygiene regulations. This trend includes a wide variety of options, such as headscarves, hijabs, and other clothing that conforms to Islamic dress codes [
10]. Muslim fashion is distinguished by its distinct blend of modern designs and Islamic modesty, while regional influences add to the diverse array of styles seen throughout the world.
The growing market demand for Muslim Fashion underscores not only a desire among Muslim consumers for clothing that meets religious requirements but also reflects a broader interest in the global fashion landscape [
11,
12,
13]. This trend, marked by its seamless integration of contemporary styles with Islamic modesty, serves as a testament to the dynamic intersection of cultural and religious influences in the ever-evolving world of fashion [
12]. The significant transformation in Muslim fashion goes beyond being merely a trend within Muslim culture; it is a profound reflection of cultural values and identity [
14,
15,
16]. Our research recognizes the resurgence of interest in Muslim clothing styles, notably influenced by a subculture introduced by the millennial generation in the early 21st century [
17,
18,
19,
20]. This emergence has propelled Muslim attire to become a part of contemporary fashion [
13]. The State of the Global Islamic Clothing Market size was valued at USD 72.57 billion in 2021 and is poised to grow from USD 76.19 billion in 2022 to USD 112 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5% in the forecast period (2023–2030) (Islamic Clothing Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis, By Product, Type, End users—Industry Forecast 2022–2028. (2023, November).
https://www.skyquestt.com/report/islamic-clothing-market, accessed on 16 November 2023). This evolution has propelled Muslim attire into the realm of contemporary fashion, underlined by the substantial growth of the global Islamic clothing market. As the intersection of Islamic clothing and fashion trends expands, there is a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive research to understand the dynamics of sustainable consumer behavior within the unique context of Muslim fashion.
However, the existing literature review focuses on mainstream fashion, leaving a notable gap in understanding sustainable consumer behavior in Muslim fashion. Previous bibliometric studies by Mukendi et al. [
8] conducted a comprehensive review of 6200 sustainable fashion articles, selected 465 relevant studies, and highlighted the need for new research and theories in the field, contributing to the consolidation of sustainable fashion. The study by Busalim et al. [
21] discusses the systematic review of consumer behavior studies in sustainable fashion, highlighting an important rise in publications but a lack of representation of some research methods and the need for more theoretically grounded research to address the gap between consumer attitudes and behavior. Abbate et al. [
22] examined consumer attitudes toward eco-friendly apparel, circular economy initiatives, and supply chain sustainability issues. This paper presents an SLR of sustainability trends in the textile, apparel, and fashion industries over the past 20 years. Through a qualitative literature evaluation of 25 studies, the Domingos et al. [
23] study seeks to identify the variables related to the behavior of Slow Fashion consumers, as well as their values, attitudes, and motives. In their article [
24], Wagner and Heinzel present an SLR on how people perceive recycled textiles and circular fashion, stressing consumer views that vary and the impact of societal and cultural aspects.
While existing studies have provided extensive insights into consumer behavior and sustainable fashion, limited research has specifically addressed sustainable consumer behavior within Muslim fashion. Our study fills this gap by exploring how Muslim consumers incorporate environmentally friendly clothing choices into their decision-making processes, delving into the unique intersection of cultural and fashion preferences. These nuanced dimensions underscore the novelty of our research, contributing not only to sustainable fashion literature but also enhancing the understanding of sustainable consumer behavior in Muslim fashion.
By extending their findings while drawing methodological inspiration from earlier research [
21,
22,
23,
24], the objective of this study is to present a comprehensive overview of existing scholarly works by conducting an extensive bibliometric analysis focused on sustainable consumer behavior in Muslim fashion literature in the field. The analysis is based on a sample of 90 articles retrieved from WoS and Scopus, covering the period from 2015 to 2023. With the use of Biblioshiny and VOSviewer, the study was examined.
In some aspects, this research contributes to the existing literature. (1) The first study to highlight the essential traits of texts on sustainable consumer behavior in the context of fashion among Muslims. The study identifies notable authors, articles, organizations, nations, and highly cited publications in addition to key statistical factors, including publishing and citation trends. (2) The study offers a thorough mapping analysis of research articles in relation to sustainable consumer behavior in the context of fashion among Muslims, including a variety of scientific mapping techniques, such as network and cluster visualization, co-citation analysis, co-occurrence analysis, bibliographic coupling, and enrichment bibliometric techniques. (3) It examines 90 studies that were carried out between 2015 and 2023 using a bibliometric technique. The study concludes with a summary of the issues faced by the Muslim fashion community in terms of sustainable consumer behavior as well as recommendations for further research.
The following sections of this paper are organized as follows:
Section 2 provides the methodology employed in this study. It includes detailed bibliometrics workflows, including the application of the PRISMA Diagram.
Section 3 presents the bibliometric results (performance and science mapping analysis).
Section 4 presents the discussion (including research trends and future research direction).
Section 5 presents the contribution, limitation, and conclusion.
4. Discussion
4.1. Research Trends
From the results of the presented bibliometric performance and science mapping analysis, it is revealed that there are several prominent research themes that provide an understanding of consumer behavior in the context of Muslim fashion. The analysis gives an overview of the knowledge base established by researchers in exploring key aspects related to consumer behavior in the world of Muslim fashion. Some highlighted aspects include (1) sustainable fashion and circular economy, (2) apparel and social media, (3) fast fashion and sustainable development, and (4) luxury, millennials, and trust.
The integration of sustainable fashion principles, circular economy, and overall sustainability is pivotal in shaping the Muslim fashion industry and aligning it with ethical and environmental values. This involves a conscientious approach to design and production that considers the entire lifecycle of clothing, emphasizing principles of a circular economy to minimize waste and maximize resource reuse [
22,
65,
66,
67,
68,
69,
70,
71,
72,
73,
74].
In addition to reducing environmental impact, sustainable practices in Muslim fashion align with Islamic values, emphasizing responsible stewardship of the Earth. The concept of slow fashion [
67,
75,
76,
77], promoting quality over trends, holds significance, and sustainability extends throughout the supply chain, emphasizing ethical sourcing and fair labor practices. This sustainability journey in Muslim fashion is not only about environmental responsibility but also aligns with the broader goals of promoting modesty, simplicity, and mindful consumption. By pioneering sustainability, Muslim fashion contributes to redefining industry standards and stands as a testament to the compatibility of faith, fashion, and environmental responsibility. This evolution not only shapes the Muslim fashion landscape but also contributes to a global movement toward a more conscious and sustainable future for the entire fashion industry.
The integration of social media has revolutionized the fashion industry, enhancing consumer engagement and brand visibility. With interactions and exchanges taking place through various digital platforms and involving numerous actors, including influencers [
78], review websites [
79], and social media posts [
62,
80,
81,
82], the online retail context significantly influences consumer behavior. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok play a pivotal role in shaping trends and consumer behavior, serving as dynamic spaces for real-time interaction and style inspiration. Fashion brands utilize social media not only for marketing but also to understand evolving consumer preferences. This shift prompts questions about authenticity [
81] and sustainability as the instantaneous nature of social media accelerates the fashion cycle. Our exploration highlights the multifaceted impact, from shaping trends to raising crucial questions about authenticity and sustainability in the digital age.
The intersection of fast fashion and sustainable development is a critical point in the landscape of the modern fashion industry. Fast fashion, known for its rapid production cycles and trend dissemination, faces increasing scrutiny for its environmental and ethical impact [
72,
76,
83,
84,
85,
86,
87,
88]. Acknowledging these concerns, the fashion industry is now embracing sustainable practices to address issues like overconsumption [
89,
90], environmental degradation [
91], and carbon footprints associated with mass production. Our study found this complex relationship, examining industry practices and perceptions to highlight challenges and opportunities for aligning fast fashion with sustainability. The transformative potential of technological innovations [
92] emphasizes ethical sourcing [
60,
72,
86,
93,
94], eco-friendly materials [
85,
95,
96], and circular economy models that prioritize durability and recyclability. However, there is tension between fast CV and the growing consensus that responsible practices can coexist with the demand for rapid fashion cycles. Initiatives promoting transparency, ethical sourcing, and consumer education are pivotal in reshaping the narrative, turning sustainable fashion from a niche to a mainstream necessity. In conclusion, our study contributes to the ongoing dialogue on how the fashion sector can evolve toward a more sustainable and responsible future.
Generation Z consumers, known for their strong environmental consciousness, show a preference for sustainable packaging, free returns, and discount promotions in online stores [
97,
98,
99,
100]. While fair wages and working conditions are considered crucial in sustainable clothing attributes, they are secondary to fit and comfort [
100]. Price consciousness does not contribute significantly to relative advantage [
101].
The interplay of luxury, millennials, and trust reshapes the fashion landscape. Millennials, seeking transparency and ethical practices, redefine luxury beyond status symbols. Trust becomes pivotal, with social responsibility, sustainability, and digital storytelling influencing millennials’ perception of luxury brands. Social media acts as a powerful tool for brands to establish and reinforce trust, emphasizing authentic engagement and a cohesive online presence. Our exploration highlights the evolving dynamics in the industry, emphasizing the need for luxury brands to prioritize trust in connecting with socially conscious millennials.
Moreover, the analysis results also indicate that there are still research areas that have not been fully explored, highlighting deficiencies in contributions or understanding that can be further deepened in the context of Muslim fashion. Therefore, there are opportunities for further research to fill these knowledge gaps, enriching the literature and our understanding of consumer behavior in the realm of Muslim fashion. By identifying these key themes, future research can provide further insights and enhance a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of consumer behavior in the Muslim fashion industry.
4.2. Future Research Direction
The bibliometric analysis developed in this part, which also aids in consolidating new research trend areas in sustainable consumer behavior in Muslim fashion, suggests a future study agenda (RQ3). While there has been a heightened focus on sustainable consumer behavior in academic and practical research, several gaps in this field persist that require attention, particularly within the context of Muslim fashion.
Future research should conduct in-depth analyses of consumer behavior within the Muslim fashion context. Investigate the influence of cultural and religious factors on sustainable fashion choices, considering the role of Islamic values, modesty, and cultural preferences in shaping decision-making processes [
10,
12,
59,
75].
- 2.
Implementation of Circular Economy in Muslim Fashion:
Further exploration is needed to understand how circular economy principles [
70,
71,
72,
102,
103,
104] can be effectively implemented in the Muslim fashion industry. Research should focus on integrating sustainable practices throughout the Muslim fashion supply chain, emphasizing ethical sourcing, fair labor practices, and the adoption of circular fashion concepts aligned with Islamic values.
- 3.
Social Media Impact on Muslim Fashion Trends:
Explore the specific impact of social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, on shaping trends and consumer behavior within the Muslim fashion context. Investigate how these platforms contribute to real-time interaction [
84], community building [
105], and the dissemination of style inspiration while maintaining authenticity and sustainability [
81].
- 4.
Balancing Fast Fashion and Sustainability in Muslim Fashion:
Research should address the challenges and opportunities in balancing the demands of fast fashion [
72,
83,
85,
86,
87,
88,
106] with sustainability within the Muslim fashion industry. Examine how technological innovations [
92], ethical sourcing [
60,
86,
94], and eco-friendly materials [
6,
85,
95,
96] can be applied in a way that respects Islamic values and aligns with the principles of modesty and responsible stewardship.
- 5.
Trust Dynamics in Muslim Luxury Fashion:
Delve into the dynamics of trust-building between Muslim consumers and luxury fashion brands. Explore how social responsibility [
78,
81,
107,
108], sustainable practices [
81,
96,
109,
110], and digital storytelling can influence the perception of trust within the Muslim fashion context. Investigate the role of social media in fostering authentic engagement and maintaining a cohesive online presence [
62,
80,
82].
5. Conclusions, Contributions, and Limitations
In conclusion, this bibliometric study provides crucial insights into the dynamic landscape of sustainable consumer behavior in fashion within the Muslim context. The findings underscore a growing interest in this field, marked by collaborative research endeavors and a significant surge in publications. The substantial growth, exemplified by the remarkable 57.05% growth rate, highlights the contemporaneity and relevance of the topic within academic and practitioner communities.
Identifying publications, authors, countries, and impactful articles illuminates the scholarly landscape. Moreover, the performance analysis, coupled with science mapping, provides valuable insights into dominant trends and central ideas in the Muslim literature concerning sustainable consumer behavior in fashion. Visual representations, such as co-citation analysis, bibliographic coupling, and co-occurrence analysis, offer a clear visualization of the knowledge structure, aiding in the identification of research gaps and opportunities for future investigations.
This study makes a significant contribution to the existing literature by distinguishing comprehensive analysis of sustainable consumer behavior in the Muslin fashion context. Sustainable consumer behavior and Muslim fashion is closely tied to the Muslim identity, incorporating specific clothing rules from Islamic value. Sustainability in Muslim fashion aligns with religious principles like modesty and cleanliness, extending to environmentally conscious choices. Many Muslim consumers, driven by sustainability awareness, opt for responsibly produced and eco-friendly fashion. Clothing choices in Muslim fashion reflect a significant aspect of religious identity, showcasing the integration of religious values with social and environmental responsibility. This connection underscores the relevance of studying sustainable consumer behavior in the context of Muslim fashion.
The comprehensive overview offered by the study establishes a foundation for future research by summarizing the challenges faced by the Muslim fashion community in terms of sustainable consumer behavior, highlighting key areas for exploration. Future studies should delve into the intricacies of Muslim consumer behavior within the fashion context, considering the influence of cultural and religious factors on sustainable choices. Additionally, research is needed to understand the effective implementation of circular economy principles in the Muslim fashion industry, emphasizing ethical sourcing and fair labor practices. Exploring the impact of social media platforms on Muslim fashion trends, balancing fast fashion demands with sustainability, and investigating trust dynamics in luxury Muslim fashion are crucial areas requiring further examination to advance knowledge and practices in this evolving field.
Acknowledging the study’s limitations, such as its reliance on two databases and keyword restrictions, future research endeavors could enhance their scope by incorporating multiple databases for broader comparisons and completeness. Additionally, expanding the sample size through the inclusion of additional keywords may capture critical articles that might have been overlooked. Despite these constraints, the current study lays a solid foundation for further exploration in this area.