The supply chain’s retail aspect is still poorly understood despite the increasing prominence of sustainability in the apparel sector. The intricacy of sustainable apparel retailing makes this knowledge gap especially urgent. Theory development, systematic literature reviews, and bibliometric analysis were combined, adhering to the multi-method guidelines of the B-SLR, achieving an integrative examination of the body of dominant literature to address this problem. The suggested hierarchical framework, applicable to diverse consumer segments, delivers a profound understanding of the intricate dynamics underlying sustainable apparel buying patterns. The multi-tiered strategy to recognize consumer preferences and promote eco-friendly apparel combines numerous concepts and components from recognized frameworks, underscoring implementation intentions and buying patterns. It provides conclusive proof supporting the crucial part that consumers’ attitudes, morals, awareness, self-reliance, social influences, and emotional ties play in influencing the use of eco-friendly clothing. The generalizability of the results has significant implications for educators, legislators, and retailers who want to advance eco-fashion and environmental preservation.