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15 Book Recommendations to explore the realm of Sustainable Fashion
HEIDI TRUONG
- Fashion Blogger -
From in-depth research on fast fashion to practical guides for selecting and organizing your wardrobe, these recommendations are perfect for anyone looking to dive deeper into the world of sustainable fashion.
Education is at the heart of the journey towards a conscious lifestyle, and reading books on sustainable fashion is one of the best ways to understand the challenges this industry faces. Books can provide far more information and insight than you might find in blog posts or on social media.
Some books offer a comprehensive overview of the fashion ecosystem, while others delve into specific topics to give readers a deeper understanding of a particular area. This post will help you find the sustainable fashion books that best match the topics you're interested in. We hope this list brings you an enjoyable and enlightening reading experience!
1. Consumed | The Need for Collective Change: Colonialism, Climate Change, and Consumerism
For beginners, Aja Barber's debut book offers an honest look at the harmful impacts of the fashion industry, from exclusive hiring practices in corporate environments to exploitative labor conditions in garment factories. Aja weaves her personal journey through the book, moving from small issues to larger ones, making it accessible to everyone, whether you're a complete novice or an industry expert.
Another standout feature of this book is how Aja highlights significant historical details about colonialism, the role of fashion in slavery, and unfair global trading practices. This information is crucial for understanding why the fashion industry is in its current state, and too many ethical fashion books either fail to make this connection clear or omit it entirely.
Who Should Read This Book: Both newcomers and seasoned sustainable fashion enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive overview of the industry's issues and fresh ideas for solutions.
Writing style: Brilliant (first half) and inspirational (second half); honest, straightforward, and in Aja's typical style, occasionally humorous.
Another standout feature of this book is how Aja highlights significant historical details about colonialism, the role of fashion in slavery, and unfair global trading practices. This information is crucial for understanding why the fashion industry is in its current state, and too many ethical fashion books either fail to make this connection clear or omit it entirely.
Who Should Read This Book: Both newcomers and seasoned sustainable fashion enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive overview of the industry's issues and fresh ideas for solutions.
Writing style: Brilliant (first half) and inspirational (second half); honest, straightforward, and in Aja's typical style, occasionally humorous.
2. Unraveled: The Life and Death of a Garment
"Unraveled" is a meticulously researched book about the "life" and "death" of a pair of jeans, serving as a microcosm of the entire fashion industry. Throughout the book, readers are taken through the various stages of a typical (and reverse) denim supply chain.
The book introduces you to cotton farmers, garment manufacturers, logistics workers, waste managers, and second-hand clothing traders, offering a deeper understanding of the fashion system and how we, as fashion lovers and social activists, can start advocating for a better future.
The book introduces you to cotton farmers, garment manufacturers, logistics workers, waste managers, and second-hand clothing traders, offering a deeper understanding of the fashion system and how we, as fashion lovers and social activists, can start advocating for a better future.
Who Should Read This Book: Those who need to understand fashion issues and want a practical view of every stage in a fashion supply chain.
Writing style: Informative; at times, it feels like an intimate conversation.
3. Clothing Poverty: The Hidden World of Fast Fashion and Secondhand Clothes
Published just a few years before Unraveled, Clothing Poverty takes a similar approach, guiding readers through the life—and afterlife—of a pair of jeans. However, Clothing Poverty is more academic, filled with dense research rather than engaging conversations or storytelling.
The book's pace is slow, making it less suitable for beginners. But if you're deeply interested in sustainable fashion and want a thorough look at the darker sides of the industry, especially the global trade in secondhand or "recycled" clothing, this is a worthy addition to your reading list.
The book's pace is slow, making it less suitable for beginners. But if you're deeply interested in sustainable fashion and want a thorough look at the darker sides of the industry, especially the global trade in secondhand or "recycled" clothing, this is a worthy addition to your reading list.
Who Should Read This Book: Those conducting research for a project, article, or personal study.
Writing style: Academic; informative.
4. Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Fast Fashion
This book takes another deep dive into the fashion industry, this time by journalist and social activist Elizabeth Cline. In this book, Cline sheds light on the dark side of cheap fashion and the hidden and ecological costs this industry brings.
First published in 2012, before the Rana Plaza factory collapse, this book doesn’t have the latest industry updates. However, the foundational information it provides is still valuable because, unfortunately, the issues in the industry a decade ago are very similar to those today.
First published in 2012, before the Rana Plaza factory collapse, this book doesn’t have the latest industry updates. However, the foundational information it provides is still valuable because, unfortunately, the issues in the industry a decade ago are very similar to those today.
Who Should Read This Book: Those looking to start understanding the problems within the fashion industry.
Writing style: Direct and highly informative.
5. To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out the World?
If you're passionate about fashion but also care about the ethical implications behind the clothes you wear, Lucy Siegle's book is a must-read. Written by British journalist Lucy Siegle, this 300-page exposé delves deep into the often hidden truths of the fashion industry.
Siegle's approach is meticulous and research-based. She combines hard facts and figures with firsthand accounts, traveling the globe to witness the exploitation in garment factories in Cambodia and cotton farms in Uzbekistan. These harrowing scenes are then linked back to the fast fashion trends and overconsumption prevalent in the UK, a pattern that resonates with many other countries worldwide, including the US.
While the dark realities of the fashion industry might feel overwhelming, Siegle doesn't leave you in despair. She offers practical solutions for being part of the change. By advocating for buying less, choosing quality over quantity, and making more intentional shopping decisions, she empowers readers to take action.
First published in 2011, the book might not cover the very latest issues in fashion, such as ultra-fast fashion and TikTok trends, or the progress made with increased awareness, the rise of sustainable brands, and the booming secondhand market. Nonetheless, its core insights remain highly relevant today.
Siegle's approach is meticulous and research-based. She combines hard facts and figures with firsthand accounts, traveling the globe to witness the exploitation in garment factories in Cambodia and cotton farms in Uzbekistan. These harrowing scenes are then linked back to the fast fashion trends and overconsumption prevalent in the UK, a pattern that resonates with many other countries worldwide, including the US.
While the dark realities of the fashion industry might feel overwhelming, Siegle doesn't leave you in despair. She offers practical solutions for being part of the change. By advocating for buying less, choosing quality over quantity, and making more intentional shopping decisions, she empowers readers to take action.
First published in 2011, the book might not cover the very latest issues in fashion, such as ultra-fast fashion and TikTok trends, or the progress made with increased awareness, the rise of sustainable brands, and the booming secondhand market. Nonetheless, its core insights remain highly relevant today.
Who Should Read This Book: Those interested in the research and investigation of labor, animal, and environmental exploitation within the fashion industry.
Writing style: Persuasive journalism.
6. Slave to Fashion
Safia Minney's 'Slave to Fashion' is an essential read if you're keen to understand the human impact of the fashion industry. Through interviews with individuals enduring these harsh conditions, Minney exposes the stark realities and emphasizes the urgent need for action. Her compelling narrative serves as a rallying cry for the abolition of contemporary slavery.
Beyond highlighting the issues, Minney offers inspiration and practical advice for industry professionals, designers, human rights activists, conscious consumers, and policymakers. Her insights aim to empower these groups to make informed decisions and drive meaningful change in the industry.
Beyond highlighting the issues, Minney offers inspiration and practical advice for industry professionals, designers, human rights activists, conscious consumers, and policymakers. Her insights aim to empower these groups to make informed decisions and drive meaningful change in the industry.
Who Should Read This Book: Anyone interested in labor issues within the global fashion industry.
Writing Style: Engaging and educational.
7. How to Break Up With Fast Fashion: A Guilt-Free Guide to Changing Up the Way You Shop for Good
If you're on the hunt for a beginner's guide to conscious fashion, this book is your go-to! Practical, easy to understand, and highly readable, we highly recommend it to all newcomers. Even seasoned fashion enthusiasts will find it an engaging read.
This book is packed with useful tips and information, which can be overwhelming if read all at once. You can skim through or read a bit at a time, marking the sections you find helpful for future reference and revisiting other parts as they become relevant to you.
Writing Style: Straightforward and practical.
This book is packed with useful tips and information, which can be overwhelming if read all at once. You can skim through or read a bit at a time, marking the sections you find helpful for future reference and revisiting other parts as they become relevant to you.
Who Should Read This Book: Those seeking helpful advice on their conscious fashion journey.
Writing Style: Straightforward and practical.
8. The Conscious Closet: The Revolutionary Guide to Looking Good While Doing Good
A practical guide to sustainable fashion, The Conscious Closet is an in-depth handbook covering everything from secondhand shopping tips and clothing care advice to fashion-changing practices.
Packed with tips, tricks, and alternatives, this handbook is a must-read for anyone looking to understand and move away from fast fashion while reducing consumption. Lauren makes the content accessible and frequently acknowledges the various barriers to sustainable fashion, such as income, time, and size privilege.
Writing Style: Practical, easy to understand, and comprehensible.
Packed with tips, tricks, and alternatives, this handbook is a must-read for anyone looking to understand and move away from fast fashion while reducing consumption. Lauren makes the content accessible and frequently acknowledges the various barriers to sustainable fashion, such as income, time, and size privilege.
Who Should Read This Book: Beginners exploring the world of fashion.
Writing Style: Practical, easy to understand, and comprehensible.
9. Empire of Things: How We Became a World of Consumers
Overconsumption is not just a modern issue in fashion, and materialism isn't a new phenomenon. Empire of Things tells the story of consumption and its related concepts, from Renaissance Italy to our modern economy. Trentmann's research provides crucial context to understand how we've reached the levels of overproduction and overconsumption seen in today's fashion industry.
In our opinion, this is a profound and comprehensive book, but it's information-dense and best read slowly.
Writing Style: Mature and informative.
In our opinion, this is a profound and comprehensive book, but it's information-dense and best read slowly.
Who Should Read This Book: Those interested in the history of materialism and consumption.
Writing Style: Mature and informative.
10. The Day The World Stops Shopping: How Ending Consumerism Saves the Environment and Ourselves
As the title clearly states, this book tackles the challenging issue of consumption and raises tough questions about how much we really need to buy. J. B. MacKinnon addresses the "consumer's dilemma" – our modern economy and society depend on constant consumption, but our planet can't sustain the current rate – by exploring whether consumption can decrease without causing economic collapse.
Throughout the book, MacKinnon also presents research and expert opinions, highlighting the many benefits of a minimalist lifestyle with fewer possessions.
Writing Style: Informative and engaging; thought-provoking.
Throughout the book, MacKinnon also presents research and expert opinions, highlighting the many benefits of a minimalist lifestyle with fewer possessions.
Who Should Read This Book: Those reflecting on consumption and hyper-capitalism.
Writing Style: Informative and engaging; thought-provoking.
11. A Life Less Throwaway: The Lost Art of Buying for Life
This book pairs wonderfully with The Day The World Stops Shopping. Focusing more on changing individual lifestyles, author Tara Button provides practical solutions and tips to reduce your consumption. In this book, you'll learn why we overspend, how to break free from the "trend cycle," why products aren't made to last as they used to, how to care for and maintain your belongings longer, and how to find success and self-worth beyond consumption.
The book has received mixed reviews; some criticize it for not addressing the privilege required to invest in fewer, better things and for Button's self-promotion. Others find it thought-provoking and practical.
Writing Style: Thought-provoking and practical.
The book has received mixed reviews; some criticize it for not addressing the privilege required to invest in fewer, better things and for Button's self-promotion. Others find it thought-provoking and practical.
Who Should Read This Book: A guide for those on a journey to live slower and consume less.
Writing Style: Thought-provoking and practical.
12. The Curated Closet: A Simple System for Discovering Your Personal Style and Building Your Dream Wardrobe
This book isn't just about sustainable fashion; it's incredibly useful for discovering your personal style and finding joy in your wardrobe, which is key to "slow" fashion.
While there are many blog posts and YouTube videos about identifying personal style, if those haven't quite worked for you and you still feel uninspired, give this book a try. With specific tips and advice, plus style and wardrobe assessment exercises, you'll gain a better understanding of your style, clothing preferences, and even yourself. It's a crucial step towards slowing down consumption and making more intentional purchases.
Writing Style: Practical; straightforward.
While there are many blog posts and YouTube videos about identifying personal style, if those haven't quite worked for you and you still feel uninspired, give this book a try. With specific tips and advice, plus style and wardrobe assessment exercises, you'll gain a better understanding of your style, clothing preferences, and even yourself. It's a crucial step towards slowing down consumption and making more intentional purchases.
Who Should Read This Book: Those seeking clarity on personal style and wanting to break free from the endless trend cycle.
Writing Style: Practical; straightforward.
13. Loved Clothes Last: How the Joy of Rewearing and Repairing Your Clothes Can Be a Revolutionary Act
While most sewing books are step-by-step guides, Fashion Revolution co-founder Orsola de Castro takes a broader approach, delving into the reasons behind making clothes. However, this sustainable fashion book doesn't lack practical advice!
Those starting or continuing their "slow fashion" journey, focusing on wearing what we have.
Writing Style: Engaging, practical, and inspiring.
Those starting or continuing their "slow fashion" journey, focusing on wearing what we have.
Who Should Read This Book: Those starting or continuing their "slow fashion" journey, focusing on wearing what we have.
Writing Style: Engaging, practical, and inspiring.
14. Modern Mending: How to Minimize Waste & Maximize Style
For a comprehensive guide on how to mend your clothes, look no further than Modern Mending. This book goes beyond the basics, teaching even skilled sewers and long-time crafters new techniques and tips for repairing old garments.
Readers praise the book for its beautiful illustrations and well-written content, providing encouragement, clear guidance, and inspiration for their mending journeys. Some reviewers mentioned that they first read it at the library and then purchased their own copy for reference.
Writing Style: Inspiring; gentle yet informative.
Readers praise the book for its beautiful illustrations and well-written content, providing encouragement, clear guidance, and inspiration for their mending journeys. Some reviewers mentioned that they first read it at the library and then purchased their own copy for reference.
Who Should Read This Book: A go-to reference for mending all types of clothing.
Writing Style: Inspiring; gentle yet informative.
15. Joyful Mending: Visible Repairs for the Perfectly Imperfect Things We Love!
The book focuses on patchwork techniques to turn garment flaws into a form of beauty. Noriko Misumi shares methods using embroidery stitches, such as sashiko (a traditional Japanese embroidery style), along with sewing, darning, felting, and crocheting techniques to help you mend all types of damaged fabric.
Misumi also shares how her mending and repurposing techniques are rooted in Japanese philosophies like Wabi Sabi, which values the old and imperfect. At just 88 pages, this is a short and handy reference guide. Critics say Joyful Mending is perfect for beginners and a great addition for more experienced menders.
Writing Style: Clear and detailed guidance.
Misumi also shares how her mending and repurposing techniques are rooted in Japanese philosophies like Wabi Sabi, which values the old and imperfect. At just 88 pages, this is a short and handy reference guide. Critics say Joyful Mending is perfect for beginners and a great addition for more experienced menders.
Who Should Read This Book: Those seeking sewing ideas, especially fashion students.
Writing Style: Clear and detailed guidance.
As you conclude your exploration of our "15 Essential Book Recommendations for a Deep Dive into Sustainable Fashion," we hope you feel inspired and empowered to make more conscious choices in your wardrobe and beyond. These books offer a wealth of knowledge, practical advice, and inspiring stories from pioneers in the field, equipping you with the tools to navigate the evolving landscape of sustainable fashion. By embracing the insights from these reads, you can play a significant role in fostering a more ethical and responsible fashion industry. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and happy reading!
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