The fashion industry has a huge impact on the world. Communities, individuals, and environments are all affected in different ways.
Shopping in a more sustainable way starts with a deep understanding of what the problem is, how we got here, and how we can get out of it.
These books are all a great way to start your sustainable fashion journey.
Whether you’re looking for factual, information-based reads or stories of brands’ journeys towards sustainability, we’re sure you’ll enjoy all of these books. Once you’re finished, you’ll be able to shop in a more conscious and more eco-friendly way.
We have linked to independent Amazon-alternative book stores in this post.
Here are the recommendations:
1. Slave To Fashion by Minney Safia
At a glance: Exposing people’s exploitation, how the demand for fast, cheap fashion is enabling and fuelling modern-day slavery.
Style: Factual, informative, ethics in the fashion industry.
Price: From $20
A disturbing but insightful look into fashion’s role in modern-day slavery.
A powerful read that author Minney Safia shares her knowledge and experience to educate us on how humans are being exploited to fuel the fashion industry.
Slave to Fashion discusses initiatives that are driving change to support people impacted by modern-day slavery and educate us on how we can change our own actions in everyday life to support and drive the end to modern-day slavery.
2. Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
At a glance: A background behind the beginnings of the brand Patagonia, challenges faced, and the push to ensure they recognize their environmental impact to drive change in the industry.
Style: Autobiography, Business, outdoor wear.
Price: From $17.52
Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard gives a fantastic account of the activewear brand Patagonia’s beginnings in his book ‘Let My People Go Surfing.’
He discusses business challenges starting out as a company, and the journey from a rock climbing equipment business into a clothing business.
He also shares his philosophies to ensure sustainability was at Patagonia’s heart. An excellent book that’s easy to read, full of stunning pictures.
3. How To Break Up With Fast Fashion by Lauren Bravo
At a glance: Witty and readable. It is a book for anyone who wants to learn more about the environmental impact of fast fashion and how to change their mindset.
Style: Factual, Informative, Witty.
Price: $8.99
A good starter book for learning about the harmful side of the fast fashion industry.
Author Lauren Bravo delivers a fantastic, witty read, which does not guilt trip you, but instead promotes you to change your buying habits for the better.
4. Slow Fashion by Safia Minney
At a glance: Motivation for changing our mindset to fashion. An in-depth look at how creatives are changing the fashion industry for the better.
Style: Factual, Informative.
Price: $20
Another fantastic, factual, fashion book by author Safia Minney, providing an in-depth look at how initiatives driven by pioneers in the slow fashion industry are changing the way we shop fashion for the better.
The book investigates the harmful side of the fashion industry, both ethically and environmentally, and shows us how to support and make conscious changes to our lifestyle.
5. To Die For by Lucy Siegle
At a glance: A deep dive into the ethical and environmental consequences the fast fashion industry is having on the planet.
Style: factual, informative.
Price: $10
Lucy Siegle, an ethical living columnist for the Observer, examines the ugly, inhumane, and environmentally disastrous side of the fast fashion industry we as consumers continue to fuel. The writer spent years researching the book and presents facts on the ethical consequences and the damaging environmental impact the fashion industry is having on the planet.
Well written and informative, this book allows us to take a long, hard look at the shocking and damaging industry we continue to support – a real eye-opener.
6. Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes by Dana Thomas
At a glance: Fashionopolis addresses the problems surrounding sustainability and ethics in the fashion industry and also presents solutions on how we can change our shopping habits.
Style: Factual, informative.
Price: $21.17
100 billion garments are produced each year, with the average garment worn only 7 times.
Fashionopolis is a well researched book which is great for anyone wanting to educate themselves further the impact of the fashion industry, both ethically and sustainably. The author also educates us on the varied methods of producing textiles in a sustainable way and gives examples of brands making a difference for the better.
