Sustainable fashion goes by many names and definitions so it should be no surprise that there are several books with varied perspectives on the topic. Sustainable fashion can be summed up in a few lines. But, if you want a solid understanding, your best bet is to read the books listed below. Not only do they provide an in-depth look at the sustainable fashion industry, but included are new, inspiring tips to help with your new lifestyle.
So without further ado, let’s get to reading!
OVERDRESSED: THE SHOCKINGLY HIGH COST OF CHEAP FASHION
Fast fashion has become the new normal and author Elizabeth L. Cline argues it isn’t just damaging our sense of style or the environment, it’s also detrimental to our souls.
Well-known fashion brands are continuously releasing seasonal trends. In addition, these brands promote the message that consumers need to change their wardrobe at least four times a year. It’s a vicious cycle – customers buy clothes, occasionally wear them, buy new clothes to match the latest trends, then discard the old clothing. Rinse and repeat. In a short period of time, clothing has gone from something valued to nothing more than a disposable item.
Using an articulate and illustrative writing style, Cline details how mass production led to cheap clothing. The consequence? A damaged environment and increased human rights violations.
This book is a wake-up call for customers to change their buying behavior and to become conscientious consumers.
NAKED FASHION: THE NEW SUSTAINABLE FASHION MOVEMENT
Safia Minney is the founder and CEO of Fair Trade fashion label People Tree. Minney provides an insightful glimpse at the eco-fashion industry in her book Naked Fashion. Everything from the most pressing challenges in the industry to a positive look at alternative business models. As a bonus, there is even a list of eco-friendly brands!
In addition to all this information from Minney, contributions from designers, photographers, models, actors, and journalists are included. Contributors such as actress Emma Watson, Daily Mail columnist Liz Jones, fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, and model Summer Raynes Oaks appear within the book.
TO DIE FOR: FASHION WEARING OUT THE WORLD?
If you are analytical, you’ll love this book! Author Lucy Siegle focuses on our obsession with big-name labels and disposable fashion. She exposes the reality behind high street fashion and examines its environmental and social impacts. Siegle doesn’t just pick apart this reality, she offers advice on making better choices. These suggestions include becoming aware of how, where, and by whom our clothing is made.
SUSTAINABLE LUXE: A GUIDE TO FEEL-GOOD FASHION
Personal stylist, consultant, and founder of the Lure of Luxe LLC, Jordan Phillips raises awareness of some very important issues that wreck havoc on the environment and human rights.
With an easy-to-read narrative, Phillips makes it clear that people should view their purchases as investments. Not investments in their appearance; in the good for the environment and the people involved with making their clothes.
Unlike other sustainable fashion books, Sustainable Luxe focuses on consumers and less on the manufacturing aspects. Each chapter includes tips for making smarter shopping decisions – like consciously buy less and better quality so you can wear them longer.
Not only is there great information on sustainable fashion, this book also acts as a guide to finding you personal style.
THE SUSTAINABLE FASHION HANDBOOK
If you are seeking an ultra-comprehensive look at the sustainable fashion industry, this book is for you!
Professor at the London College of Fashion’s Centre for Sustainable Fashion, Sandy Black brings together wide-ranging perspectives, essays, and interviews that illustrate the issues facing the fashion industry today. Included are case studies on sustainable initiatives such as textile recycling, fair trade schemes, and denim lifecycles.
Perspectives on the impact the fashion industry has on our planet and our society can be heard from designers Stella McCartney and Dries Van Noten among other big names in fashion, eco-activists, journalist, and technicians.
WEAR NO EVIL: HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD WITH YOUR WARDROBE
Author Greta Eagan presents her information in three parts. First she lists hard-hitting facts on the industry and why it needs to change. Second, she provides advice on assessing what you already have and how to shop green. The last part concludes with an eco-fashion makeover (who doesn’t love a makeover?)! Included is a directory of natural beauty recommendations for the face, body, hair, nails, and of course, makeup.
Addressing the questions of “How can I inherently do good while looking good?”, Wear No Evil answers just that, acting as a handbook for both fashion and ethics. Included is the Integrity Index (part 3), which is a simplified way to identify the ethics behind any piece of fashion, and an easy to use rating system. Readers will learn to shop anywhere while building your personal style and supporting your values.
MAGNIFECO: YOUR HEAD-TO-TOE GUIDE TO ETHICAL FASHION AND NON-TOXIC BEAUTY
Founder and editor-in-chief of Magnifeco.com, Kate Black has taken her expertise from the digital world to print with Magnifeco: Your Head-to-Toe Guide to Ethical Fashion and Non-Toxic Beauty. This book is the fashion world’s equivalent to the food industry’s Fast Food Nation.
Full of detailed information on everything from the various materials and their potential negativities, to how to find a good non-toxic blush. While there is a lot of comprehensive material within this book, it is a must read because it so chalked full of important, eye-opening information!
Have you read any of these books or do you have recommendations for other sustainable fashion reads? Comment below or email me your suggestions!
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