Napoléon Bonaparte famously once said, “Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world”. It’s as true then as it is today. Reaching enriches the mind, nourishes the soul, and allows you to gain infinite amounts of knowledge. It’s also ideal for anyone doing a digital detox – because, let’s face it, we all spend too much time on our phones!
If you’re looking for some “move the world” style books to dig your teeth into, we’ve got just the thing (or, things, to be more precise). Dive into the world of sustainable fashion and learn everything you need to know about the industry and its effect on the planet with these absolute knock-outs. We hope you enjoy them as much as we have!
1. Fibershed: Growing a Movement of Farmers, Fashion Activists, and Makers for a New Textile Economy – Rebecca Burgess
Written by the lovely Rebecca Burgess, natural dyer and weaver, Fibershed is a wonderfully positive look at how fashion can be sustainable. It’s easy to spend a lot of time focusing on the negatives, but this book actively looks at solutions instead. It’ll leave you feeling uplifted, hopeful, and inspired for the future of fashion.
Burgess delves into the world of people working to create a new system of producing textiles. After years of research, she’s become an expert on viable, sustainable clothing supply chains that aren’t going to damage the planet. She explores how innovative techniques are transforming the industry and gives you a sneak peek at how these processes work.
Discover how cotton can be dyed by plants, how flax could be the future of fashion, and how an army of farmers, weavers, and slow-fashion enthusiasts are changing the industry for good. This is a celebration of amazing people driving positive change.
2. ReFashions: Cutting Edge Clothing from Upcycled Materials – Sass Brown
This is a truly gorgeous book. It’s well worthy of sitting, pride of place, on your coffee table – if you can ever put it down, that is! But, more important than presentation, this book is an incredibly rich resource on sustainable, slow fashion.
Upcycling and recycling are two areas of the fashion industry that have been trudging along for some time. But, with more people concerned about the state of the planet than ever before, it’s been given a big boost. ReFashions is a brilliant companion to anyone interested in how old materials can be made into new clothing and why this is the ultimate way to fight fast fashion.
The book features 46 designers from around the globe, all of whom work with old clothing and recycled fabrics to create new masterpieces. Take a look at their eco-friendly creations and find out how these brands are making a bold statement by going against the norm. It’s a wonderful introduction to designers who should be on all of our watch lists.
3. Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes – Dana Thomas
A personal favourite of Finsu’s very own media advisor, Carol, this is a book that doesn’t tiptoe around its topic. Getting right into the nitty-gritty of fast fashion, Dana Thomas investigates just how much of an impact the clothing industry is having on our planet.
But, this isn’t just a fear-mongering, uncomfortable read. Sure, it points out the negatives, but it also focuses on the innovative designers and brands who are championing a more positive future for the industry. Tech developments, clean processes, hyper localism, and lab-grown materials are just some of the things you’ll learn about in this unforgettable read designed to help you think more about the clothes you wear.
4. Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture – Ellen Ruppel Shell
If you’re looking for a fashion industry tell-all, this is it! Ellen Ruppel Shell is an Atlantic correspondent, and her book is a serious investigation into the cost of cheap fast fashion. Looking behind closed doors, she uncovers the truth of the industry that is so often covered up and overlooked, and how our obsession with cheap clothing is ruining our world.
This book goes beyond sustainability. It also looks into how budget clothing is affecting communities and people around the world, increasing debt, and keeping wages low. There are a lot of monsters underneath the fast-fashion bed, and Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture is ready to name them all.
5. Fashion & Sustainability: Design For Change – Kate Fletcher
A book for fashion designers and sustainable clothing enthusiasts, Kate Fletcher takes us on a whirlwind tour of how eco-friendly practices are altering the face of the industry. In three parts, Fletcher neatly and concisely documents transformation across sectors.
The first section looks at how innovative manufacturing, materials, and reuse can transform the lifecycle of garments. The second section explores the foundations of the industry. You’ll learn how business models and strategies are working from the ground up to create more eco-friendly and ethical clothing. Finally, you’ll be introduced to the role of fashion designers in all of this. How can the individual creating the clothing become an activist for change?
Knee-deep in knowledge, this is certainly a book that’ll leave your thirst for information quenched after reading. It’s a must on the bookshelf of anyone who’s interested in the ins and outs of a sustainable system.
Become a Part of the Sustainable Fashion Movement With Finsu
Reading these books is a great way to gain knowledge of the eco-friendly fashion world. But, what about becoming a part of it? By being conscious of where you shop and the clothing you buy, you can drive demand for sustainable fashion up and make sure the industry pays attention.
At Finsu, we make finding eco-friendly clothing easy. We’ve gathered the best of the best in sustainable fashion from a whole host of amazing brands into one place, letting you browse through everything hassle-free. Join the community and start saving the world one ethical choice at a time.