8 Books on Sustainable Fashion to Read this Summer if You Wear Clothes
What do your fashion purchases say about who you are as a person?
Unfortunately, with our global supply chains having become extremely complex, and with us having become super disconnected with the histories of our clothes, we're often making buying decisions that support practices that we actually do not support.
But it doesn't have to be this way.
If you wear clothes and are ready to align your values with what your clothing purchases say about you, here are 8 books on sustainable fashion you can read to become a more informed consumer.
This guide contains affiliate links, which means we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you choose to purchase through some of these links. This helps us continue to create these free resources for you! As always, we only feature brands we love (and that we think you'll love too!) and that meet CFC's strict sustainability criteria.
Ecologist Guide to Fashion: A Green Living Guide
Summary: As well as revealing the upsetting practices behind the brands, journalist Ruth Styles explores the positive changes the fashion industry is making, celebrating emerging ethical talent and recognizing those large corporations taking positive steps in a greener direction. The Ecologist Guide to Fashion is, quite simply, your ultimate handy guide to eco fashion.
Who it's for: The Eco-Fashion Researcher
Wardrobe Crisis: How We Went from Sunday Best to Fast Fashion
Summary: In Wardrobe Crisis, fashion journalist Clare Press explores the history and ethics behind what we wear. Putting her insider status to good use, Press examines the entire fashion ecosystem, from sweatshops to haute couture, unearthing the roots of today’s buy-and-discard culture.
Who it's for: The Thoughtful Consumer
Wear No Evil: How To Change The World With Your Wardrobe
Summary: Featuring the Integrity Index and an easy to use rating system, Wear No Evil teaches you to shop anywhere while building your personal style and supporting your values -- all without sacrifice. Wear No Evil provides a roadmap founded in research and experience, coupled with real life style and everyday inspiration.
Who it's for: The Ethical Fashionista
Thrive: An Environmentally Conscious Guide To Better Health and True Wealth
Summary: Through the use of research-based evidence, easy-to-do exercises, and suggestions for how the reader can participate in creating sustainability in all areas of life, Thrive shows you how to build psychological riches, boost your holistic physical well-being, make informed and sustainable food choices, shop for nontoxic, eco-conscious daily consumer products including fashion, and travel in ways that will not only transform you, but even the communities that you touch upon.
Who it's for: The Conscious Lifestyle Newcomer
The Responsible Fashion Company: Integrating Ethics and Aesthetics in the Value Chain
Summary: The authors of The Responsible Fashion Company raise a fundamental but often neglected issue in the fashion sustainability debate: long-term equilibrium can only be achieved by integrating economic goals with environmental, social and ethical values. This book provides a clear overview of the theory, challenges and opportunities of sustainability in the industry and demonstrates how fashion companies can achieve competitive advantage through sustainable innovation.
Who it's for: The Sustainable Business Leader
The Responsible Company
Summary: In plain, compelling prose, the authors (Yvon Chouinard, Founder of Patagonia, and Vincent Stanley, Co-Editor of Footprint Chronicles) describe the current impact of manufacturing and commerce on the planet’s natural systems and human communities, and how that impact now forces business to change its ways. The Responsible Company shows companies how to reduce the harm they cause, improve the quality of their business, and provide the kind of meaningful work everyone seeks.
Who it's for: The Ethical Entrepreneur
Killer Clothes
Summary: This book reveals in unprecedented detail the toxic truth about the clothes we wear and the surprising number of harmful effects on our health caused by garments once considered safe. Readers will learn what fabrics and chemicals to watch for when selecting clothing, along with tips for ecological and health-friendly cleaning, and the advantages for choosing natural fabrics.
Who it's for: The Health-Conscious Shopper
Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion
Summary: In Overdressed, Elizabeth Cline sets out to uncover the true nature of the cheap fashion juggernaut, tracing the rise of budget clothing chains, the death of middle-market and independent retailers, and the roots of our obsession with deals and steals.
Who it's for: The Conscious Fashion Beginner