Five Sustainable Fashion Books To Read

Here are my picks for some of the best reading when it comes to sustainable fashion

Since finishing my PhD I have actually managed to read for pleasure again. Something which isn’t that enjoyable when you’re reading an endless list of research papers every day for 5 years.

With sustainable fashion going through a bit of a boom in the last 3 years or so, the amount of literature has increased massively. There’s been some really excellent books published on the topic and all the intersecting discussions around it, from some really inspiring people, from all different backgrounds and perspectives.

One of the biggest perks of my job and position, is that I have many friends who have now written books, and lot’s of books get sent my way from PR’s. Which I will definitely take over being sent tons of shit clothes like most other content creators! So some of these books were gifted to me, some I bought myself, but none of this content is paid for here, directly. I have picked these books out of the hundred on my shelf to shine a light on, because I find them particularly good.

So having read quite a fair few books this year, I’ve decided to start off with recommending 5 to read. I may well do a follow up post after this with 5 more but let’s just go with this for now. All of you can know the first one on the list for free but you’ll have to subscribe to get the other 4!

If you feel like buying one of these books either for yourself or for someone else, please try and shop locally and try to buy the book in a way which best supports the author. If you are a founding member, or sign up to be, please pick your favourite one of these books and I will send it you as a gift.

---

Aja Barber - Consumed: The Need For Collective Change; Colonialism, Climate Change and Consumerism.

Aja Barber via Elle Magazine, and her book; Consumed.

Yes, Aja is a friend of mine so this may be slightly bias, but I assure you this is one of the best books I have ever read, period. Not just in sustainable fashion literature. Her second book has just been announced too so keep an eye out for that. This takes you on a journey to really face up to how consumerism and capitalist systems in the global north, impact those in the global south. She talks through her journey and experiences in the industry which led her to where she is now. The intersectionality of climate change, colonialism and consumerism is laid out before us in quite a scary but also easily digestible way. It also acts as a blueprint to empower you to do better and buy better. “The more you know” was constantly on my mind while reading this, and it’s often not just knowing that is enough, it’s hearing it from a perspective different to yours, which really drives it into you. I honestly cannot recommend it enough, and if you are following Aja on social media, you’ll have the benefit of reading her book in her voice too. Being the no-bullshit, unfiltered and conscientious voice and person she is, it is absolutely brilliant.