• Style Guides
    • All Style Guides & Tips
    • Boho Style Essentials
    • Classic Style Essentials
    • Edgy Style Essentials
    • College Wardrobe Essentials
  • College
    • All College Articles
    • Dorm Bedding 2020
    • College School Supplies Checklist
    • Dorm Color Scheme Guide
    • Dorm Organization Tips
  • Outfit Ideas
    • All Outfit Inspo
    • College Outfits
    • 21st Birthday Outfits
    • Cold Weather Outfits
  • Sorority
    • All Things Sorority
    • Sorority Rush Essentials
    • Sorority Rush Outfits
  • Shopping
    • All Shopping Guides
    • Best Budget Fashion Stores
    • Where to Buy Sweaters
    • Best Online Thrift Stores
    • Timeless Jewelry Guide
    • Amazon Favorites 2021
  • Beauty
    • All Things Beauty
    • Makeup Essentials Guide
    • “No Makeup” Makeup
College Fashion
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Write for us

The Ultimate Ethical Fashion Reading List

The best 6 books to get you started on your ethical fashion journey.

Last Updated on September 3, 2020 by April - George Washington University
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
The best books about ethical fashion

Today I’m sharing my favorite ethical fashion books to get you started on your sustainable fashion journey.

Shopping ethically and sustainably is a great way to do some good in the world while still celebrating your love of fashion. But if you aren’t yet thinking about ethics and sustainability when shopping, it can feel overwhelming to get started.

Yes, trying to better yourself and get educated on the issues in the world can be tricky, but I’m here to make it a little easier!

Here are my picks for essential must-read ethical fashion books. They’ll teach you everything you need to know about the fashion industry and how you can support ethical and sustainable fashion practices.

The Conscious Closet

Buy from Amazon.com

This book by Elizabeth L. Cline (bookshop.org link here) is a fantastic introduction to the world of sustainable fashion. From materials to sourcing to what to keep and what to sell, this ethical fashion book covers absolutely everything you need to know about.

If you’re trying to actively improve your own wardrobe, this book lays out clear steps you can follow on how to evaluate and sort your clothes.

View this post on Instagram

As many of us have a bit more free time on our hands, I wanted to share my 10 favorite documentaries and episodes about sustainability on Netflix. I’ve been working on this blog post since December and have just now gotten around to watching (and re-watching) the last few documentaries on my list. If you’re looking for a particularly uplifting documentary, I recommend Waterschool. It’s about kids around the world participating in Swarovski Waterschool, a program that educates kids about one of our most important resources: water. These young kids are deeply passionate about something so many of us take for granted, and hearing them talk about things like water conservation and river preservation is incredibly heartwarming. If learning about the climate crisis isn’t quite the anxiety calming social distancing activity you’re looking for, save this post for later & DM me for other fun Netflix (or Hulu) recommendations. I watch a ~lot~ of TV. Head to the link in my bio to read my full blog post with descriptions of each of these documentaries & episodes and my favorite quotes from each of them.

A post shared by Megan McSherry (@acteevism) on Mar 17, 2020 at 2:36pm PDT

I consider this read a “Fashion 101,” because it’s a great survey of all things sustainable and ethical fashion!

The Global Beauty Industry: Colorism, Racism, and the National Body

Buy from Amazon.com

For those of you interested in social issues and how they intersect with fashion, this book by Meeta Rani Jha is a great choice.

This ethical fashion book integrates perspectives from around the world to show the implications of class, gender, race, etc. on the fashion world. 

View this post on Instagram

here is some background info about sustainability + racism if you’re wondering abt where to spend your coin recently/ how sustainability models can often be deceiving. we encourage you to check these brands and others that exemplify thoroughly sustainable models + lift up BIPOC. research by @marikorooks, @larissajimenez, and @kinsalehues❤️

A post shared by ✨CHANGING WOMXN COLLECTIVE✨ (@changingwomxn) on Jun 25, 2020 at 1:18am PDT

This is such a fascinating way to step out of your own shoes and see the fashion industry from a different point of view!

The Travels of A T-Shirt in the Global Economy: An Economist Examines the Markets, Power, and Politics of World Trade

Buy from Amazon.com

If you haven’t already heard of this ethical fashion book, you should read it ASAP!

This classic piece by Pietra Riboli (bookshop.org link here) takes you on a riveting journey into the various parts of the world where common clothing is sourced and created.

When I first read this book, I was astounded to learn how many steps and stops even the simplest pieces of clothing go through before they reach our closets. 

@acteevism

in honor of 🌏day #earthday #bookrecommendations #sustainability

♬ Earth – Lil Dicky

This book delves into global economics, fashion, and even cultural norms in many different parts of the world which makes for an interesting and educational read.

Give A Sh*t: Do Good. Live Better. Save the Planet.

Buy from Amazon.com

Another great introduction to the world of sustainable fashion, this book by Ashlee Piper (bookshop.org link here) helps you bring sustainability into your own life and your closet.

There are so many small steps that you can take to be more sustainable in your everyday life — and this book will get you started right away!

View this post on Instagram

ask below any questions you have! . . #slowfashion #sustainablestyle #reuse #reduce #secondhand #vintage #preloved #thrift #ecofriendly #recylce #fairtrade #slowfashion #responsablefashion #sustainableclothing #conciousconsumer #fastfashionsucks #stopfastfashion #circularfashion #upcycling #whatsinmyclothes #lovewhatyouhave #minimalfashion #wearrewear #sustainablefashionblogger #lovedclotheslast #everypersonmakesadifference #myclosetmatterz #sustainablefashionmatterz #sustainableewardrobe #wardroberevolution #fashionactivism

A post shared by Gaia | sustainable fashion (@ssustainably_) on Feb 9, 2020 at 11:48am PST

If you’re looking for more of a how-to on improving your everyday actions, this ethical fashion book is the perfect place to start practicing sustainable living.

Clothing Poverty: The Hidden World of Fast Fashion and Second-Hand Clothes

Buy from Amazon.com

Most books about the fashion industry tend to only focus on the more well-known malpractices in the fast-fashion industry.

Andrew Brooks’s piece (bookshop.org link here) compares fast-fashion and second-hand shopping in their large scale effects on the fashion industry, and how different fashion practices affect those participating in the global economy.

View this post on Instagram

I’ve been reflecting a lot about my role in this movement and what I want to get across, ngl seeing my account grow people makes me so happy but it’s quite scary at the same time, I’m scared that I don’t do enough, that I don’t know enough, that I’m going to say something wrong and that’s kind of been holding me back from posting this. Fear of criticism played a role for sure, but I want to be honest and open, I’ve been promoting lots of individual changes, as many ‘influencers’ in this movement are doing (I don’t really want to be associated to the word influencer, like yes I hope to influence your thinking and ideas but I don’t want to sell you things) but I don’t see that as being so effective and inclusive. focusing on sustainable swaps can make people who can’t afford those things left out, it can get perfectionist (you need to have all the sustainable swaps) and I just think it’s unattainable in the world we’re living now. I will highlight brands since you want to see more of those, but my platform will be educational and focused on shining the spotlight on things that are often ignored in this movement, like the heavy burden POC face regarding environmental pollution (greatly caused by clothing waste). I want to focus more on tangible, actionable, concrete actions we can take. I am not doing enough, I’ve realized that focusing on sustainable alternatives has shifted the focus away from people and places that are currently suffering from the impacts of global warming and social injustices. in September I’m moving to the UK and I would love to connect to you and start some projects and initiatives to help the local community and really be an activist, rather than an influencer. Someone commented in a previous post of mine that I’m against my own race, that really made my laugh at first but it also made me think that we don’t often realize that people, even near us, are already feeling a heavy burden due to climate change, we really need to act now, and we must remember our actions have consequences. I will be highlighting organizations to support from now on so we can really put our money in support of great causes!

A post shared by Gaia | sustainable fashion (@ssustainably_) on Aug 1, 2020 at 6:26am PDT

This ethical fashion book isn’t as easy to read as some of the others, but it’s so informative and well worth your time!

Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes

Buy from Amazon.com

Now that we know about the many problems of the fashion industry, this ethical fashion book by Dana Thomas (bookshop.org link here) takes a look at innovators in the fashion world working toward solutions.

Instead of focusing on one type of production, this book includes the perspectives of small businesses, larger businesses, and many models in between.

View this post on Instagram

this is one of my most shared pieces of all time. i love drawing translated versions for people. It’s nice when people ask to use, but anyone is free to share/print/do whatever they like with the buyerachy. Happy Earth Day! #buyerarchy #illustration #minimalism #charts

A post shared by Sarah Lazarovic (@sarahlazarovic) on Apr 22, 2016 at 11:31am PDT

With all of the new technology we’ve developed in the past few years, this book gives a great preview of what the fashion industry could look like in the near future!

What is your favorite ethical fashion book?

What books are at the top of your ethical fashion reading list? Have you read any of these titles before? If so, what did you learn that surprised you?

Let me know in the comments!

Tags : Books, Reading, Sustainable Fashion

Leave a Comment
Originally published on August 8, 2020
Previous 15 Unexpected Things You Might Not Have Thought to Bring to College
Next What to Wear to a College Class

Related Posts

4 Ways to Take Care of Yourself This Week

TONYMOLY's I'm Real Sheet Masks

8 Luxe Self-Care Items to Treat Yo Self With

4 Things I’ve Learned Living in a Big City

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • bloglovin

SEARCH CF

Get the latest CF updates! (Delivered weekly, no spam ever, unsubscribe anytime.)

Addison Rae

Addison Rae’s Clothes: How to Dress Like Addison Rae

Dress like a TikTok star: these are the key items for getting Addison Rae’s style, for less.

Bridgerton outfits

I Dressed Like Bridgerton Characters for a Week and Here’s What Happened

After becoming a smashing success, Bridgerton captured our fashion-attention. This week, I brought Bridgerton’s style to the 21st century.

Vintage Posts

Copyright © 2007-2021 College Fashion LLC | Contact • Privacy Policy • Terms of Service • Disclosure • Write for Us