Worn: A People’s History of Clothing by Sofi Thanhauser

OPL BOOK SUMMARY:  Worn: A People’s History of Clothing by Sofi Thanhauser offers an insightful and comprehensive exploration of how the garments we wear shape and are shaped by human history. By focusing on five key materials—linen, cotton, silk, synthetics, and wool—the book reveals the deep cultural, environmental, and economic significance of fabric across time. Thanhauser traces the journey of these textiles from their ancient origins to their modern applications, uncovering the often invisible labor, exploitation, and environmental toll involved in producing the clothes that we take for granted today.

One of the book’s core themes is the hidden costs behind clothing production. Thanhauser paints a vivid picture of how the garment industry has evolved from the labor-intensive processes of handcrafting in the past to the rise of industrial-scale production in the present. She reveals how modern fast fashion has accelerated environmental destruction, with overproduction and synthetic fibers contributing to pollution and waste on a massive scale. Thanhauser also emphasizes how the exploitation of garment workers—particularly women in developing countries—has fueled the global clothing industry, underscoring the link between fashion and social inequality.

At the same time, Worn powerfully calls readers to action, urging them to rethink their relationship with the clothes they wear. Thanhauser encourages a shift toward more mindful, sustainable consumption, urging individuals to understand the broader impact of their fashion choices. By exploring both the historical significance and contemporary consequences of fabric production, she connects the dots between fashion, ethics, climate change, and responsible consumption.

This thought-provoking book aligns perfectly with One Planet Life’s mission to inspire sustainability and conscious living. Worn serves as a reminder of how deeply intertwined clothing is with global issues, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the environmental and social challenges surrounding fashion today.

Available used at BetterWorldBooks.