Worn
A People's History of Clothing
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd
Published:26th Jan '23
Should be back in stock very soon
Worn by Sofi Thanhauser offers a captivating exploration of the fabrics that shape our everyday lives, delving into the stories behind linen, cotton, silk, synthetics, and wool. Through her insightful narrative, Thanhauser takes readers on a journey from China to Cumbria, uncovering the intricate craft, labor, and industry involved in the creation of our clothing. This journey reveals not only the physical materials we wear but also the historical and cultural significance embedded within them.
The book highlights the voices of individuals often overlooked in the grand narrative of fashion history. From the women who transformed flax into linen in 19th-century New England to those in contemporary South India earning their dowries in cotton-spinning factories, Thanhauser emphasizes the human element behind garment-making. By weaving together these personal stories, she sheds light on the social and economic impacts of clothing production, encouraging readers to reflect on their own relationships with the garments they choose to wear.
In addition to its engaging storytelling, Worn prompts critical thinking about the environmental implications of our fashion choices. Thanhauser encourages readers to look beyond care labels and consider the broader truths about our consumption habits. With a blend of remarkable research and genuine care, this book serves as a thought-provoking reminder of the interconnectedness of our lives with the fabrics that adorn us, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in the history and impact of clothing.
Fascinating . . . a good yarn . . . the joy of this history of clothing, which is eminently readable and meticulously researched, is its focus on people -- Paula Byrne * The Times *
This riveting behind-the-scenes story of the clothes on our backs is a must-read for clotheshorses everywhere * Harper's Bazaar *
A terrific book especially for those who want to be informed about sustainable clothing. Knowing the history is fascinating. -- Alexandra Schulman
Richly evocative . . . One of the great pleasures of this panoramic history of getting dressed is Sofi Thanhauser's ability to spot moments like these where human desire and material culture collide -- Kathryn Hughes * Guardian *
Knowledgeable, fascinating . . . explores the complex systems woven between the producers of cloth and its consumers . . . bulges at the seams with finely spun descriptions of the places and people she encounters -- Kassia St Clair * Economist *
The story of what we wear is the story of who we are, and Worn offers a riveting, provocative, and eye-opening account. One cannot make sense of our modern world without this book -- Brian Christian * Author of The Most Human Human *
Expansive . . . elegantly chronicling how textile production came to be defined by worker exploitation, misogyny, environmental devastation, and colonialism . . . Yet she also finds space to appreciate sartorial marvels and to celebrate the loom aficionados, "denimheads," and "wool enthusiasts" who aim for a more ethical, analog future * New Yorker *
Extraordinary . . . fascinating . . . a wonderful way into history, quite often through the voices of people who don't have a say in history -- Cerys Matthews
A masterpiece of investigative reporting and a riveting adventure story, Worn is both panoramic and richly particular. Thanhauser is the best of guides: humane, engaging, generous with historical anecdote and always able to reveal the telling detail. She shows how the cost of fashion far exceeds any retail price tag, and how the revival of venerable traditions might yet lead us to a sustainable future -- Geraldine Brooks * author of The Secret Chord *
An incredibly well-reported account of how fashion, far from being trivial, has shaped human history -- Pippa Bailey * New Statesman *
ISBN: 9780141990316
Dimensions: 197mm x 128mm x 24mm
Weight: 297g
400 pages