Worn: A People's History of Clothing

The Worn book is a captivating history of clothing and the materials it's made of, taking readers on a deep dive into how everyday garments have transformed our lives, societies, and planet.

This panoramic social history tells five stories about linen, cotton, silk, synthetics, and wool, illuminating our world in unexpected ways.

From the opulent court of Louis XIV to modern-day Chinese-occupied Xinjiang, readers will discover how textiles were once dyed with natural materials and display distinctive regional weaves and knits.

The book also reveals how the clothing industry has become one of the planet’s worst polluters and relies on underpaid and exploited laborers.

However, it also shows how micro-communities, textile companies, and clothing makers are rediscovering ancestral and ethical methods for making what we wear.

This comprehensive and engaging book will change the way you think about your clothes and their impact on the world.