The Hidden Life of Clothing

Since the democratisation of the clothing industry in the early 19th century, buyers have become increasingly disconnected from the creative and human aspects of clothing production. Arguably, clothing is now valued less for its aesthetic qualities or the hours spent in its making, but more for the extent to which it serves current fashion.

In a climate of increasing anxiety about the environmental and social impact of the contemporary global fashion industry, Rachel Worth suggests that, rather than seeking solutions only in the present, looking to history can assist in better understanding the challenges consumers face today in making decisions about their wardrobes. This, in turn, will impact the nature of the future global fashion industry. She does not seek to offer simplistic historical solutions to contemporary problems but explores ways to bridge divides between knowledge of the past, current individual choice, and possible directions for future action.

The more we know about our clothes, the less likely we are to wear an item only a few times before replacing it with newer purchases that are on trend. By taking ownership of our personal clothing choices rather than feeling pressured to respond to sophisticated marketing and influencers, this book suggests how we might rethink our wardrobes in philosophical and practical ways to create a sense of order and beauty in our lives and to regain control from the increasing chaos of seemingly endless choices that perpetuate unsustainable, impersonal, and fast fashion.