Top 5 books about the (sustainable) fashion industry

This book exposes the fast fashion industry's impact as journalist Elizabeth Cline calls attention to over-consumption of cheap clothes. Cline explains this relatively new phenomenon of buying more at lower prices, and disposing of it more quickly, and how this affects our planet and the people living on it. Overdressed will make you rethink your shopping habits and consider the true cost of fashion.

Lucy Siegle is the Observer's Ethical Living columnist. In her position, she has thoroughly examined the story behind our clothes. The book analyses the global epidemic of unsustainable fashion and explains th pitfalls of fast fashion, often being inhumane and environmentally degrading. In her book, Siegle offers a new vision for the industry, where green is the new black and you can be an ethical fashionist. You'll find a call to action for urgent changes in both the fashion industry and our consumer behaviors.

For those more interested in social and political patterns, Stitched Up is a must-read. Hoskin covers an array of not-so-alluring topics related to fashion, such as class division, gender stereotyping, and wasteful consumption. Providing a fascinating historical narrative, the book moves between Karl Lagerfeld and Karl Marx to explore consumerism, class, and advertising to reveal the fashion industry's interests which benefit from exploitation.

This book is a great resource if you want to do good with your fashion choices. Wear No Evil is a handbook for navigating fashion and ethics. The style guide features a handy Integrity Index which simplifies shopping and identifies the ethics behind fashion pieces with an easy-to-use rating system. You'll learn how to build your personal style while supporting your values to live and purchase more consciously with a bunch of exercises and recommendations.

For even more eco-friendly recommendations, check out This Is A Good Guide - a comprehensive guide to do good in each aspect of your life. Sustainable lifestyle advocate Marieke Eyskoot has created a comprehensive list of go-to shops, sustainable brands, slow living insights, interesting facts and useful solutions to amp up your eco lifestyle.