Book Review: Worn

Worn:  A People's History of Clothing

Author:  Sofi Thanhauser

ISBN:  978-1-5247-4839-5

Publisher:  Pantheon Books, New York

Published:  2022

Price:  $40.00 (Canadian) / $30 (U.S.)

In slightly over three hundred pages, Sofi Thanhauser takes the reader on an expansive journey around the world with an historic lens.  She examines the fibers and politics involved in dressing ourselves and the clothing made and worn.   

The book is broken into five sections; Linen, Cotton, Silk, Synthetics and Wool.  Each section delves into a rich and complex history of each fiber that examines the road and path that have lead textiles workers to be exploited and the road back to rediscovery of ethical methods of making and creating what we wear.  It is a book examining the dark history of clothing and hope for a better future.  At some points, it was difficult to read through some sections after reading Fake Silk.  But it is worth the time investment for the wealth of knowledge that is shared in these pages.  Worn is a highly recommended book if your interested in textiles and how the clothing industry as changed.    

Happy Sewing!