Books to Read, Save and Gift for Any Sustainable Fashion Enthusiast

At Scarlet Destiny, our approach to fashion has always been driven by a deeper desire — to explore, to question, and to create with care. In a world where speed and volume have overtaken value and intention, sustainable fashion isn’t a trend to us, it’s a compass. A way to realign with what matters. A return to creativity, craftsmanship, and circular thinking.

But fashion, just like change, starts with knowledge.

In many ways, this reading list is where our own story began. The ideas and truths we found within these pages were some of the sparks that ignited Scarlet Destiny. They made us uncomfortable. They made us hopeful. And they made us want to write our own chapter, literally. (More on that below...)

So whether you’re building a better wardrobe, curious about fashion’s future, or looking for the perfect gift for a like-minded friend, these books are essential. Thoughtful, empowering, and deeply relevant, they deserve a permanent place on every conscious creator’s bookshelf.

1.Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion by Elizabeth L. Cline

Perfect for: The curious mind who's starting to question what’s behind the price tag.

Elizabeth Cline's investigative deep-dive into fast fashion is a game-changer. She traces the journey of that suspiciously cheap tee from sweatshop to shop floor, exposing the environmental, ethical, and psychological costs along the way. It’s not just a wake-up call — it’s a blueprint for change.

2. To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out the World? by Lucy Siegle

Perfect for: The justice-driven reader who wants to understand fashion's bigger picture.

Lucy Siegle cuts through the greenwashing to deliver a raw, urgent exploration of the industry’s hidden damage — to people, to the planet, and to our collective sense of value. This book doesn’t just highlight problems; it guides you toward solutions and action. A cornerstone text for anyone taking sustainability seriously.

3. How to Break Up with Fast Fashion by Lauren Bravo

Perfect for: The stylish friend who’s ready to change — but doesn’t want to sacrifice self-expression.

Equal parts self-help and manifesto, Lauren Bravo’s witty, relatable tone makes this book a joy to read — even as it challenges you to rethink your habits. It’s honest about the emotional pull of fast fashion, but even better at showing you how to let go. You’ll finish this one feeling seen, not scolded.

4. The Future of Fashion: Understanding Sustainability in the Fashion Industry by Tyler Little

Perfect for: The forward-thinker, the technophile, the student of what's next.

Want a glimpse into fashion’s potential? From biomaterials to circular systems, Liv Firth opens the door to innovations that could reshape the industry. It’s a hopeful, future-facing read that brings together insight, data and inspiration from the world’s leading thinkers and creators.

5. A Life Less Throwaway: The Lost Art of Buying for Life by Tara Button

Perfect for: The minimalist, the sentimentalist, the one who values the story behind every piece.

This beautifully written book reawakens our love for long-lasting design — not just in fashion, but in all areas of life. Tara Button makes the case for choosing well, keeping forever, and cherishing what we own. A gentle, grounding antidote to disposable culture.

These books have shaped how we see the fashion world, and how we want to shape it next.
That’s why we’re excited to share that our very own Scarlet Destiny book is in progress, a curated guide to the best sustainable fashion resources out there: tools, techniques, case studies, stories, materials and everything in between.

It will be the kind of book we wish we’d had when we started. A companion for every creative, every student, every sustainable fashion lover navigating their way through this ever-evolving world. Stay in the loop. Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know what’s next.

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