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Less: Stop Buying So Much Rubbish: How Having Fewer, Better Things Can Make Us Happier
‘Utterly brilliant. We all need to read this book� CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN
'Patrick’s book is fascinating and sobering and makes a compelling argument for going back to basics� JOE LYCETT
We used to care a lot about our clothes. We didn’t have many but those we had were important to us. We’d cherish them, repair them and pass them on. And making them provided fulfilling work for millions of skilled people locally.
�Today the average person has nearly five times as many clothes as they did just 50 years ago. Last year, 100 billion garments were produced worldwide, most made from oil, 30% of which were not even sold, and the equivalent of one bin lorry full of clothing is dumped in landfill or burned every single second. Our wardrobes are full to bursting with clothes we never wear so why do we keep buying more?
In this passionate and revealing book about loving clothes but despairing of a broken global system Patrick Grant considers the crisis of consumption and quality in fashion, and how we might make ourselves happier by rediscovering the joy of living with fewer, better-quality things.
Weaving in his personal journey through fashion, clothing and the other everyday objects in his life, this is a book that celebrates craftsmanship, making things with care, buying things with thought and valuing everything we own. It explains how rethinking our relationship with clothing could kickstart a thriving new local economy bringing prosperity and hope back to places in our country that have lost out to globalisation, offshore manufacturing and to the madness of price and quantity being the only things that matter.
'Presents a new way of thinking about the things we buy' KEITH BRYMER-JONES
'Patrick’s book is fascinating and sobering and makes a compelling argument for going back to basics� JOE LYCETT
We used to care a lot about our clothes. We didn’t have many but those we had were important to us. We’d cherish them, repair them and pass them on. And making them provided fulfilling work for millions of skilled people locally.
�Today the average person has nearly five times as many clothes as they did just 50 years ago. Last year, 100 billion garments were produced worldwide, most made from oil, 30% of which were not even sold, and the equivalent of one bin lorry full of clothing is dumped in landfill or burned every single second. Our wardrobes are full to bursting with clothes we never wear so why do we keep buying more?
In this passionate and revealing book about loving clothes but despairing of a broken global system Patrick Grant considers the crisis of consumption and quality in fashion, and how we might make ourselves happier by rediscovering the joy of living with fewer, better-quality things.
Weaving in his personal journey through fashion, clothing and the other everyday objects in his life, this is a book that celebrates craftsmanship, making things with care, buying things with thought and valuing everything we own. It explains how rethinking our relationship with clothing could kickstart a thriving new local economy bringing prosperity and hope back to places in our country that have lost out to globalisation, offshore manufacturing and to the madness of price and quantity being the only things that matter.
'Presents a new way of thinking about the things we buy' KEITH BRYMER-JONES
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2024
245 people are currently reading
1,726 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
May 30, 2024
4.5⭐️ This is the most thought provoking non-fiction book I have read in a while, and I think it will stay with me for many years to come. It would be great if everyone would read this, especially our politicians to bring about real change in this country and around the world.
This book is not a memoir, although it does include chapters on Grant’s life, but in the context of how it has influenced his approach to work and the clothing industry. For me this book is like manifesto for change particularly in the ‘fashion� industry but also a general approach to making things and consumerism.
It includes a fascinating and at times deeply depressing history lesson on manufacturing in predominantly the UK. But that depression isn’t caused by Grant’s writing it is the reality of where we find ourselves today and it brought important context and life to the Industrial Revolution history I was so blandly taught in school.
I feel so much better educated about the UK’s manufacturing history and present state.Patrick’s mantra of Less, Better, Local, will certainly inform where I spend my money in future. It’s well written, well researched and I would recommend to anyone interested in fashion, craftsmanship and/or the effect of capitalism on the wellbeing of nations.
This book is not a memoir, although it does include chapters on Grant’s life, but in the context of how it has influenced his approach to work and the clothing industry. For me this book is like manifesto for change particularly in the ‘fashion� industry but also a general approach to making things and consumerism.
It includes a fascinating and at times deeply depressing history lesson on manufacturing in predominantly the UK. But that depression isn’t caused by Grant’s writing it is the reality of where we find ourselves today and it brought important context and life to the Industrial Revolution history I was so blandly taught in school.
I feel so much better educated about the UK’s manufacturing history and present state.Patrick’s mantra of Less, Better, Local, will certainly inform where I spend my money in future. It’s well written, well researched and I would recommend to anyone interested in fashion, craftsmanship and/or the effect of capitalism on the wellbeing of nations.
May 30, 2024
This book combines memoir, polemic and advertisement. Grant tells us his early life and career story, intercut with convincing evidence for why we should reduce our fashion and clothing consumption, and self-praise for his own businesses. It’s interesting: he has had a fascinating career, and I completely agree with his ‘less� agenda. But, it is the most repetitive text - of any kind - that I have ever read. Time and time again he tells us things he’s told us before. I decided he must have wanted each chapter to be self-sufficient, hence the repetition. Maybe he started writing each chapter anew without looking at or thinking of the others that preceded it? Is it a collection of blog posts? But then, the enormous acknowledgments section thanks so many people in the publishing sector that helped him with the book; they should have known better. So, now I can only conclude that either (a) they think readers have such a small attention span that repetition either doesn’t matter or indeed is necessary or (b) they don’t care. I care - I would restructure this book completely, starting with Grant’s early life, moving through his career and businesses, and ending with his campaign to reduce consumption.
October 27, 2024
The ethos of this book. Is 5* but the book itself is not.
For one a lot of it is simply an advert for community clothing (Patrick's company). I was even sold on the company so went straight on line only to find they didn't even have a pair of pants in my size ( they were available but sold out) plus many of the other items they don't do in my size.
The book itself is also really repetitive most of the information I could have got from the two appendix.
For one a lot of it is simply an advert for community clothing (Patrick's company). I was even sold on the company so went straight on line only to find they didn't even have a pair of pants in my size ( they were available but sold out) plus many of the other items they don't do in my size.
The book itself is also really repetitive most of the information I could have got from the two appendix.
May 8, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! It was interesting and has definitely given me a lot of food for thought.
Everyone should read it and give serious thought to how they consume.
Everyone should read it and give serious thought to how they consume.
October 5, 2024
Не точно каквото очаквах. Говори генерално за идеята защо е по-добре във всяко едно отношение да купуваш по-малко неща, но основният фокус беше към дрехи и въобще продукти, които създаваш чрез ръцете си. Преобладаваше темата за дрехи, тъй като такъв му е бизнесът. :)
С основната идея, че купуването на по-малко неща на брой, които да са по-качествени и по-възможност местно производство, съм на една вълна с него. Също така на пълно съм съгласна, че сегашният модел на консуматорство и постоянен икономически растеж трябва да си ходи и каквото и да говорят за зелени решения е просто хвърляне на прах в очите на слепите. Няма как да постигнем по-добър живот и да се погрижим за планетата си ако продължаваме както досега. Просто е невъзможно.
Та, с тези идеи съм напълно съгласна. Даже и някои от идеите му в каква посока да тръгнем също ми харесаха, но като цяло се чувства като човек, който живее в миналото и иска да върне "добрите стари времена", когато е имало достатъчно работа във фабриките например. Мдааа... Неговата идея, че £20K-£25K е достатъчно за добър живот в UK е отвъд абсурдна. Мога да оценя, че да използваш ръцете си и да си наистина добър в даден занаят, е нещо специално и привлекателно, но не всеки подобен занаят е ок. Имаше абсурдната идея част от 9-те милиона безработни да бъдат пратени да учат занаята на водопроводчици, зидари и всякакви такива, което звучи чудесно на хартия, ама не всеки иска да върши това, изисква си физическа стамина и не е добре платено, каквото и да ми говори. Е, да, спрямо Амазон и Макдоналдс сигурно е по-добре, ама нека се сравняваме не с по-лошото, а спрямо по-доброто. :)
Подобни примери имаше много из книгата му. Загуби ме напълно като спомена за задължителна военна служба. Просто живее някъде в миналото и си мисли, че всички хора искат да се върнат към тези времена. И като се опитва да дава добри примери от други страни, ми идваше да се изсмея, защото не звучаха добре проучени, а като прочетени някъде и приети за чиста монета.
Та, книгата му не е точно да притежаваш по-малко неща, защото не останах с впечатление, че той самият притежава малко неща, а да консумираш осъзнато и притежаваш неща, които цениш и ти служат вярно за дълги години. Дава идеи как да може да се опиташ да разпознаеш качество, но ако за всяка вилица и лъжица е нужно да правиш тридневно онлайн проучване, както е неговата препоръка, не мисля, че някой ще си направи труда.
Идеалист е, живеещ в миналото, с леко абсурдни на моменти представи за обществото. Определено е много ентусиазиран и обича това, което прави, което е страхотно. Дай Боже всеки да намери това нещо, което ще му плаща сметките и няма да иска да спре да го работи и отвъд пенсионна възраст. :)
С основната идея, че купуването на по-малко неща на брой, които да са по-качествени и по-възможност местно производство, съм на една вълна с него. Също така на пълно съм съгласна, че сегашният модел на консуматорство и постоянен икономически растеж трябва да си ходи и каквото и да говорят за зелени решения е просто хвърляне на прах в очите на слепите. Няма как да постигнем по-добър живот и да се погрижим за планетата си ако продължаваме както досега. Просто е невъзможно.
Та, с тези идеи съм напълно съгласна. Даже и някои от идеите му в каква посока да тръгнем също ми харесаха, но като цяло се чувства като човек, който живее в миналото и иска да върне "добрите стари времена", когато е имало достатъчно работа във фабриките например. Мдааа... Неговата идея, че £20K-£25K е достатъчно за добър живот в UK е отвъд абсурдна. Мога да оценя, че да използваш ръцете си и да си наистина добър в даден занаят, е нещо специално и привлекателно, но не всеки подобен занаят е ок. Имаше абсурдната идея част от 9-те милиона безработни да бъдат пратени да учат занаята на водопроводчици, зидари и всякакви такива, което звучи чудесно на хартия, ама не всеки иска да върши това, изисква си физическа стамина и не е добре платено, каквото и да ми говори. Е, да, спрямо Амазон и Макдоналдс сигурно е по-добре, ама нека се сравняваме не с по-лошото, а спрямо по-доброто. :)
Подобни примери имаше много из книгата му. Загуби ме напълно като спомена за задължителна военна служба. Просто живее някъде в миналото и си мисли, че всички хора искат да се върнат към тези времена. И като се опитва да дава добри примери от други страни, ми идваше да се изсмея, защото не звучаха добре проучени, а като прочетени някъде и приети за чиста монета.
Та, книгата му не е точно да притежаваш по-малко неща, защото не останах с впечатление, че той самият притежава малко неща, а да консумираш осъзнато и притежаваш неща, които цениш и ти служат вярно за дълги години. Дава идеи как да може да се опиташ да разпознаеш качество, но ако за всяка вилица и лъжица е нужно да правиш тридневно онлайн проучване, както е неговата препоръка, не мисля, че някой ще си направи труда.
Идеалист е, живеещ в миналото, с леко абсурдни на моменти представи за обществото. Определено е много ентусиазиран и обича това, което прави, което е страхотно. Дай Боже всеки да намери това нещо, което ще му плаща сметките и няма да иска да спре да го работи и отвъд пенсионна възраст. :)
November 22, 2024
***(*)
Deels memoire, deels reclameboodschap, maar toch vooral idealisme, daarover gaat dit boek geschreven door Patrick Grant, één van de juryleden van The Great British Sewing Bee.
Dit boek is een pleidooi om te consuminderen, om eerder kwaliteit dan plastic brol te kopen. Dit boek is een lofzang op de ambachtsman, over mensen die de mooiste stoffen maken, de beste schoenen. In het kort: het gaat over vakmanschap.
Grant zegt, en ik kan hem daar wel in volgen, dat je langer nadenkt over duurdere aankopen, dat je er gehecht aan bent, dat het met de jaren waardevoller wordt en je koopt er uiteraard ook minder van omdat het gewoon veel langer meegaat.
In het verleden, en ik heb dat verleden nog meegemaakt, hadden de mensen veel minder spullen. Dingen werden ook doorgegeven, of het nu over kleding of meubels of nog iets anders ging. Een te klein geworden, zelfgemaakte, trui werd uitgetrokken en er werd iets anders mee gemaakt (mijn gele trui werd een paar kousen, dat was toen ik een jaar of 5 was denk ik).
Verder klaagt hij ook aan, en hier volg ik hem 100%, dat mensen te goedkope kleding kopen. Kleding die gemaakt werd in erbarmelijke omstandigheden vaak, kleding gemaakt uit niet natuurlijke stoffen, uit olie, kleding die de wereld vervuilt, niet alleen bij het maken, maar ook wanneer het weggegooid wordt. Want ja, die kleding wordt erg snel weggegooid. Ze heeft geen waarde, ze kost soms minder dan een Latte, waarom zou je het houden? Het is toch al na 2 keer dragen kapot.
En zo vervuilen we onze wereld, door te kopen bij Shein, Temu en consoorten.
De maakindustrie is al lang naar het verre oosten gegaan. Indien we zouden bereid zijn om meer te betalen voor iets, (en bedachtzaam om te gaan met bezit, niet altijd meer meer meer willen) zou men hier nog steeds meer werkgelegenheid hebben in de textiel, in de mode- en meubelateliers.
Eigenlijk is dit boek een pleidooi om te vertragen, om weer meer eerbied te hebben voor mensen die meester zijn in hun vak, kleermakers, schoenmakers, meubelmakers, voor iedereen die zijn vak met passie kan uitoefenen ipv een job te hebben om de rekeningen te kunnen betalen. Het is ook die passie die maakt dat je een job volhoudt.
Soms vind ik het boek te naïef. Vooral wanneer hij verwijst naar het verleden. Het was dan zeker niet allemaal rozengeur en maneschijn. De mensen konden dan wel veel zelf maken, ze moesten toch ook wel wroeten om te overleven, om alle monden te voeden, en over de grauwe miserie die er was wordt er al helemaal gezwegen.
Ook is het een beetje allemaal "zie hoe goed ik bezig ben". En er is wel erg veel herhaling!
Maar de boodschap is klaar en duidelijk: ga voor minder én beter én herwaardeer het vakmanschap.
In het geval van doorgeven en hand-made items ben ik wel goed bezig. Zie mij hier zitten in mijn zefgebreide trui, kijkend naar de zetelkes van mijn doopmeter uit de jaren '40 van vorige eeuw, met achter mij een kastje van mijn grootmoeder, ergens uit de jaren 30 én onder mijn voeten een mooi Afgaanse handgeknoopt tapijt dat mijn moeder kocht in de vroege jaren 70. Van alles hier rondom mij weet ik van waar het komt, de kadertjes, de lamp, de zetelkes etc. Ze zijn belangrijk voor mij. Ik zal ze zeker niet wegdoen voor iets anders. Ik heb mijn geschiedenis én het vakmanschap van velen rondom mij.
Deels memoire, deels reclameboodschap, maar toch vooral idealisme, daarover gaat dit boek geschreven door Patrick Grant, één van de juryleden van The Great British Sewing Bee.
Dit boek is een pleidooi om te consuminderen, om eerder kwaliteit dan plastic brol te kopen. Dit boek is een lofzang op de ambachtsman, over mensen die de mooiste stoffen maken, de beste schoenen. In het kort: het gaat over vakmanschap.
Grant zegt, en ik kan hem daar wel in volgen, dat je langer nadenkt over duurdere aankopen, dat je er gehecht aan bent, dat het met de jaren waardevoller wordt en je koopt er uiteraard ook minder van omdat het gewoon veel langer meegaat.
In het verleden, en ik heb dat verleden nog meegemaakt, hadden de mensen veel minder spullen. Dingen werden ook doorgegeven, of het nu over kleding of meubels of nog iets anders ging. Een te klein geworden, zelfgemaakte, trui werd uitgetrokken en er werd iets anders mee gemaakt (mijn gele trui werd een paar kousen, dat was toen ik een jaar of 5 was denk ik).
Verder klaagt hij ook aan, en hier volg ik hem 100%, dat mensen te goedkope kleding kopen. Kleding die gemaakt werd in erbarmelijke omstandigheden vaak, kleding gemaakt uit niet natuurlijke stoffen, uit olie, kleding die de wereld vervuilt, niet alleen bij het maken, maar ook wanneer het weggegooid wordt. Want ja, die kleding wordt erg snel weggegooid. Ze heeft geen waarde, ze kost soms minder dan een Latte, waarom zou je het houden? Het is toch al na 2 keer dragen kapot.
En zo vervuilen we onze wereld, door te kopen bij Shein, Temu en consoorten.
De maakindustrie is al lang naar het verre oosten gegaan. Indien we zouden bereid zijn om meer te betalen voor iets, (en bedachtzaam om te gaan met bezit, niet altijd meer meer meer willen) zou men hier nog steeds meer werkgelegenheid hebben in de textiel, in de mode- en meubelateliers.
Eigenlijk is dit boek een pleidooi om te vertragen, om weer meer eerbied te hebben voor mensen die meester zijn in hun vak, kleermakers, schoenmakers, meubelmakers, voor iedereen die zijn vak met passie kan uitoefenen ipv een job te hebben om de rekeningen te kunnen betalen. Het is ook die passie die maakt dat je een job volhoudt.
Soms vind ik het boek te naïef. Vooral wanneer hij verwijst naar het verleden. Het was dan zeker niet allemaal rozengeur en maneschijn. De mensen konden dan wel veel zelf maken, ze moesten toch ook wel wroeten om te overleven, om alle monden te voeden, en over de grauwe miserie die er was wordt er al helemaal gezwegen.
Ook is het een beetje allemaal "zie hoe goed ik bezig ben". En er is wel erg veel herhaling!
Maar de boodschap is klaar en duidelijk: ga voor minder én beter én herwaardeer het vakmanschap.
In het geval van doorgeven en hand-made items ben ik wel goed bezig. Zie mij hier zitten in mijn zefgebreide trui, kijkend naar de zetelkes van mijn doopmeter uit de jaren '40 van vorige eeuw, met achter mij een kastje van mijn grootmoeder, ergens uit de jaren 30 én onder mijn voeten een mooi Afgaanse handgeknoopt tapijt dat mijn moeder kocht in de vroege jaren 70. Van alles hier rondom mij weet ik van waar het komt, de kadertjes, de lamp, de zetelkes etc. Ze zijn belangrijk voor mij. Ik zal ze zeker niet wegdoen voor iets anders. Ik heb mijn geschiedenis én het vakmanschap van velen rondom mij.
August 30, 2024
Thought provoking book on consumerism and overconsumption of clothing. Patrick Grant advocates for sustainable fashion, promoting domestic manufacturing and offers practical advice on breaking the cycle of purchasing cheap quality clothing, goods and whatnot. A recommended read
November 12, 2024
3.5 loved the book but some bits were quite repetitive
February 20, 2025
Panick read 60% of this book as I’m meeting the man himself tm
October 31, 2024
This was such a great surprise! I went into the book knowing Grant from Sewing Bee, and thought it would maybe be a little bit about how to avoid overconsumption on the side.
Instead, Grant delivers a book blending nonfiction about the fashion industry and sustainability with memoir, and does it well. A lot of authors trip up with these sorts of things, sharing too little or not enough, but this felt balanced.
I learned so much about the industry and its issues, and what everyday people can do better. I listened to this (narrated by the author), but am considering one day adding it to my bookshelf as well. A really wonderful read.
Instead, Grant delivers a book blending nonfiction about the fashion industry and sustainability with memoir, and does it well. A lot of authors trip up with these sorts of things, sharing too little or not enough, but this felt balanced.
I learned so much about the industry and its issues, and what everyday people can do better. I listened to this (narrated by the author), but am considering one day adding it to my bookshelf as well. A really wonderful read.
May 24, 2024
This book reminds me of the workers in my home country who work in sweatshop-like factories making clothes for fashion brands that are popular here in the UK. They work in horrible conditions for poverty wages.
In Less, Grant takes us through the whole history of our consumerism and its evolution over time. He talks about the rise of fast fashion and its horrifying consequences on labour practices and the environment. It's eye-opening to learn about how fashion companies spend millions to promote their brands but not on the quality of either the clothes or the workers who make them.
Grant passionately advocates for a shift towards a "less, better, local" philosophy, emphasizing quality over quantity, conscious consumption, and supporting local businesses that prioritize craftsmanship and fair labour practices.
One of my favorite books I've read so far this year.
In Less, Grant takes us through the whole history of our consumerism and its evolution over time. He talks about the rise of fast fashion and its horrifying consequences on labour practices and the environment. It's eye-opening to learn about how fashion companies spend millions to promote their brands but not on the quality of either the clothes or the workers who make them.
Grant passionately advocates for a shift towards a "less, better, local" philosophy, emphasizing quality over quantity, conscious consumption, and supporting local businesses that prioritize craftsmanship and fair labour practices.
One of my favorite books I've read so far this year.
June 10, 2024
A manifesto to save the planet and humans....a bit preachy but Patrick makes some very important and thought provoking points. As a result I've deleted that famous Chinese cheap shopping app from my phone! Think quality not quantity. Think do I need it or can I repair what I've got or get secondhand? I shop vintage and chazza shops but do like a bit of fast fashion, however the numbers are mind boggling that Patrick quotes of the amount of waste clothing due to our obsession with online cheap clothing: it's flippin' terrifying. And we export it to places where they don't want it to become a mountain of plastic waste in places least able to deal with it. The latter chapter which explores how we have become a service based society and how no one knows how to do or make stuff anymore, well I say Patrick for PM!! An enlightening listen in audible.
July 22, 2024
2.25* I really wanted to like this audiobook. However it was too repetitive, I felt the book could have been cut in half.
I am still unsure how having less things will make me happier as his arguments lacked substance. His closing chapter literally was him saying buy less things and giving ideas which don't really work i.e. instead of presents give people the gift of your presence and plant seeds for your food.
The author came across quite arrogant and was way up in his high horse. He would have been better off doing an autobiography.
I did find some of the information interesting such as the decline of manufacturing in the UK and rise of offshoring.
I am still unsure how having less things will make me happier as his arguments lacked substance. His closing chapter literally was him saying buy less things and giving ideas which don't really work i.e. instead of presents give people the gift of your presence and plant seeds for your food.
The author came across quite arrogant and was way up in his high horse. He would have been better off doing an autobiography.
I did find some of the information interesting such as the decline of manufacturing in the UK and rise of offshoring.
August 19, 2024
I agree with the principles but this author was way too holier than thou and preacher for my liking.
October 24, 2024
I loved this book. I put off reading it because I didn’t want to be told to stop buying so many clothes and to feel guilty about what I owned, but Grant’s wholesome, totally non-preachy narrative reeled me in and had me hooked. He’s just such a nice guy and it really came through with this piece of work. Most non-fiction of this kind are full of statistics and long, rambling paragraphs but Grant somehow managed to keep me engaged throughout and wishing his narrative would never end. I loved the history of how we moved to a consumerist culture during the Industrial Revolution and the pivotal impact of Adam Smith’s work, I topic I never fully understood. The book is actually full of history of consumption and production, mainly focused on the UK.
At the end I wanted a more definitive call to action, something really clear for numpties like me to take away to begin your own ‘quiet activism�. But if I think about it, the book is full of the simple message that we need to buy less, buy better and buy local. But how? No mention of the ‘Good On You� website that rates companies for their impact on people, planet and animal welfare. No guide of how to vet companies for yourself or where to find this sort of information. However, let this not be a criticism as the book felt thorough and entertaining throughout, not to mention extremely motivating. I encourage anyone who’s interested in well made things, slow fashion, history of the UK economy and supporting local communities to give it a read. It won’t take very long and it may just change your life!
At the end I wanted a more definitive call to action, something really clear for numpties like me to take away to begin your own ‘quiet activism�. But if I think about it, the book is full of the simple message that we need to buy less, buy better and buy local. But how? No mention of the ‘Good On You� website that rates companies for their impact on people, planet and animal welfare. No guide of how to vet companies for yourself or where to find this sort of information. However, let this not be a criticism as the book felt thorough and entertaining throughout, not to mention extremely motivating. I encourage anyone who’s interested in well made things, slow fashion, history of the UK economy and supporting local communities to give it a read. It won’t take very long and it may just change your life!
April 5, 2025
Goodness, I feel thoroughly ashamed of how we, as humans, have told ourselves the skills centuries of people have developed and nurtured, are no longer needed, looking for the ever present 'fast fix' good feeling of buying something new.
I for one, will endeavour to change my way of thinking, buying cheap means buying multiple times. Research not only the product but also the company who made it.
If we all considered each purchase like generations before us had to do, would we in fact hand our money over so quickly?
Such a good read and highly recommended!
I for one, will endeavour to change my way of thinking, buying cheap means buying multiple times. Research not only the product but also the company who made it.
If we all considered each purchase like generations before us had to do, would we in fact hand our money over so quickly?
Such a good read and highly recommended!
June 30, 2024
What an amazing book, really needed this to help to refresh my mind on the importance of so many of the global issues we face. Patrick writes with care and compassion about who we start to change our habits to better the human race and the planet. If you’re interested in a cleaner environment, sustainable fashion, giving people jobs where they are respected and valued and how we can help our local communities then this is a must read.
September 5, 2024
3,5 stars, for effort and message, which are close to 5, but it is a draggy read. I agree with previous reviews that there are too many repetitions. As a textile engineer most of the content was not new to me, but I hadn’t considered how it could be possible to reverse the local economy. That the UK had their blossoming textile industry through cruel and ruthless colonialism/genocide is of course not much today’s struggling remaining factories can remedy.
April 21, 2025
I did enjoy this book and I think the message is an important one. However, I feel that perhaps it got overshadowed by, what at times felt like, a holier-than-thou attitude by the author. If it had been marketed as Patrick’s own attempt to revitalise the ‘buy British made� social consciousness, then I’d bump this up a star, but I finished the book with a sense of relief that I wasn’t being marketed at about his Saville Row Tailor shop or how pioneering The Great British Sewing Bee is in sustainable making.
July 21, 2024
WOW. This book was so good. Less by Patrick Grant. A comprehensive but short history on consumerism and the change from specialised, local manufacturing to mass-production with diminishing quality. It’s fixed on the British textile industry but it’s super fascinating and I really feel energised to reconsider the purchases I make in the future to support specialised trades and local sourcing.
March 15, 2025
Patrick isn’t telling you anything you don’t know. No one makes anything and fast fashion has ruined us all. What is lovely to read is all the crafts people and businesses that are still making great things. I loved his stories of buying his businesses and putting his money where it matters. That’s the difference - he has experience of doing the work. I am very happy to make Community Clothing my next purchase.
December 18, 2024
The best non-fiction book I’d read this year. I thought it was pretty much just going to be about your closet and minimalism, but I did not expect for it to moreover have such a passionate focus on the economy, capitalism, employment, education, sustainability, the fashion industry (past, present and future) and general human happiness. Highly highly recommend.
December 27, 2024
Thought provoking and reflective! You’ll look at your wardrobe differently after the book. A lot of interesting facts mentioned about skilled making and a focus on how beneficial buying locally / ethically is.
October 6, 2024
So this was a book that made you think about the everyday choices you make and the effect that has on your local community and ultimately the planet.
An important one to read, and I have only marked this down due to many of the topics and solutions covered often being looked at from a male point of view.
I do also agree that there was also quite a lot of repetition at times to the points being raised.
An important one to read, and I have only marked this down due to many of the topics and solutions covered often being looked at from a male point of view.
I do also agree that there was also quite a lot of repetition at times to the points being raised.
November 5, 2024
Be prepared. Very prepared. I’m a ‘Less� evangelist.
Highly recommended if I haven’t already put it in your hands!
Highly recommended if I haven’t already put it in your hands!
December 13, 2024
Unexpectedly sociological!
December 29, 2024
Everyone should read this book!
February 10, 2025
Read this book. That is all.
December 20, 2024
Listened to this in audio format, which is not the easiest for me to digest but I listened mostly during commutes and really loved the content. Learned a lot and I know it's going to be one of those books that I revisit a lot and pick up new insights each time.
Lots of inspiration ready for a New Year of spending money (or not!) in a savvier way in the long term.
Lots of inspiration ready for a New Year of spending money (or not!) in a savvier way in the long term.
December 21, 2024
Great ethos but found it slightly self righteous and quite repetitive - therefore hard to read. 3.5 stars ideally
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