REWIND: Why new sweaters are kinda garbage, with Dani of Picnicwear

Sweater season has arrived for many of us, so let's revisit a favorite episode from last 2023!

Dani of Picnicwear joins Amanda to explain why (most) new sweaters are low quality, (near) future garbage (instead of future vintage).  It's a complicated tale of synthetic blends, increasing margin targets, and lower prices.  

• We'll explain how the fast fashion industry has kept prices low and profits high by swapping out yarns, cutting out details, and making copies of copies, while walking through the design process of most big retailers/brands. 
• We will unpack why it's really difficult to find sweaters made of natural fibers.
• Amanda will explain how natural fibers aren't the "cure" for the impact of overconsumption.
• We will give you advice about how to choose the right sweater (hint: read those content labels).
• Dani will give you advice about how to care for your sweaters properly.

 
We were inspired by Amanda Mull's piece for The Atlantic, Your Sweaters Are Garbage. Go read it!

ALSO: get your tickets for Clotheshorse LIVE!

10/23  Seattle, WA @ Here-After
10/26  Portland, OR @ Holocene

And preorder your copy of the MEGA-zine, The Clotheshorse Guide to Synthetic Fibers & Fabrics.

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording:  amanda@clotheshorse.world

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Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Slow Fashion Academy is a size-inclusive sewing and patternmaking studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Designer and fashion professor Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of making, mending, and altering their own clothes. Ruby also provides professional design and patternmaking services to emerging slow fashion brands, and occasionally takes commissions for custom garments and costume pieces. She has also released several PDF sewing patterns for original designs under her brands Spokes & Stitches, and Starling Petite Plus. Check the schedule for upcoming workshops, download PDF sewing patterns, and learn about additional sewing and design services at www.slowfashion.academy.

The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble (@thepewterthimble). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at