![Episode 183: Why (Most) New Sweaters Are (Near) Future Garbage, featuring Dani of Picnicwear image](https://media.zencastr.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=640,quality=85/image-files/5efbb3c76b1e1a45c00a5fa2/6d5ea3f5-cafc-48fe-9c94-863705d02e06.jpg)
![](https://media.zencastr.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=640,quality=85/image-files/5efbb3c76b1e1a45c00a5fa2/6d5ea3f5-cafc-48fe-9c94-863705d02e06.jpg)
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 recent piece for The Atlantic, Your Sweaters Are Garbage. Go read it!
Check out Dani's incredible cotton sweaters here.
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
Or call the Clotheshorse hotline: 717.925.7417
Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com
Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:
High Energy Vintage is a fun and funky vintage shop located in Somerville, MA, just a few minutes away from downtown Boston. They offer a highly curated selection of bright and colorful clothing and accessories from the 1940s-1990s for people of all genders. Husband-and-wife duo Wiley & Jessamy handpick each piece for quality and style, with a focus on pieces that transcend trends and will find a home in your closet for many years to come! In addition to clothing, the shop also features a large selection of vintage vinyl and old school video games. Find them on instagram @ highenergyvintage, online at highenergyvintage.com, and at markets in and around Boston.
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 thepewterthimble.com
St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.
![](https://media.zencastr.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=640,quality=85/image-files/5efbb3c76b1e1a45c00a5fa2/6d5ea3f5-cafc-48fe-9c94-863705d02e06.jpg)
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 recent piece for The Atlantic, Your Sweaters Are Garbage. Go read it!
Check out Dani's incredible cotton sweaters here.
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
Or call the Clotheshorse hotline: 717.925.7417
Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com
Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:
High Energy Vintage is a fun and funky vintage shop located in Somerville, MA, just a few minutes away from downtown Boston. They offer a highly curated selection of bright and colorful clothing and accessories from the 1940s-1990s for people of all genders. Husband-and-wife duo Wiley & Jessamy handpick each piece for quality and style, with a focus on pieces that transcend trends and will find a home in your closet for many years to come! In addition to clothing, the shop also features a large selection of vintage vinyl and old school video games. Find them on instagram @ highenergyvintage, online at highenergyvintage.com, and at markets in and around Boston.
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 thepewterthimble.com
St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.
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