To Dye For

How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick--and How We Can Fight Back

By: Alden Wicker

Narrated by: Alden Wicker

A Silent Spring for your wardrobe, To Dye For is a jolting exposé that reveals the true cost of the toxic, largely unregulated chemicals found on most clothing today.

Many of us are aware of the ethical minefield that is fast fashion: the dodgy labor practices, the lax environmental standards, and the mountains of waste piling up on the shores of developing countries. But have you stopped to consider the dangerous effects your clothes are having on your own health? Award-winning journalist Alden Wicker breaks open a story hiding in plain sight: the unregulated toxic chemicals that are likely in your wardrobe right now, how they’re harming you, and what you can do about it.

In To Dye For, Wicker reveals how clothing manufacturers have successfully swept consumers’ concerns under the rug for more than 150 years, and why synthetic fashion and dyes made from fossil fuels are so deeply intertwined with the rise of autoimmune disease, infertility, asthma, eczema, and more. In fact, there’s little to no regulation of the clothes and textiles we wear each day—from uniforms to fast fashion, outdoor gear, and even the face masks that have become ubiquitous in recent years. Wicker explains how we got here, what the stakes are, and what all of us can do in the fight for a safe and healthy wardrobe for all.

listen for your health

good balance of anecdotes, cutting edge early results scientific research and established science. high quality investigative journalism in book format

This isn’t being talked about enough

I loved this book. The care and detail that went in to her research is astounding. I recommend to all.

Eye-opening information 

Great narration. I learned so much about textiles and how they affect her every day life

This is an important book

The author did a great job in pointing out the destruction to our health by chemicals in our clothing. Well presented.

This textile fanatic learned a lot

I am a textile artist both yarn/wool arts and fabrics, having worked at yarn and fabric stores, and having been obsessed about all things fiber for at least four decades. I play a guessing game where I touch a garment and guess which fibers are in the mix. I still learned a great deal.

I was under the impression that synthetic fibers were always solution dyed before creating the fibers which will make up the fabric. I knew about disperse dyes for artists but stuck to safer acid (as in vinegar) dyes and wool/animal fibers.

Wow. No wonder I had a major reaction to polyester touching my skin during the years I worked cutting fabric as my job.