Includes bibliographical references and index.

A biography of jeans -- Clothes and capital -- The shadow world of used clothing -- Cotton is the mother of poverty -- Made in China and Africa -- Second-hand Africa -- Persistent poverty -- Old clothes and new looks -- Ethical clothing myths and realities -- Fast-fashion systems.

Following a pair of jeans, Clothing Poverty takes the reader on a vivid around-the-world tour to reveal how clothes are manufactured and retailed, bringing to light how fast fashion and clothing recycling are interconnected. Andrew Brooks shows how recycled clothes are traded across continents, uncovers how retailers and international charities are embroiled in commodity chains which perpetuate poverty, and exposes the hidden trade networks which transect the globe. Stitching together rich narratives, from Mozambican markets, Nigerian smugglers and Chinese factories to London's vintage clothing scene, TOMS shoes and Vivienne Westwood's ethical fashion lines, Brooks uncovers the many hidden sides of fashion.--COVER.