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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
368 pages, Audible Audio
Published May 9, 2024
482 people are currently reading
3254 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
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.
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.
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.
April 7, 2025
I truly agree with the premise of this book and wanted to love it, however I found the author to be pretentious and out of touch. He failed to touch on the socioeconomic factors that may lead someone to over consume products that aren’t sustainable, locally made etc.
The whole book felt like it came from a place of privilege, essentially telling us to live like peasants of the Middle Ages while failing to acknowledge the societal and economic factors of modern life that may make that difficult. I wish the book came from a more realistic perspective that considered there various different classes in the UK, and provided actionable points on how to do better.
The whole book felt like it came from a place of privilege, essentially telling us to live like peasants of the Middle Ages while failing to acknowledge the societal and economic factors of modern life that may make that difficult. I wish the book came from a more realistic perspective that considered there various different classes in the UK, and provided actionable points on how to do better.
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.
August 19, 2024
I agree with the principles but this author was way too holier than thou and preacher for my liking.
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.
May 14, 2025
Wasn't my cup of tea. I listened as an audiobook, read by the author. I dont watch the TV programmes he is on so didn't have a point of reference for him- and indeed he may be a very sincere person passionate about the subject matter - but it came across a tad too sanctimonious, self-praising, and overly repetitive. I'm also dubious about some of the historical "facts" woven in there - they felt cherry picked and not wholly accurate. ah well.
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
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.
July 12, 2025
a good wake-up call to stop buying crap! some of the "let's make national service mandatory" stuff is a bit much maybe but the ideas about taking care of belongings and communities rather than seeking consumption are solid
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. :)
December 17, 2024
Sew be it: probably completely wrong time of year to be reading this, as the annual festival of deranged consumptiveness is in full flight, but Grant’s tome, part Guardian long read stretched to book form, part extended ad for his company, Community Clothing, is a necessary emetic at this time when we commemorate the birthday of our lord by getting up to our necks in debt then eating ourselves to death before they can collect.
Much as this is necessary, controlled and impressive polemic, which acknowledges the joy of the new and rues the economic model that promotes it, a lacuna is the realisation that it’s somewhat easier, as the privileged product of an expensive education and a successful career, to make the often difficult choices such as paying several times the Primark/TK Maxx price for your shoes, coat, hat or whatever in order to buy a more durable, repairable, craft-made alternative. And although the abolition of the Multi-Fibre Agreement in the early 2000s opened the floodgates to incomprehensibly cheap textiles and garments from low wage economies, and laid waste to tens of thousands of jobs in the Midlands and north, it also made it possible for a single parent on benefits to clothe her offspring in the requisite school uniform for a tenner a piece from Asda.
That grumble aside, what we have is a salient piece arguing for fewer and better, in a way that might save the planet, our pockets and the nation’s pride. Comparing the Sewing Bee maestro’s measured, knowledgeable and longtermist prospectus with the ill-informed and unlistening industrial policy of the last forty years makes one both saddened and hopeful.
Much as this is necessary, controlled and impressive polemic, which acknowledges the joy of the new and rues the economic model that promotes it, a lacuna is the realisation that it’s somewhat easier, as the privileged product of an expensive education and a successful career, to make the often difficult choices such as paying several times the Primark/TK Maxx price for your shoes, coat, hat or whatever in order to buy a more durable, repairable, craft-made alternative. And although the abolition of the Multi-Fibre Agreement in the early 2000s opened the floodgates to incomprehensibly cheap textiles and garments from low wage economies, and laid waste to tens of thousands of jobs in the Midlands and north, it also made it possible for a single parent on benefits to clothe her offspring in the requisite school uniform for a tenner a piece from Asda.
That grumble aside, what we have is a salient piece arguing for fewer and better, in a way that might save the planet, our pockets and the nation’s pride. Comparing the Sewing Bee maestro’s measured, knowledgeable and longtermist prospectus with the ill-informed and unlistening industrial policy of the last forty years makes one both saddened and hopeful.
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.
September 27, 2025
A bit too repetitive and self-promoting for my taste, but otherwise an interesting book on important topics.
It could easily have been at least 100 pages shorter, and I could have done without the memoir parts.
It could easily have been at least 100 pages shorter, and I could have done without the memoir parts.
February 20, 2025
Panick read 60% of this book as I’m meeting the man himself tm
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.
December 5, 2025
This book has really made me think about what I buy and how our world just runs on ‘stuff’!!
It was very interesting and I found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading - and especially when I was shopping!
He clearly is very passionate about buying less and community clothing - and his passion is contagious. He makes very good points throughout, such as buying less but better quality and the tangible and intangible meaning of the ‘stuff’ that’s in our houses. Really interesting to hear about advertising and fast fashion brands too.
Good to read something different and would recommend to those who like a bit of non-fiction!
It was very interesting and I found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading - and especially when I was shopping!
He clearly is very passionate about buying less and community clothing - and his passion is contagious. He makes very good points throughout, such as buying less but better quality and the tangible and intangible meaning of the ‘stuff’ that’s in our houses. Really interesting to hear about advertising and fast fashion brands too.
Good to read something different and would recommend to those who like a bit of non-fiction!
October 21, 2025
Ending my reading slump… need to catch up on my reading challenge otherwise I’ll break my 9 year streak of 52 books a year! …but enough about me
I like the premise of the book - the idea that we should buy less, buy better quality things and that this would make us all happier. So far so good - I liked the history lessons and explanations about how different regions / places in the UK produce / used to produce certain things - continuing to be great. I also liked the division of the book in four sections - want, quality, work and less.
But I got a bit frustrated with the high amount of self-congratulatory sections by the author to himself, the various inclusions of all the things the author is doing to be “good” and how great his own factory is and his business etc. - happy for the author, but it felt a bit out of place in this book. I also felt like the book could have benefited from better editing (I think I read in multiple chapters how there’s a sweater from his grandmother that he loves and keeps wearing after all this time) and maybe about 100 pages less.
Honestly he seems like a nice guy who has given things a lot of thought, and he makes a well reasoned argument for us to really buy less. But I would have liked fewer stories about how great he is, and more practical examples of how to spot quality in different things and how to make greater purchases.
I like the premise of the book - the idea that we should buy less, buy better quality things and that this would make us all happier. So far so good - I liked the history lessons and explanations about how different regions / places in the UK produce / used to produce certain things - continuing to be great. I also liked the division of the book in four sections - want, quality, work and less.
But I got a bit frustrated with the high amount of self-congratulatory sections by the author to himself, the various inclusions of all the things the author is doing to be “good” and how great his own factory is and his business etc. - happy for the author, but it felt a bit out of place in this book. I also felt like the book could have benefited from better editing (I think I read in multiple chapters how there’s a sweater from his grandmother that he loves and keeps wearing after all this time) and maybe about 100 pages less.
Honestly he seems like a nice guy who has given things a lot of thought, and he makes a well reasoned argument for us to really buy less. But I would have liked fewer stories about how great he is, and more practical examples of how to spot quality in different things and how to make greater purchases.
December 6, 2025
I love any man who appreciates a good jumper. Patrick Grant: the hero the North West needs but not the one it deserves.
Such important food for thought and throws such a crucial spotlight on towns like Blackburn. Yes it is repetitive but the message is important and needs repeating/shouting from the abandoned rooftops and he genuinely practices what he preaches.
9/10 - swoons
Such important food for thought and throws such a crucial spotlight on towns like Blackburn. Yes it is repetitive but the message is important and needs repeating/shouting from the abandoned rooftops and he genuinely practices what he preaches.
9/10 - swoons
November 12, 2024
3.5 loved the book but some bits were quite repetitive
January 6, 2026
I’ve seen so many polarised reviews of this one but I really enjoyed it. Patrick’s ‘voice’ comes over loud and clear and although he’s criticised as being preachy I personally feel he’s in a position to be. Bis oerosnal insights are really interesting & the whole book gave me much food for thought.
January 14, 2026
slightly disappointing. the majority of the book focused on the history of craftsmanship and the fashion industry in the UK, and self-promotion. not what was expected.
September 9, 2025
Message is 5/5, writing 3/5
October 9, 2025
Nothing necessarily groundbreaking but definitely interesting to see inside the revival of British manufacturing from someone leading the charge. The most important bit of the book for me personally was the discussion of work being something fulfilling and to take pride in. Sounds nice.
Listened to whilst driving.
Listened to whilst driving.
July 19, 2025
5* Less - Patrick Grant. Absolutely bloody brilliant.
What a book. One that really makes you think, stand back, consider all that Patrick Grant says and reconsider what you buy and how you buy it.
Part memoir, part rumination on the decline of the British textile industry and a fascinating insight into issues of quality, races to the bottom and what we mean by value for money - I have spent the last week or so quoting from this book and I’ll be doing it for a long time to come. It is a harsh look at modern day Britain and a heartbreaking recount of the hollowing out of many (esp northern and Scottish) towns, districts and cities (many of which I know well). Taking a swipe not just at fast fashion but the many mid to high market players who don’t deliver quality that they once did or that they continue to charge for.
With some insightful suggestions as to how things could be changed for the better, someone could do worse than grab Patrick Grant and offer him a spot in Government (much like Sir Patrick Valance and Sir James Timpson - unelected leaders of areas that they truly understand and are passionate about).
I’ve never warmed to Great British Sewing Bee and I have no real interest in fashion. However, I now have so much insight thanks to this book. I’ll be eschewing future purchases from many of my middle class favourites and pushing the boat out to buy classic products that will likely last a lifetime. As and when I need to - I’ll be off to the Scottish Borders for my next jumper.
I cannot recommend this book more highly. I listened to it on Audible, narrated by the author, and I strongly suspect it might be better consumed in this way.
What a book. One that really makes you think, stand back, consider all that Patrick Grant says and reconsider what you buy and how you buy it.
Part memoir, part rumination on the decline of the British textile industry and a fascinating insight into issues of quality, races to the bottom and what we mean by value for money - I have spent the last week or so quoting from this book and I’ll be doing it for a long time to come. It is a harsh look at modern day Britain and a heartbreaking recount of the hollowing out of many (esp northern and Scottish) towns, districts and cities (many of which I know well). Taking a swipe not just at fast fashion but the many mid to high market players who don’t deliver quality that they once did or that they continue to charge for.
With some insightful suggestions as to how things could be changed for the better, someone could do worse than grab Patrick Grant and offer him a spot in Government (much like Sir Patrick Valance and Sir James Timpson - unelected leaders of areas that they truly understand and are passionate about).
I’ve never warmed to Great British Sewing Bee and I have no real interest in fashion. However, I now have so much insight thanks to this book. I’ll be eschewing future purchases from many of my middle class favourites and pushing the boat out to buy classic products that will likely last a lifetime. As and when I need to - I’ll be off to the Scottish Borders for my next jumper.
I cannot recommend this book more highly. I listened to it on Audible, narrated by the author, and I strongly suspect it might be better consumed in this way.
July 3, 2024
Less is a book that celebrates craftsmanship, making things with care, buying things with thought and valuing everything we own.
This was such an informative read: there is so much research that has clearly gone into this book, and Grant is extremely knowledgeable on this topic. His writing is inspiring- it feels achievable to have better quality items, reduce environmental impact and increase jobs. On the flip side it's also frustrating to see how achievable it is and know that nothing has been done about it. I also liked the transparency Grant speaks with around how much he earns and what it took to get his business off the ground. I think these discussions are needed more and so it was refreshing to read about someone being so clear on the topic.
Some aspects of the book were a little repetitive, but overall it was a really compelling argument to buy less and buy better.
🪡 "Clothes have power. They form part of our memory of events in our lives. We become so intimately connected with good quality clothes over the long years we wear them, and in the not too distant past we believed that some of our soul would pass into them... We remember special outfits, graduation suits and wedding frocks- they can take us back to places we have been and help us recall the people we passed our time with." 🪡
This was such an informative read: there is so much research that has clearly gone into this book, and Grant is extremely knowledgeable on this topic. His writing is inspiring- it feels achievable to have better quality items, reduce environmental impact and increase jobs. On the flip side it's also frustrating to see how achievable it is and know that nothing has been done about it. I also liked the transparency Grant speaks with around how much he earns and what it took to get his business off the ground. I think these discussions are needed more and so it was refreshing to read about someone being so clear on the topic.
Some aspects of the book were a little repetitive, but overall it was a really compelling argument to buy less and buy better.
🪡 "Clothes have power. They form part of our memory of events in our lives. We become so intimately connected with good quality clothes over the long years we wear them, and in the not too distant past we believed that some of our soul would pass into them... We remember special outfits, graduation suits and wedding frocks- they can take us back to places we have been and help us recall the people we passed our time with." 🪡
June 8, 2025
A really thought-provoking book about why we don’t need nearly as many clothes as we think and how our obsession with cheap fashion has affected society, and in particular the UK’s manufacturing industry. Patrick Grant owns a sustainable clothing company so naturally the book includes a bit of self-promotion. At first, I thought his brand expensive, but after reading the book and understanding the true cost of quality clothing, it now seems good value. It’s all about perspective. The best part? I’ve not bought a single thing online since picking up the book so reading it has saved me money.
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.
September 15, 2025
Carries a really important anti consumerist message sadly obfuscated by too much self pity and reform uk propaganda. Would have much preferred a focus on the environmental impact and science backed insights. Wasted opportunity.
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