The Science of Fashion (Inquire & Investigate)

Find out the science behind your clothes in this fun, interactive book full of hands-on projects for middle schoolers!

What kinds of sneakers are you wearing right now? What material is your shirt made out of? And how did all of these clothes and accessories get made and arrive at a store for you to try on and buy?

In The Science of Fashion, readers ages 12 to 15 learn how science and engineering makes the entire fashion industry possible. Fashion is one of the biggest, most influential industries in the world. But how much do you know about how your clothes are made? Most people tend to think of fashion designers and scientists as occupying two completely different worlds, but the truth is, the fashion business is completely dependent on and intertwined with science and engineering. The computer technology used in fashion design, the science behind dyes and special treatments such as waterproofing, the engineering innovations in manufacturing of fast fashion are just a few of the ways the fashion world and the science and engineering world meet.

Julie Danneberg is a recently retired middle school teacher who has worked as both a special education and literacy teacher. She is the author of several award-winning children’s books, including the perennial best seller, First Day Jitters (Charlesbridge Publishing, 2000). Julie has a BA in Education and a MA in Educational Psychology. She lives in Boulder, Colorado, and when she is not hiking and biking, she is reading and writing.

Michelle Simpson is a Professional Canadian illustrator. She graduated from Sheridan College with a BAA in illustration and now works as a freelance illustrator. Michelle has written and illustrated Monsters In My House and Night Festival. She has also worked as a concept artist for children's tv shows Ollie: The Boy Who Became What He Ate: Season 2, and Tee and Mo. Most of her inspiration comes from nature and folklore.