Sustainable Fashion

12 October 2020

The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries on earth, and it is deeply intertwined with animal exploitation. Leather, wool, silk, fur, and down are standard materials in mainstream fashion. As a vegan, making conscious clothing choices is a natural extension of your ethics. Here is how to dress sustainably and cruelty-free.

Materials to Avoid

• Leather: Made from animal skin, usually cow. The tanning process is also highly toxic.
• Wool: Sheep are often subjected to painful mulesing. Merino wool farming raises serious welfare concerns.
• Silk: Produced by boiling silkworms alive inside their cocoons.
• Down: Feathers plucked from ducks and geese, sometimes while still alive.
• Fur: Animals are kept in appalling conditions on fur farms. Thankfully, fur is increasingly banned globally.

Vegan Alternatives

• Pinatex: Leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fibre. Used by brands like Hugo Boss and H&M.
• Organic cotton: Uses 91% less water than conventional cotton. No pesticides.
• Tencel/Lyocell: Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp. Soft, breathable, and biodegradable.
• Recycled polyester: Made from recycled plastic bottles. Reduces waste but still sheds microfibres.
• Cork: Harvested without harming trees. Used for bags, wallets, and accessories.

Vegan Fashion Brands

• Stella McCartney: Luxury fashion that has never used leather or fur.
• Veja: Trainers made from organic cotton and wild rubber. Transparent supply chain.
• Matt & Nat: Bags and accessories made from recycled materials. 100% vegan.
• Will's Vegan Store: UK-based brand offering shoes, boots, belts, and wallets — all vegan.
• People Tree: Fair trade, organic, and vegan clothing made in Asia.

The Most Sustainable Choice

The most sustainable garment is the one you already own. Before buying new, consider: can you repair, alter, or restyle what you have? Charity shops, vintage stores, and clothing swaps are all excellent ways to refresh your wardrobe without buying new. When you do buy new, choose quality over quantity, look for certifications like GOTS and PETA-Approved Vegan, and support brands that are transparent about their supply chains.