This article contains affiliate links
One of the questions I frequently receive is, “How can fashion be vegan? You don’t eat clothing, do you?”
Just to clarify: no, I definitely do not eat clothing (glad we could clear that up!). But I do wear it, and what we wear has as much to do with veganism as what we eat.
The Vegan Society defines veganism as a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose.
While vegan fashion may seem like a new concept, it’s actually one of the oldest fashion options around. In fact, you probably wear vegan textiles every day! Cotton, linen, hemp, metal …. these have been staples of the fashion industry for as long as there has been a fashion industry, and this month I’m highlighting some obvious and not-so-obvious vegan material option that you can add to your wardrobe to help make vegan fashion the easy – and of course fashionable – choice.
VEGAN LEATHER
Vegan leather may look like animal leather, but it has only 1/3 of the environmental impact of cow leather (yep, even the kind made from plastic!). It’s one of the most innovative areas of fashion right now, with leather alternatives ranging from recycled ketchup bottles to leftover pineapple leaves.
Tee: BeetxBeet | Skirt: Delikate Rayne | Bag: Bead & Reel | Necklaces: Lucy & Jo, Freedom Array | Shoes: Bhava
SEQUINS
While this sparkly party favorite (or everyday favorite, for those with a more exciting life) was at one time made with gelatin, these days, sequins are vegan and made with plastics or metals (and now won’t melt off!).
Top: Annaborgia | Poncho: Freedom Array | Pants: Passion Lilie | Necklaces: Lucy & Jo, Freedom Array | Bracelets: Bead & Reel
STONES
Take the good vibes with you when you adorn with gemstones, crystals, and other pretty rocks. A favorite for jewelry, these minerals can also be a gorgeous accent on shoes, bags, or other accessories.
Top, Shoes, Bracelets: Bead & Reel | Wrap: Passion Lilie | Skirt: Fauxgerty | Belt: Annaborgia | Bag: Freedom Array | Earrings + Necklace: Housgoods
VEGAN SILK
It takes over 2,500 silkworms to make one yard of silk, which can mean thousands of insects die just to make one dress. And while not all of us may love bugs (raises hand), we still don’t have to harm them when there are innovative alternatives available. Vegan silks (made from a variety of synthetic fibers) can give the same look and feel as traditional silk, without the need to boil thousands of living beings alive.
Tee + Hat: BeetxBeet | Dress: Delikate Rayne | Bag: Freedom Array | Jewelry: Lucy & Jo | Shoes: Bead & Reel
POLYESTER
While polyester gets a bad rep – and for a lot of good reasons – it’s also a wrinkle-free, shrinkage-free, recyclable fiber that is a common choice for those needing fashion solutions for travel, climate, and exercise. Polyester can also often be recycled for a reduced environmental impact.
Jumpsuit: Annaborgia | Tee: Bead & Reel | Earrings: Housgoods | Necklaces: Freedom Array, Bead & Reel
METAL
Rings, bracelets, zippers, eyelets – a surprising amount of metal can end up in your outfit, and fortunately, it’s an easy way to accentuate your vegan look. A touch of metal can add edge and attitude to an otherwise demure ensemble.
Sweatshirt: Vegetaryn | Skirt + Bracelet: Bead & Reel | Shoes: Bhava | Earrings: Housgoods
NYLON
When it comes to making fabric decisions, there aren’t always easy solutions. While nylon is not always very eco-friendly, it is vegan, and there are times and situations you may want to choose this infinitely recyclable fiber – and we’re not just talking about tights. Nylon is long lasting and therefore a good option when you plan to wear something for many years to come.
Top: Delikate Rayne | Pants: Passion Lilie | Shoes: Bhava | Necklace + Earrings: Housgoods | Rings + Bracelets: Lucy & Jo
COTTON
A vegan fashion favourite, cotton is a soft, breathable, fibre that can be found in styles from head to toe. And, if you want to be extra vegan about it, organic cotton is intimately kinder to the people and animals where it is grown – most conventional cotton comes from places like Uzbekistan, where cotton slavery is still rife, and extensive pesticide use is still prevalent. Fortunately, more and more brands are offering organic cotton options (and if you’d like to see even more, let your favorite designers know you’re interested!).
Tee: Vegetaryn | Jeans + Jacket: Bead & Reel | Earrings: Housgoods | Rings + Bracelet: Lucy & Jo | Necklace: Freedom Array
Stylist and Creative Director: Sica Schmitz
Model: Rachel Ford
Photographer: Brandon Kelly
Wonderful and informative article. Beautiful clothes….beautiful model. Inspirational!
Beautiful shoot! And I like the focus on different materials BUT mining for stones and metals can have a devastating impact on eco systems and wildlife and they are therefore not necessarily vegan! https://www.earthworksaction.org/issues/detail/mining#.WlVj21Q-dE5
There are attempts to make mining more eco-friendly and ethical but it is early days.
Buying jewellery/accessories made from recycled metals and stones would be a good option to promote instead!
Thanks for the article. Do you have any information on wool alternatives? As a professional, I am really struggling to find warm, professional clothing for winters – sweaters, suits, dresses, etc – I get very cold easily and still have to wear my old wool and cashmere clothing to work since there are not any feasible options out there. I refuse to buy new wool or cashmere items, but what I have will not last forever. I hope that clever people out there are working on alternatives. Some people offer fleece as an alternative. Fleece is great for casual clothing, not professional. Thanks!!!
Hi S! Thanks for commenting! Yes, there are lots of amazing wool-free vegan alternatives out there – check out our latest knitwear guide from this autumn!
http://www.vildamagazine.com/2017/10/the-knitwear-edit-ethical-vegan-knits-that-are-more-stylish-than-cruel-wool/
For ethical vegan knitwear, we recommend fabrics such as organic cotton, Tencel and recycled materials. Brands like People Tree, Komodo, Bead & Reel and VAUTE have some great options.