What comes to mind when you think of vegan choices? Perhaps organic fruits and vegetables? Beans or tofu? But did you know that veganism isn’t just about food choices? Many people who may or may not follow a vegan lifestyle are also beginning to choose not to wear clothings that are made from animals. In the world of fashion, this idea is not something new. Many of our clothings are already made from substances that contains no animals, such as cotton t-shirt or denim. However, the awareness of vegan fashion has a meteoric rise as sustainability and animal welfare became a growing topic. According to a report by Lyst, searches for “vegan leather” had increased by 69% year-on-year. Just as we’ve seen a revolution in how people eat over the past few years, with growth in the plant-based, organic food sector, we’ve now witness the same rise in vegan fashion.
For those of you who are curious or just want to learn more about vegan fashion, here’s a few learning point.
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- Vegan vs. non-vegan fabrics
If the clothing is made out of or a by product of animals, it is not considered vegan. Fabrics that are considered none vegan are silk, wool, leather, cashmere, fur or feathers. If you are still not sure on whats vegan or not, you can look for the “PETA-approved vegan logo” on the clothing’s tags. - Vegan should also mean sustainable
Despite being vegan, many clothings are made from fossil-fuel derived plastics or synthetics, which are difficult for repurpose or break down, and could further harm the environment. With this in mind, you should understand and learn about the brand’s manufacturing processes of the clothing, dig into its supply chain. Many brands now would list and share its ethical code and beliefs on their website. - Learn about alternative materials
There are many new innovative and alternative material options that are not just cruelty free, vegan but also sustainable. Many of these alternate materials are made from recycled waste products, such as apple cores or pineapple leaves.
Vegan and sustainable fashion means protecting the future of our planet. Choosing vegan fashion make sense not just for animal welfare but also environmental reasons. Moreover, it pushes the industry to produce new ideas and fabrics using the latest technology to replace harmful and non-ethical products. Next time you shop, make sure to ask the right questions, look out for products or brands that associate themselves with sustainability. Most importantly, educate yourself and learn about the ins and outs of the vegan and non vegan supply chain so that you can become a more informed consumer.