5 Materials in Your Clothing That Isn't Vegan

You're probably familiar with the dietary side of a plant-based lifestyle as a vegan. However, did you know that many clothing items are not as cruelty-free as you may believe? True, even clothes made from natural materials such as cotton and wool can contain animal byproducts or be treated with chemicals derived from animals. In this blog post, we'll go over five common non-vegan ingredients in clothing so you can make educated choices when shopping for wardrobe staples.

Many of us believe that vegan lifestyles are limited to food, but veganism can be applied to so much more. Vegetarian clothing is becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry. However, most people are unaware that some of their favorite garments still contain components that are not vegan-friendly. Fur, down feathers, leather, silk, and wool are examples of non-vegan clothing ingredients derived from animals that have typically been exploited or injured in order to produce these materials. Before you splurge on your next wardrobe addition or invest in timeless pieces for your collection, make sure you understand exactly what it is made of and if it meets vegan standards.

Fur

With veganism gaining popularity in recent years, an increasing number of consumers are actively attempting to avoid purchasing items made of fur. While some people continue to wear animal fur clothing for aesthetic or cultural reasons, there are numerous vegan alternatives that can achieve the same result without supporting an unethical industry. There is a wide range of faux furs available to replicate any desired look, from ultra-soft coats for the winter cold to lightweight shawls for summer sunsets.

Leather

Vegan alternatives offer a stylish and cruelty-free alternative for shoppers who want to avoid leather in clothing. Whether you're looking for vegan shoes or vegan purses, conscious fashion brands are now providing high-quality vegan alternatives that look and feel just as luxurious as real leather. Synthetic vegan leather is made from fabric backings and a flexible polyurethane membrane that looks exactly like the real thing—often it's difficult to tell the difference! When searching for vegan items online, use keywords such as "vegan," "faux," or "synthetic" to ensure you are finding items that do not contain any animal products.

Feathers

Choosing vegan-friendly clothing is as simple as choosing a life free of down feathers. Many people are looking for vegan alternatives to common outerwear items like jackets, vests, and sleeping bags that are traditionally filled with down feathers. Fortunately, there are many vegan-friendly options that are as warm, stylish, and affordable as traditional down feather versions. Many vegan down feather coats use synthetic fibers to mimic the insulation qualities of real animal feathers without introducing any animal products into your wardrobe. This can be an excellent way to stay warm and avoid animal exploitation or cruelty.

Silk

Silk is one of the oldest clothing fibers and is prized for its beauty, strength, and comfort. Silk is prohibited by veganism because it is made from the cocoons of mulberry silkworms, which must be boiled alive to obtain the fabric. Despite the fact that vegan-friendly substitutes such as rayon, Tencel, and recycled polyester are now available, these fabrics are too unsustainable due to their manufacturing process, so alternatives aren't "perfect".

Silk is a luxurious fabric that is frequently used in clothing, but there are vegan-friendly alternatives that can provide the same level of style and comfort. Satin and vegan leather are both vegan options that look and feel like silk while also being ethically vegan. If you want to spruce up your wardrobe with vegan-friendly materials, researching alternatives like bamboo silk or vegan velvet is a good place to start.

Wool

Wool is not vegan-friendly because it is obtained by shearing animals. As veganism is to avoid eating animal products and minimize the use of animals for human purposes, including the practice of raising animals for fiber, hence why wool is not vegan. Because the production of wool causes enormous pain and suffering for the animals, veganism prohibits these processes, which include cruel practices such as mulesing, which affects millions of sheep worldwide. Furthermore, veganism considers the harm done to other wildlife, such as foxes, as unacceptable. For these reasons, veganism does not support wool as a fabric, and vegans are encouraged to avoid purchasing items made from this material.

Woolen items such as winter coats, sweaters, and beanies are frequently made with wool sourced from animal fur - but vegan-friendly alternatives don't have to sacrifice style. Sustainable vegan fabrics such as eco-fleece and Tencel® provide a great alternative that is just as warm and stylish without jeopardizing animal rights or welfare. With vegan fabrics, you can be fashionable without worrying about the ethical implications.

So there you have it: five common non-vegan ingredients in clothing, as well as the reasons why they are used. Now that you know what to look for, do your research before buying any clothes, or even better, shop at Wegano, where all of our products are vegan and cruelty-free. Shopping for clothes has never been easier - or kinder!