The Vegan Closet

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... the Impact on Sustainability & Animal Welfare

The vegan fashion market has experienced rapid growth as consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental and ethical impacts of animal-based materials. The global vegan women's fashion market, valued at $396.3 billion in 2020, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.5% from 2021 to 2028. This industry is continuously innovating new materials and technologies to replace traditional animal-based materials with sustainable and cruelty-free alternatives, such as mushroom leather, grape leather, pineapple leather, apple leather, cactus leather, banana silk, soy silk, hemp, bamboo, and recycled plastics.

Industries and the Countries from which these goods are sourced:

Leather goods (bags, wallets, belts) - Italy, Spain

Footwear (shoes, boots, sandals) - Portugal, Brazil

Outerwear (jackets, coats) - United States, United Kingdom

Apparel (pants, skirts, dresses) - Bangladesh, India

Accessories (hats, gloves, scarves) - China, Turkey

Jewelry (watches, bracelets, necklaces) - Switzerland, France

Home furnishings (upholstery, rugs, pillows) - Belgium, Morocco

Automotive interiors (seats, steering wheel covers) - Germany, Japan

Aircraft interiors (seats, seat covers) - United States, France

Yachting and boating interiors (seats, upholstery) - Italy, Netherlands

Luxury goods (handbags, luggage, briefcases) - France, Italy

Fashion and textile design (fabric development, research) - United Kingdom, United States

Sports equipment (baseball gloves, soccer balls, sports bags) - China, Pakistan

Motorcycle gear (jackets, gloves, boots) - United States, Italy

Equestrian sports (saddles, riding boots, tack) - United Kingdom, Argentina

Pet accessories (collars, leashes, pet beds) - United States, China

Office supplies (planners, binders, desk accessories) - Germany, South Korea

Hospitality (hotel bedding, bath linens, towels) - Portugal, India

Health and beauty products (makeup brushes, cosmetic bags) - China, South Korea

Musical instruments (guitar straps, drumsticks, violin bows) - United States, Germany

Medical equipment (stethoscope covers, braces, orthopedic supports) - United States, Germany

Theater and film costumes - United States, United Kingdom

Uniforms (work, school, military) - China, India

Dancewear (ballet slippers, dance shoes) - France, Russia

Technology accessories (phone cases, laptop sleeves) - China, Taiwan

* Please note that this list provides examples of countries that source materials or products in these categories, but it is not exhaustive, and sourcing can vary by specific company and supply chain.

Calculating the number of individual farmed animals that would be saved if 25% of the fashion industry was plant-based or vegan is challenging, as it would require data on the number of animals used in the industry and the percentage of those that would be replaced by vegan alternatives. However, we can make a rough estimate based on the leather industry, which primarily uses cowhide as a raw material.

It is estimated that around 1 billion animals are used for leather production annually, with the majority being cows (PETA, n.d.). If 25% of the leather industry were to shift to plant-based or vegan alternatives, it could potentially save approximately 250 million cows per year*. This figure, however, does not account for other animals used in the fashion industry, such as sheep, goats, and silkworms.

The vegan fashion industry has the potential to impact a wide range of industries by replacing animal-based materials with more sustainable and cruelty-free alternatives. 

* Please note that this is a rough estimate and does not account for all variables and complexities involved in the fashion industry.

The vegan fashion industry has also been gaining recognition and support from celebrities, influencers, media, and awards. For example, some of the celebrities who have endorsed or collaborated with vegan fashion brands include Emma Watson, Natalie Portman, Joaquin Phoenix, Miley Cyrus, Alicia Silverstone, Stella McCartney, and Pharrell Williams. Some of the media outlets that have featured or promoted vegan fashion include Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan. Some of the awards that have honored or celebrated vegan fashion include PETA’s Vegan Fashion Awards, The Fashion Awards’ Positive Change Award, The Green Carpet Fashion Awards’ Eco Stewardship Award, and The Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards’ Best Use of Recycled Materials Award.

Social Proof: When celebrities and influencers endorse vegan fashion, it serves as social proof for the general public. People tend to follow the actions of others, especially those they admire or perceive as authoritative figures. If a well-known celebrity adopts vegan fashion, it may encourage their fans to do the same (Cialdini, R. B. 2009):

Authority: Celebrities and influencers often have a certain level of perceived authority or expertise in their respective fields. When they endorse a product, service, or movement, it lends credibility to that cause, making it more appealing to the general public (Cialdini, R. B. 2009).

Emotional Appeal: Celebrities and influencers often evoke strong emotions from their fans. By associating themselves with vegan fashion, they can tap into these emotions to create a positive emotional response towards the movement. This can help to overcome any negative perceptions or resistance that some people may have towards vegan fashion (Dillard, J. P., & Peck, E. 2000).

Visibility and Reach: Celebrities and influencers often have large followings on social media and other platforms. By supporting vegan fashion, they can amplify the message and reach a wider audience than traditional marketing channels alone. (Katz, E., & Lazarsfeld, P. F. 1955)

Halo Effect: The positive attributes of celebrities and influencers can rub off on the vegan fashion industry. When a popular celebrity endorses a cause or product, people are more likely to view it positively due to the halo effect, which is the tendency to attribute positive qualities to a person, product, or idea based on their association with someone or something we already view positively (Nisbett, R. E., & Wilson, T. D. 1977).

Aspirational Appeal: Celebrities and influencers often represent an ideal or aspirational lifestyle for many people. By adopting and promoting vegan fashion, they can make it seem more desirable and attainable to their followers (Escalas, J. E., & Bettman, J. R. 2003).

Awards and Recognition: Receiving awards and recognition in the fashion industry can lend credibility to vegan fashion brands and help to position them as viable alternatives to traditional animal-based products (Todeschini et al., 2017). This can help to counter any preconceived notions that vegan fashion is inferior in quality or style.

Overall, these factors work together to create a supportive environment for the vegan fashion industry, helping to overcome barriers and drive consumer adoption of cruelty-free and sustainable alternatives to animal-based products.

Vegan fashion materials are those that do not use any animal-derived products such as leather, wool, fur, silk, or down. Instead, vegan fashion materials can be made from plant-based or synthetic sources that are cruelty-free and eco-friendly.

Cotton that is grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. It is soft, breathable, and biodegradable.

Organic cotton T-shirts: Pact is a brand that offers affordable and fair trade T-shirts made with organic cotton for men and women. For example, they have the Women’s Essential Tee and the Men’s Crew Neck Tee. 

Organic cotton jeans: Levi’s is a brand that has a collection of jeans made with organic cotton for men and women. For example, they have the Women’s 724 High Rise Straight Jeans and the Men’s 502™ Taper Fit Jeans. You can find them on their website or at Nordstrom.

Organic cotton dresses: Reformation is a brand that offers dresses made with organic cotton for women. For example, they have the Nikita Dress and the Winslow Dress. You can find them on their website or at Net-a-Porter.

Organic cotton sweaters: Eileen Fisher is a brand that offers sweaters made with organic cotton for women. For example, they have the Women’s Organic Cotton Tencel Rib Sweater and the Women’s Organic Cotton Tencel Funnel Neck Box-Top. You can find them on their website or at Nordstrom.

Organic cotton underwear: Organic Basics is a brand that offers underwear made with organic cotton for men and women. For example, they have the Women’s SilverTech™ Active Hipster Briefs and the Men’s SilverTech™ Active Boxer Briefs. You can find them on their website or at Mr. Porter.

A fast-growing plant that requires little water and no pesticides. It is durable, absorbent, and antimicrobial.

Hemp pants: Patagonia offers a variety of hemp pants for men and women, such as the Women’s Island Hemp Beach Pants and the Men’s Lightweight All-Wear Hemp Pants. 

Hemp shirts: Toad&Co has a collection of hemp shirts for men and women, such as the Women’s Piru Short Sleeve Easy Tee and the Men’s Taj Hemp Short Sleeve Shirt. 

Hemp dresses: Toad&Co also has a selection of hemp dresses for women, such as the Grom Tank Dress and the Taj Hemp Strappy Jumpsuit. 

Hemp jackets: Hoodlamb Hemp Tailors is a brand that specializes in hemp outerwear, such as the Women’s Nordic Parka and the Men’s Classic Jacket. 

Hemp T-shirts: Recreator is a brand that focuses on hemp T-shirts, such as the Women’s Classic Tee and the Men’s Classic Tee. 

Hemp hoodies: Hempy’s is a brand that offers hemp hoodies, such as the Women’s Full Zip Hoodie and the Men’s Pullover Hoodie. 

Hemp clothing for children: Jungmaven is a brand that has hemp clothing for children, such as the Kids’ Baja Tee and the Kids’ Baja Tank. 

Hemp underwear: Wama underwear is a brand that makes hemp underwear for men and women, such as the Women’s Hipster Panties and the Men’s Boxer Briefs. 

A fabric made from flax fibers that are naturally resistant to pests and require minimal water and chemicals. It is lightweight, strong, and thermoregulating.

Linen dresses: Linenfox is a brand that offers linen dresses that are sustainable, beautifully designed, and ethically made. For example, they have the Linen Wrap Dress and the Linen Midi Dress. 

Linen shirts: Everlane is a brand that offers linen shirts for men and women that are simple, elegant, and versatile. For example, they have the Women’s Clean Silk Relaxed Shirt and the Men’s Air Oxford Shirt. You can find them on their website or at Nordstrom.

Linen pants: Garnet Hill is a brand that offers linen pants for women that are comfortable, flattering, and easy to wear. For example, they have the Classic Linen Trousers and the Cropped Wide-Leg Linen Pants. 

Linen sweaters: Eileen Fisher is a brand that offers linen sweaters for women that are cozy, chic, and organic. For example, they have the Organic-Linen Délavé Cap-Sleeve Sweater and the Organic-Linen & Organic-Cotton V-Neck Pullover. You can find them on their website or at Nordstrom.

Linen jackets: Outerknown is a brand that offers linen jackets for men that are sustainable, durable, and stylish. For example, they have the Blanket Lined Chore Coat and the Blanket Lined Shirt Jacket. You can find them on their website or at Nordstrom.

A renewable grass that grows quickly and can be harvested without killing the plant. It is soft, moisture-wicking, and antibacterial.

Women’s Bamboo French Terry Zip Hooded Sweatshirt by Spun Bamboo: A vegan sweatshirt made from bamboo viscose, organic cotton, and spandex. It is cozy, breathable, and eco-friendly. You can find it at Spun Bamboo.

Men’s Eco-Smart Full-Zip Bamboo Viscose Hoodie by Spun Bamboo: A vegan hoodie made from bamboo viscose, organic cotton, and spandex. It is warm, comfortable, and sustainable. You can find it at Spun Bamboo.

Goodnight Sleep Cami by Boody: A vegan camisole made from bamboo viscose and elastane. It is soft, stretchy, and thermoregulating. You can find it at Boody.

Goodnight Sleep Pant by Boody: A vegan pant made from bamboo viscose and elastane. It is smooth, relaxed, and moisture-wicking. You can find it at Boody.

Organic cotton bedding set by Bhumi: A vegan bedding set made from organic cotton and bamboo viscose. It is luxurious, hypoallergenic, and biodegradable. You can find it at Bhumi.

A brand name for lyocell, a fabric made from wood pulp that is processed in a closed-loop system that recycles water and solvents. It is smooth, breathable, and biodegradable.

Tencel dresses: Reformation is a brand that offers dresses made with Tencel, such as the Nikita Dress and the Winslow Dress. 

Tencel jeans: Levi’s is a brand that has a collection of jeans made with Tencel, such as the Women’s 724 High Rise Straight Jeans and the Men’s 502™ Taper Fit Jeans. 

Tencel shirts: Everlane is a brand that has a selection of shirts made with Tencel, such as the Women’s Clean Silk Relaxed Shirt and the Men’s Air Oxford Shirt. 

Tencel sweaters: Eileen Fisher is a brand that has a range of sweaters made with Tencel, such as the Women’s Organic Cotton Tencel Rib Sweater and the Women’s Organic Cotton Tencel Funnel Neck Box-Top. 

Tencel underwear: Organic Basics is a brand that makes underwear from Tencel, such as the Women’s SilverTech™ Active Hipster Briefs and the Men’s SilverTech™ Active Boxer Briefs. 

A leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fibers that are a byproduct of the fruit industry. It is flexible, durable, and water-resistant.

The WEEK/END Cactus Leather Vegan Studded Crossbody Bag by FRIDA ROME: A vegan crossbody bag made from cactus leather and Piñatex. It is stylish, spacious, and eco-friendly. You can find it at FRIDA ROME.

Vegan Watch Strap Band by Votch: A vegan watch strap made from Piñatex. It is smooth, comfortable, and biodegradable. You can find it at Votch.

Blaze Apple Leather Vegan Ankle Boots by Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather: A vegan ankle boot made from apple leather and Piñatex. It is chic, cozy, and ethical. You can find it at Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather.

Pineapple leather bag by The Pinatex: A vegan bag made from Piñatex. It is trendy, versatile, and sustainable. You can find it at The Pinatex.

PINATEX (Pineapple Leather) Mini Wallet by Corkor: A vegan wallet made from Piñatex. It is compact, handy, and cruelty-free. You can find it at Corkor.

A leather alternative made from mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. It is grown in a lab using organic waste and can be shaped, colored, and textured to mimic different types of leather.

Mushroom leather shoes: Adidas has launched the Stan Smith Mylo, a shoe that features mushroom leather for the three stripes, heel tab overlay, and signature branding. The shoe is part of Adidas’ sustainability efforts and showcases the potential of mushroom leather for footwear2.

Mushroom leather bags: Stella McCartney has created a prototype bag that uses mushroom leather for the body and chain strap. The bag is inspired by the designer’s Falabella bag and demonstrates her commitment to animal-free fashion3.

Mushroom leather jackets: Bolt Threads, the biotechnology company that developed Mylo, a mushroom leather material, has partnered with several brands to create mushroom leather jackets. For example, Lululemon has designed a yoga mat carrier made with Mylo, and Kering has produced a jacket for its brand Volcom made with Mylo3.

A leather alternative made from grape skins and seeds that are leftover from wine production. It is soft, smooth, and biodegradable.

Grape leather bags: DAN AND MÉZ is a brand that offers vegan watches and bags made with grape leather. For example, they have a grappaSac, a backpack that features grape leather for the flap and straps. You can find it on their website2.

Grape leather shoes: Vegea is the company that developed the grape leather material. They have collaborated with several brands to create grape leather shoes, such as Womsh, a sustainable sneaker brand that uses grape leather for some of their models. You can find them on their website3.

Grape leather jackets: Vegea has also partnered with Altiir, a brand that makes vegan jackets inspired by biker culture. They have created a jacket made with grape leather that has a metallic finish and a classic style. You can find it on their website.

A synthetic fabric made from recycled plastic bottles that are melted and spun into fibers. It is strong, wrinkle-resistant, and reduces plastic waste.

Recycled polyester fleece: Patagonia Women’s Better Sweater® Fleece Jacket and the Men’s Retro Pile Fleece Pullover. 

Recycled polyester sneakers: Adidas is a brand that has been using recycled polyester for its sneakers, especially in collaboration with Parley for the Oceans, an organization that collects plastic waste from coastal areas. For example, they have the Women’s Ultraboost 21 Primeblue Shoes and the Men’s NMD_R1 Primeblue Shoes. 

Recycled polyester swimwear: Summersalt is a brand that offers swimwear made with recycled polyester from post-consumer plastic bottles. For example, they have the Sidestroke Bikini Top and Bottom and the The Ruffle Oasis One-Piece. 

Recycled polyester activewear: Girlfriend Collective is a brand that makes activewear from recycled polyester from post-consumer water bottles. For example, they have the Paloma Bra and the High-Rise Pocket Legging. 

Recycled polyester outerwear: Everlane is a brand that has a collection of outerwear made with recycled polyester from plastic bottles. For example, they have the The ReNew Channeled Liner and The ReNew Long Puffer. 

A synthetic fabric made from recycled fishing nets, carpets, or fabric scraps that are regenerated into new fibers. It is stretchy, durable, and reduces ocean pollution.

Recycled nylon backpacks: Prada is a brand that has launched a collection of bags and accessories made with recycled nylon, called Prada Re-Nylon. For example, they have the Re-Nylon Backpack and the Re-Nylon Belt Bag. You can find them on their website3.

Recycled nylon swimwear: Mara Hoffman is a brand that offers swimwear made with recycled nylon, called REPREVE®. For example, they have the Abigail Bikini Top and the Lydia High Waist Bikini Bottom. 

Recycled nylon leggings: Girlfriend Collective is a brand that makes activewear from recycled nylon from post-consumer water bottles. For example, they have the High-Rise Pocket Legging and the High-Rise Bike Short. 

Recycled nylon jackets: Patagonia is a brand that has been using recycled nylon for its jackets and other products since 1993. For example, they have the Women’s Torrentshell 3L Jacket and the Men’s Nano Puff® Jacket. 

Recycled nylon underwear: Organic Basics is a brand that makes underwear from recycled nylon, called SilverTech™. For example, they have the Women’s SilverTech™ Active Hipster Briefs and the Men’s SilverTech™ Active Boxer Briefs. 

There’s so much to find, we can all incorporate Cruelty-Free Lifestyles into our daily routines:

Demi Bucket by MERSI: A vegan bucket bag made from high-quality polyurethane leather and recycled plastic bottles. It is versatile, spacious, and eco-friendly. You can find it at The Vegan Warehouse1.

Solar-powered watch by Solios: A vegan watch that uses solar energy instead of batteries. It is elegant, minimalist, and durable. It also helps restore one acre of rainforest for every watch sold. You can find it at Solios2.

Organic cotton bedding set by Bhumi: A vegan bedding set made from 100% organic cotton that is soft, comfortable, and breathable. It is also fair trade certified and free from harmful chemicals. You can find it at Bhumi3.

R-Kind Unisex Vegan Leather Trainer by Ration.L: A vegan sneaker made from recycled plastic bottles and vegan leather. It is stylish, comfortable, and sustainable. You can find it at Immaculate Vegan.

Apple Leather Crossbody Bag by Votch: A vegan crossbody bag made from apple leather, a material derived from apple waste. It is smooth, durable, and biodegradable. You can find it at Votch.

Vegan Leather RFID Protective Wallet by Watson & Wolfe: A vegan wallet made from eco-friendly polyurethane leather and recycled plastic lining. It is sleek, functional, and protective. You can find it at Watson & Wolfe.

Eden V2 Sustainable Vegan Leather Unisex Trainer by Humans Are Vain: A vegan trainer made from recycled ocean plastic and vegan leather. It is lightweight, breathable, and ethical. You can find it at Humans Are Vain.

Jerusalem Dry Oil Vegan Parfum by Lovorika: A vegan perfume made from natural ingredients and organic alcohol. It is fragrant, long-lasting, and cruelty-free. You can find it at Lovorika.

Sophie Vegan Leather Stiletto Court Shoe by Allkind Vegan: A vegan stiletto made from vegan grain leather and recycled rubber. It is chic, elegant, and comfortable. You can find it at Allkind Vegan.

Coleman Classic Vegan Leather Belt by Watson & Wolfe: A vegan belt made from eco-friendly polyurethane leather and a brass buckle. It is classic, sturdy, and stylish. You can find it at Watson & Wolfe.

Alice Vegan Leather Tassel Loafer by Allkind Vegan: A vegan loafer made from vegan grain leather and recycled rubber. It is smart, trendy, and versatile. You can find it at Allkind Vegan.

Albert Vegan Leather Cap Toe Derby by Gentleberg: A vegan derby shoe made from microfiber leather and rubber. It is sophisticated, timeless, and durable. You can find it at Gentleberg.

Classic Essentials Apple Leather Vegan Card Pouch by Votch: A vegan card pouch made from apple leather, a material derived from apple waste. It is compact, handy, and biodegradable. You can find it at Votch.

The Wilton Vegan Leather Crossbody Bag by Watson & Wolfe: A vegan crossbody bag made from eco-friendly polyurethane leather and recycled plastic lining. It is modern, spacious, and protective. You can find it at Watson & Wolfe.

Gorilla Vegan Leather Heeled Boots by GURU mtp: A vegan boot made from microfiber leather and rubber. It is bold, edgy, and comfortable. You can find it at GURU mtp.

Padded Bamboo Shaper Bra by BOODY: A vegan bra made from organic bamboo viscose and elastane. It is soft, supportive, and breathable. You can find it at BOODY.

Men’s Bamboo Original Boxers by BOODY: A vegan boxer made from organic bamboo viscose and elastane. It is smooth, stretchy, and moisture-wicking. You can find it at BOODY.

References:

Cialdini, R. B. (2009). Influence: Science and Practice (5th ed.). Pearson Education.

Dillard, J. P., & Peck, E. (2000). Affect and Persuasion: Emotional Responses to Public Service Announcements. Communication Research, 27(4), 461-495. https://doi.org/10.1177/009365000027004003

Escalas, J. E., & Bettman, J. R. (2003). You Are What They Eat: The Influence of Reference Groups on Consumers' Connections to Brands. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 13(3), 339-348. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327663JCP1303_14

Katz, E., & Lazarsfeld, P. F. (1955). Personal Influence: The Part Played by People in the Flow of Mass Communications. The Free Press.

Nisbett, R. E., & Wilson, T. D. (1977). The halo effect: Evidence for unconscious alteration of judgments. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 35(4), 250-256. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.35.4.250

PETA. (n.d.). Leather Production and Cruelty to Animals. https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-clothing/leather/

Todeschini, B. V., Cortimiglia, M. N., Callegaro-de-Menezes, D., & Ghezzi, A. (2017). Innovative and Sustainable Business Models in the Fashion Industry: Entrepreneurial Drivers, Opportunities, and Challenges. Business Horizons, 60(6), 759-770. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2017.07.003