Veganism is a lifestyle, not a diet or a trend. Its definition encompasses all aspects of life, striving to minimize animal harm and exploitation. It’s not just about what’s on your plate, but what’s on your body as well. Fashion offers the chance for self-expression and creativity, and with that, an ability to make a visible statement of your ethics.
Harm is hiding in plain sight. Four Paws International, an international animal welfare organization, estimates that about 5 billion animals are used in fashion each year.
The obvious culprits are materials such as fur, leather, and wool; but did you ever think about the duck feathers that fill your winter coat? How about your blouse made from silkworms? Did you realize the buttons on your shirt might be made from horns or mollusks? All these plus other materials including suede, some dyes, and even certain glues have one thing in common: they are the product of animal harm and exploitation.
Before you throw your hands up in the air, let’s clarify one thing: today, it is nearly impossible to live a life without perpetuating suffering in some way, shape, or form. In a society of overproduction and consumption, it is almost guaranteed that somewhere along the line most products exploit a person, animal, or the environment. But instead of giving up, we can use the resources we have available to us to figure out how to minimize this suffering to the best of our ability.
Today, let’s start in your closet.
No company is perfect, but we’ve gathered a list of some of our favorites that are doing their best to make products that protect animals from exploitation. While a lot of vegan brands also value sustainability, not all of them do. When shopping, be on the lookout for PVC, polyester, and other plastic-based materials that release microplastics, use fossil fuels, and end up in landfills. Try to avoid these when you can!
Below is a list of fashion brands that transparently hold veganism at the core of their ethos.
This streetwear brand uses cheeky slogans like “hot girls rescue dogs,” “let spiders live,” and “eating animals is weird” on t-shirts and sweatshirts to turn customers into walking billboards for our favorite cause.
You know you’ve got a winner on your hands as soon as you grab a Save the Duck coat off the rack—their labels read, in bold “WE RESPECT ANIMALS.”
At a closer-to-luxury price point, Save The Duck offers fall and winter jackets that use animal-free insulation to keep you warm all season long. And who doesn’t love learning how many ducks they’ve saved with each item purchased!
Saye $$
The production of shoes has an enormous environmental impact, and Saye is doing their best to offset this while creating chic, vegan sneakers that anyone would love. The brand focuses on responsible production and long-lasting materials rather than empty sustainability promises.
Stella McCartney $$$
Stella McCartney’s high-end luxury brand is perhaps best known for their beautiful bags and purses, but they also offer stunning garments. Though it’s pricey for the everyday consumer, Stella McCartney prioritizes using recycled materials and offers aspace for wealthy and celebrity customers to vote for cruelty free fashion with their dollar.
Noize $$
For all your outerwear needs at a more affordable price point, try Noize, who says “harming animals is never trendy”. We love their coats, not just for us but for our dogs too! That’s right, they have a whole collection just for your fur-baby.
niLuu $$$
For gorgeous statement pieces in their signature mock-silk, designed with respect for animals and the planet, check out niLuu.
Toad & Co $$
With a handful of sustainability certifications, Toad & Co proves that being conscious is cool. With everyday basics and a fun patterned pant every now and again, they have all the makings of a kind and timeless wardrobe.
In a world built upon systematic animal abuse, awareness is critical—you don’t have to exploit animals and the planet. Fashion can be a means of making a statement, in more ways than one. As you refresh your fall and winter wardrobe, think about how you can do your part to make this world a kinder place. Animals everywhere will thank you.