5 Cruelty-Free Fabrics to Add to Your Wardrobe

Demands for sustainable and ethical designs have pushed fashion brands to invest in innovative materials and techniques that minimize the impact on the planet. While the trend for cruelty-free fashion has picked up in recent years, pioneers like Stella McCartney have advocated for vegan fashion for decades. Today, buyers looking for cruelty-free products have more options than ever. 

If you're looking to add consciously created pieces to your wardrobe, check out and try these eco-friendly fabrics below.

Fake Fur

The fur trade continues to decline, and several countries, including Luxembourg, Norway, and the United Kingdom, have already banned fur farming. Many luxury brands have nixed real fur from their future fashion shows, not wanting to be behind the curve. 

American designers Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger have been fur-free since the early 2000s, while Yves Saint Laurent will phase out fur by 2022. Burning Man-inspired design house, Furrocious Fur has a playful line of animal-free outerwear. 

Thanks to this movement, most of the fur you see strutting down the runway is fake. The actual makeup of faux fur piles varies depending on the feel and look the designer desires. However, most faux furs are a blend of artificial fibers. Companies are also researching plant-based fibers that can eventually replace existing fur alternatives. 

Acrylic

Acrylic is a synthetic fabric made with plastic threads and derived from a high percentage of acrylonitrile monomers. Acrylic yarn is entirely man-made, but that doesn't mean it isn't soft and vibrant. This insulating material offers an extensive range of different clothing and houseware items, including: 

• Sweatshirts/Sweaters
• Gloves
• Boot liners
• Athletic wear

This fabric is used in winter wear because it retains heat wonderfully.

However, due to its versatility and durability, acrylic fabric can also be used as outdoor upholstery fabric. 

Plus, the acrylic fabric is often more affordable than wool, which makes it an easy option for choosing cruelty-free material. 

Bamboo

In terms of sustainability, bamboo is a miracle material. The plant grows astonishingly fast without the need for pesticides or chemicals. Bamboo fibers can be processed and turned into yarn to make clothing. The safest and environmentally conscious bamboo fiber gets made using a closed-loop process. Avoid bamboo viscose, as the preparation process is unhealthy for garment workers and the environment.

Canvas

Canvas is a premium material that is often underrated. Throughout history, this fabric has gotten created through flax, tow, and jute. Yet, most canvas manufacturers stick with linen or cotton, blended with polyvinyl chloride in modern times. 

The many uses for canvas include:

• Clothing
• Chairs 
• Sails
• Tents

Unfortunately, its versatility gets stinted slightly by its price. Despite being a good, sustainable product, it can be expensive to produce. Nevertheless, it is a beneficial cruelty-free fabric.

Vegan Leather

Most fashion houses obtain their leather as by-products from other industries. While the meat industry provides enough leather to cover the fashion industry's demands, some cattle are raised simply for their hide. Consumers who prefer to avoid any animal product in their purchases should look for vegan leather on the materials list. It sounds like an oxymoron, but vegan leather isn't leather at all. 

Popular faux leather substitutes include polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride. There are also a plethora of plant-based vegan leathers made from cactus, pineapples, and cork. High-quality faux leather is just as durable as its animal-derived counterpart. However, to minimize environmental impact, skip imitation leathers containing polyvinyls. 

Ethical Wool

While sheep and goats do not technically need to get killed for their wool, the shearing process can be hazardous and unnecessarily cruel. Some vegan organizations have taken the stance that ethical wool is not possible. 

Still, countries like New Zealand are making severe strides to ensure wool harvesting is an ethical and sustainable industry. New Zealand's strict animal welfare guidelines mandate that wool gets humanely cultivated and workers get fairly paid. Many brands follow practices outlined by certifiers at a production level, like the Responsible Wool Standard or the Certified Humane label. 

Identifying truly ethical wool takes some research, but consumers can follow a few rules of thumb. Wool primarily produced in New Zealand, such as merino wool, is generally cultivated more humanely, thanks to the country's laws. Recycled wools are another option. While designers cannot guarantee that the company created the initial items ethically, the resulting garment will have a lower environmental impact than a brand new alternative.  

Lyocell

This wonder fabric has been around since the 80s but has enjoyed a revival thanks to increasing sustainability concerns. Lyocell gets derived from cellulose, a product extracted from wood pulp. Most of this wood pulp comes from the Australian eucalyptus tree, which is fast-growing and requires minimal water or chemicals.  

The resulting fabric is durable, soft to the touch, and has the same breathable qualities as cotton. Best of all, no animals get harmed during the production process whatsoever.

Clothing manufacturers hope to phase out less sustainable fabrics like viscose and replace them with the more environmentally-friendly lyocell. 

Denim

Denim is a sustainable fabric made of sturdy twill and cotton. As many people know, denim is durable, sturdy, comfortable, and affordable.

Most importantly, denim fabric is inherently cruelty-free. The only reason denim 'jeans' get a bad rap for cruelty is the leather patch on the back of some jeans brands. 

Fortunately, if you are using denim for any projects or purchasing products with denim in it, you will not be supporting animal cruelty in your choice. 

The only issue depends on the additions that get made to the product. It would be best to be wary of whether the manufacturer or brand made any additions to the denim that would negate the cruelty-free aspects of the fabric. If not, though, you're in the clear and free to strut your denim proudly.

The Bottom Line

Since wading through labels can be difficult, and sadly, greenwashing is a common marketing tactic, many animal rights organizations publish lists of ethical and cruelty-free designers and fashion houses. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) maintains an updated list of brands.