As a vegan, we already know that the world we live in is not the most animal-friendly place there is. But as Stephen Rywalker said, ‘While I might not be able to save every single animal, I refuse to be the reason any of them suffer‘.
So what can you do to avoid any animal products in your clothing?
Rule n°1: Read Labels Thoroughly
Whether it’s leather, wool, angora, silk and even animal-derived glue, the first thing that should come to your mind is the composition of the garment that you have in your hands. Read my article about why you should avoid leather here.
PETA does an excellent job in incentivising brands to give up on animal materials, like H&M giving up on angora from adorable rabbits, and has even let its hoppers return their sweaters containing angora for a full refund (not that I’ve tried doing this, but read the full article here).
Furthermore, you should simply double-check if you’re not sure. For instance, many shoes might look like it doesn’t have leather or an animal by-product, but it might contain animal derived glue, or can have a leather insole too! Obviously things like leather, suede, exotic skins but also wool and silk are a no. But if you’re unsure, just make a quick Google search to double check. Just make sure that you’re not buying things that contain fur, leather, wool, down, silk, suede, snakeskin, crocodile, angora and shearling.
Rule n°2: What’s the price tag?
Unless you’re buying for luxury vegan fashion online, most of the times, vegan products are a lot cheaper than real animal products. If you can’t confirm the materials on the label just ask yourself whether that would be a price a vegan person would be willing to pay.
A good example is faux fur and real fur. If you see a furry-looking jacket that costs £50, then there is no way that thing is real (thankfully). Same goes for shoes, bags and wool coats!
Rule n°3: Do your research!
As Maya Angelou said, “We are only as blind as we want to be“.
Therefore, in the extremely interconnected world that we live in, start googling if you don’t know where to begin. My website is all about finding fashionable vegan brands that will help you shop consciously but leaving style uncompromised.
Rule n°4: Learn some vegan brands
In my humble opinion, I think that it all starts on knowing where to shop and finding your favourite vegan shops. Instagram (follow me here!) is probably THE BEST place to start. I’m not kidding.
Once you know your shops, it’s less likely you’ll purchase from brands that abuse from animals. PETA has a list of vegan-friendly retailers, but here are my absolute favourites:
- Stella McCartney
- Free People
- Jann n June
- Matt&Nat (handbags, shoes and accessories)
- People Tree
- Ararose
- Votch Watch (watches)
- LaBante London (handbags)
- Bourgeois Boheme (shoes)
- By Blanch (shoes)
- Beyond Skin (shoes)
You can also check out the list of brands I have collaborated with for even more inspiration!
And you? Do you have any tips for how to shop vegan? Share them in the comment section down below!
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