Veganism Beyond Food: The Growth of Vegan Clothing and Its Advantages

Veganism is a lifestyle choice that seeks to exclude the use of animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. While the majority of people associate veganism with diet and food, it also encompasses ethical consumer choices in clothing. In this blog post, we will explore the “what and why” of vegan apparel, where to buy it, and how large the demand is.

What is Vegan Clothing?

Vegan clothing is clothing that does not use any animal products or by-products in its production. This includes materials like leather, wool, silk, and down, as well as any products derived from animals, such as glue or dyes. Instead, vegan choices are made from synthetic or plant-based materials such as cotton, linen, and synthetic leathers.

Why Choose Vegan Clothing?

There are several reasons why someone might choose to wear vegan clothing. The first is ethical. The production of animal-derived materials like leather, wool, and silk often involves the exploitation and suffering of animals. For example, the leather industry is known for its inhumane treatment of animals, including the use of bullhooks and electric prods to control them.

Another reason to choose vegan apparel is for environmental reasons. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By choosing vegan clothing, you can help reduce the demand for these materials, and in turn, reduce their environmental impact. Additionally, synthetic materials used in vegan clothing often have a lower environmental impact than their animal-derived counterparts.

Lastly, choosing vegan apparel can also be a health consideration. Many animal-derived materials, particularly leather, can contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to humans. Vegan apparel, on the other hand, is free from these harmful chemicals.

Where to Buy Vegan Clothing

Vegan Wear can be found in a variety of places, including specialty vegan wear stores, online retailers, and even in mainstream clothing stores. Some popular vegan fashion brands include Stella McCartney, Matt & Nat, and Beyond Skin. In addition, many mainstream clothing brands are now offering vegan alternatives to traditional animal-derived materials.

How Large is the Demand?

The demand for vegan wear has been growing in recent years. According to a report by Research and Markets, the global vegan market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period of 2020-2025. This is driven by the increasing awareness of animal rights, environmental concerns, and health concerns.

In addition, more and more consumers are becoming aware of the environmental and ethical implications of their clothing choices. A survey by YouGov found that 41% of U.S. consumers are “very” or “somewhat” concerned about the environmental impact of the fashion industry, while a report by the Global Fashion Agenda found that 53% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable clothing.

Overall, the demand is expected to continue growing in the coming years as more consumers become aware of the ethical, environmental, and health implications of their clothing choices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sustainable clothing is a conscious choice that seeks to exclude the use of animal products or by-products in its production. It is a ethical, environmental and health-friendly choice. The demand has been growing in recent years, driven by the increasing awareness of animal rights, environmental concerns, and health concerns. Vegan clothing can be found in a variety of places, including specialty stores, online retailers, and even mainstream clothing stores. As the global vegan apparel market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period of 2020-2025, it is likely that the availability and options for vegan clothing will continue to increase.

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