8 Best Vegan Fabrics & Plant-Based Fabrics to Know in 2024
We have entered an era where sustainability and ethical choices are slowly coming to the forefront of consumer concerns and the quest for cruelty-free and eco-friendly textiles has in turn led to the rise of vegan fabrics. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just looking to make more ethical choices in your wardrobe, this guide will introduce you to the top vegan fabrics and plant fabrics for you to enlighten yourself.
What are Vegan Fabrics?
Vegan fabrics are textiles derived from plant-based fabrics or innovative materials that do not involve the use of animal products or by-products in their production. Fabrics especially made from regenerated plant cellulose are often considered sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional fabrics, as they are derived from renewable plant resources. These cruelty-free alternatives embrace sustainability by avoiding the environmental and ethical concerns associated with traditional fabrics like leather, wool, or silk.
From organic cotton and hemp to innovative options like Piñatex made from pineapple leaf fibres, vegan fabrics prioritise ethical fashion choices, offering consumers a range of environmentally friendly and compassionate alternatives to clothing and accessories.
Check out the popular vegan fabric collections and pick the best one for you to make an animal-friendly choice this day.
Vegan Fabric Types
1. Organic Cotton
Grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, organic cotton stands out as a sustainable choice for vegan fabrics. Farmers use natural methods to protect their crops, such as beneficial organic fertilizers. This approach helps keep the soil healthier and prevents harm to the environment. This soft and breathable plant fabric not only ensures comfort for the wearer but also significantly reduces the environmental impact of conventional cotton farming methods.
Fancy wearing vegan cotton sarees? Shop the best cotton sarees from Hand N Yarns.
2. Hemp
Hemp is a plant-based fabric coming from the fibres of the hemp plant. Hemp is a strong and durable plant that grows with little water and doesn't need many pesticides. The fibres are extracted from the plant's stalks and then woven into fabric. Hemp fabric is a vegan fabric widely known for being tough, yet it softens with each wash, making it comfortable for clothing.
3. Piñatex
Made from pineapple leaf fibres, Piñatex is a cruelty-free alternative to leather. This innovative and sustainable vegan fabric not only reduces waste from pineapple cultivation but also provides a unique and stylish option for accessories and clothing, blending ethics with fashion in a harmonious way.
Also Read: Is Silk Ethical & Vegan?
4. Bamboo
Fast-growing and requiring minimal resources, bamboo, a plant-based fabric is a soft, moisture-wicking, and biodegradable material. Considered to be a natural fibre, it is derived from the pulp of the bamboo plant, making it one of the best vegan fabric choices. The rapid growth of bamboo makes it an excellent renewable resource, and its natural properties make it an ideal choice for those seeking sustainable and comfortable clothing options.
5. Cork Fabric
Harvested from the bark of cork oak trees, cork fabric is a lightweight, water-resistant, and stylish vegan fabric alternative to leather. This vegan fabric material has a natural texture with a distinctive pattern, making each piece of cork fabric unique. This renewable and sustainable material supports the preservation of cork oak forests while providing a cruelty-free and eco-friendly option for various fashion and accessory items.
6. Jute Fabric
Jute fabric is a type of natural fibre textile made from the stalks of the Jute plant. The fibres are extracted from the plant's outer stem, and after processing, they are woven into coarse, strong threads, which are then used to make various products, including fabric. They are considered both plant fabric and vegan fabric because they are derived entirely from plant sources, and no animal products or by-products are involved in their production, making them a mindful choice for consumers.
Buy the best jute fabric materials from Hand N Yarns' exquisite collections and kick-start your vegan fashion journey.
7. Soy Fabric
Soy fabric is a vegan fabric made from the fibres of soybeans, specifically derived from the by-products of soy oil production. The process involves extracting soy protein from soybean meal, transforming it into fibres, and then spinning these fibres into yarn for weaving. As a plant-based fabric alternative, soy fabric is considered environmentally friendly, as it utilizes a by-product that might otherwise go to waste and requires fewer resources in its production compared to some traditional textiles.
8. Linen
Made from the flax plant, linen is a plant fabric that is a breathable and biodegradable fabric with a timeless appeal. Its natural lustre, durability, and ability to absorb moisture make linen a classic choice for those seeking vegan fabric and sustainable fashion, emphasising both comfort and environmental responsibility.
9. Modal
Modal fabric is a type of rayon that is made from beech tree pulp. The production of this vegan fabric involves harvesting beech trees, breaking down the wood pulp into fibres, and then spinning these fibres into yarn. One of the key advantages of this vegan fabric is its environmental sustainability. Beech trees used in modal production are typically fast-growing and require less water than some other crops, contributing to a more eco-friendly textile option.
10. Tencel
Tencel is a sustainable and eco-friendly plant-based fabric made from wood pulp, commonly sourced primarily from birch, beech, spruce, and eucalyptus trees. Known for its softness, breathability, and silky texture, Tencel is produced using a closed-loop process that minimises environmental impact. This versatile fabric is prized in the fashion industry for its comfort and environmental sustainability.
11. Bemberg (Cupro)
Bemberg, also known as cupro, is a luxurious fabric derived from cotton linter, a byproduct of cotton production. Renowned for its silky feel and breathable nature, Bemberg is often used in high-quality garments like linings and fine apparel. Its eco-friendly production process contributes to its appeal as a sustainable and versatile textile choice.
Vegan Fabric Suppliers
When it comes to sourcing high-quality vegan fabrics, Hand N Yarns stands out as a leading vegan fabrics supplier and retailer in the industry. Committed to ethical and sustainable practices, we offer an extensive range of vegan fabrics. From Modal to silk cotton fabric, Hand N Yarns provides materials that meet the demands of conscious fashion.
Our dedication to transparency ensures that customers can trace the origins of the fabrics, guaranteeing cruelty-free and environmentally friendly choices. Hand N Yarns not only contributes to the growing availability of vegan textiles but also supports a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry.
Conclusion
As we navigate the world of fashion, embracing vegan fabrics is a step towards a more compassionate and sustainable future. By choosing plant-based fabrics and materials, we contribute to reducing cruelty against animals and the environmental impact of the fashion industry by promoting ethical practices. Let's celebrate the beauty of cruelty-free fashion and weave a sustainable tapestry for the future.
Shop the best Vegan clothing from Hand N Yarns' extensive collections including vegan silk sarees, non-silk sarees, vegan fabrics and dress materials to create an animal and eco-friendly wardrobe with killer fashion pieces.
To learn more about vegan fashion and the latest trends in the industry, check out our blog page.