If you’ve ever felt torn between your love for fashion and your desire to live by your values, it’s time to meet your new best friends: cruelty-free and ethical fashion accessories.
Why We Need to Care
It might surprise you to learn that the production of traditional leather involves the slaughter of over a billion animals each year. And that’s just the animal welfare issue. The environmental impact is significant, too. Leather production uses enormous amounts of water and chemicals, contributing to pollution and water scarcity in many areas.
Fortunately, as awareness grows about the realities of leather production, so does the demand for ethical alternatives. Consumers are increasingly looking for fashion brands that offer transparency about their sources and manufacturing methods. And, of course, we all want accessories that look and feel great.
The Best Materials for Cruelty-Free Accessories
Lucky for us, there are some amazing materials out there that are kinder to animals and the planet and still deliver on style and function.
Vegan Leather
There are several kinds of vegan leather, including:
- Polyurethane (PU) leather, which is made from a type of plastic
- Microfiber, which is a type of polyester fabric with a very fine weave
- Pineapple leaf fiber, which is made from the leaves of pineapples that are no longer fit for harvesting
Different vegan leathers have different pros and cons. PU leather, for example, is durable and can be made in a wide range of colors and finishes. Microfiber is soft and can mimic the look and feel of genuine leather. Pineapple leaf fiber is a renewable, biodegradable material with a unique texture and aesthetic.
Whichever type of vegan leather you choose, make sure it comes from a company that is committed to sustainability and ethical labor practices.
Cork Leather
Cork leather is a great option for those who want a natural material that is renewable and biodegradable. It is made by removing the bark of cork oak trees and processing it into a material that can be used for all sorts of products, including bags, wallets, and shoe soles.
Cork leather has a unique aesthetic and texture that some people love, and it is often softer than you might think. Plus, the trees continue to grow and absorb CO2 while new bark grows, making cork harvesting a sustainable process.
Recycled Plastic and Fabric
Many brands are getting creative with waste materials. Recycled plastic and fabric can be used to make all sorts of accessories, from bags to wallets to small leather goods.
Repurposing these materials not only keeps them out of landfills but also reduces the need for new materials to be produced.
Brands to Check Out
Handbags
Here are some brands that make beautiful, sustainable handbags:
- Matt & Nat – This Montreal-based brand has been making vegan, eco-friendly accessories for over 25 years. Their mission is to create stylish products that are kind to animals and the planet.
- Stella McCartney – Stella McCartney is known for her commitment to ethical fashion. Her handbags are made from sustainable materials like vegan leather, organic cotton, and recycled polyester.
- Pixie Mood – This French brand specializes in minimalist, elegant designs made from premium vegan leather.
Wallets and Small Leather Goods
These brands offer wallets and other small leather goods made with ethical materials and manufacturing practices:
- Hozen – Hozen is a New York-based accessories brand that offers a range of vegan leather goods, including wallets, card cases, and bags. They use high-quality, eco-friendly materials and work with local factories to keep their carbon footprint low.
- Brave Gentleman – This men’s accessories brand offers vegan wallets in a variety of materials, including microfiber and recycled plastic.
- Zette – Zette is a European brand that specializes in minimalist, functional wallets made from vegan leather.
Belts, Bags, and Other Accessories
These brands offer a range of cruelty-free accessories:
- Gunas – Gunas offers a wide range of vegan handbags, totes, satchels, and clutches in a variety of styles and sizes.
- Ecoalf – This Spanish brand offers a range of accessories made from recycled materials, including bags, wallets, and belts.
- Svala – Svala is a New York-based accessories brand that offers stylish, sustainable bags and wallets made from organic cotton, linen, and vegan leather.
How to Care for Your Cruelty-Free Accessories
To get the most out of your cruelty-free accessories, it’s important to take good care of them. Here are some tips:
- Read the care instructions that come with your accessory. Different materials may require different cleaning methods.
- Avoid getting your accessory wet as much as possible. Many vegan leathers and cork leather are not waterproof.
- If you do get your accessory wet, let it dry naturally. Do not use a hairdryer or other heat source to dry it, as this can damage the material.
- Use a soft, dry cloth to gently rub the accessory if it looks dirty. For vegan leather, you can also use a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt.
- Condition your vegan leather accessory regularly to keep it looking great. You can use a vegan leather conditioner or a DIY solution like olive oil and lemon juice.
Reselling and Recycling Your Accessories
When you’re ready to part with an old accessory, consider reselling it or recycling it. Many brands offer take-back programs, where you can send in old accessories to be recycled. You can also sell your accessories on platforms like Poshmark or The RealReal.
Whatever you do, make sure you dispose of your accessory in a responsible way. Many landfills have special areas for textile waste, so check with your local waste management facility to see if they offer textile recycling.
Join the Movement
The fashion industry has a huge impact on the world, and it’s up to us as consumers to demand change. By choosing to buy cruelty-free and ethical accessories, you are voting with your dollar for a more compassionate and sustainable future.