Vegan fashion: Certifications_ market data_ and guides to decluttering
The vegan fashion market is a niche but increasingly important sector_ driven by the demand for cruelty-free products. According to data from the American research company Market.Us_ the global vegan fashion market is projected to reach approximately 1_281.2 billion dollars by 2034. This is up from 556.3 billion dollars in 2024. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7 percent during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.
Vegan fashion represents a sector that exclusively uses materials free of animal products
Vegan fashion is a sector within the broader apparel industry that exclusively uses materials free from animal products. This approach aligns with the values of consumers who are conscious of ethics_ the environment_ and health. It prioritises the use of alternatives to leather_ wool_ silk_ and other animal-derived resources.
Design and production processes are guided by the principles of cruelty-free sourcing and sustainability. They cater to a growing demographic that prioritises animal welfare and environmental impact in their purchasing decisions.
The vegan fashion market includes the production_ distribution_ and sale of clothing_ footwear_ and accessories that strictly adhere to vegan principles. This market segment is expanding as more consumers choose sustainable and ethically sourced products.
Rise of ethical consumerism has propelled vegan fashion into the spotlight
The rise of ethical consumerism has pushed vegan fashion into the spotlight_ making it a significant niche within the global fashion industry. Companies operating in this space are increasingly innovating with synthetic and plant-based materials. They aim to offer durable_ stylish_ and accessible alternatives to traditional animal-based products. According to the Eurispes 2025 Report_ 9.5 percent of Italian adults identify as vegetarian or vegan_ a figure that has remained stable compared to the previous year. Of these_ 2.9 percent are vegan_ a number that_ according to the 2014-2025 historical series_ has nearly quintupled since 2014.
Consequently_ a growing number of companies are obtaining animal-free certifications and ratings. For example_ Animal Free Fashion is a rating system by Lav (Lega Anti Vivisezione). It was created to promote ethical_ sustainable fashion that respects both animals and the environment.
The animal rights organisation Peta_ an acronym for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)_ recently announced that over one thousand companies are using the “Peta-Approved Vegan” logo. This is used to highlight “clothing_ accessories_ furniture_ and home decor items made with vegan alternatives to animal-derived materials_ such as leather_ fur_ silk_ feathers_ or bone”.
All companies using the logo must sign a PETA statement of assurance certifying that the product is vegan.
Bonprix_ Ecoalf_ H&M_ Harvest & Mill_ Hugo Boss_ and Hunter are just some of the companies using the logo. Among the Italian firms are Gamberini Italia and Italian Converter_ a producer of innovative and sustainable fabrics for footwear_ leather goods_ apparel_ and furniture. The shoe brand Marzeri Milano and Save the Duck also feature on the list.
PETA has also developed a vegan clothing shopping guide. It helps consumers identify "cruel" materials in their wardrobes and purchase vegan and animal-free clothing and accessories when shopping.
Leather and exotic skins
What are they? Leather is the skin of animals such as cows_ pigs_ goats_ kangaroos_ ostriches_ cats_ and dogs. Leather items are often not accurately labelled_ so you never really know where (or from whom) they come. Snakes_ alligators_ crocodiles_ and other reptiles are considered "exotic" in the fashion industry. They are killed and their skins are turned into bags_ shoes_ and other items.
What is wrong with it_ according to PETA? Most leather comes from cows killed for meat and milk_ making it a by-product of the meat and dairy industries. Leather is also the worst material for the environment. It not only shares responsibility for the environmental destruction caused by the meat industry but also pollutes the Earth with toxins used in the tanning process. PETA emphasises: “Whether it comes from cows_ cats_ or snakes_ no animal should have to die for humans to wear its skin.”
Brands and materials to wear. PETA assures: “Today_ most major brands offer synthetic leather_ from affordable options at shops like Topshop and Zara to high-fashion designers like Stella McCartney and Bebe. Look for _vegan leather_ on the labels of clothes_ shoes_ and accessories. High-quality synthetic leather is made from many different materials_ including non-animal microfibres_ recycled nylon_ polyurethane (PU)_ and even plants_ including mushrooms and fruit. And lab-grown_ bio-fabricated leather will also be in stores soon.”
Wool_ shearling_ cashmere and angora
What are they? Wool is the hair of a lamb or sheep_ while shearling is the skin of a lamb with the fleece still attached. Angora is the wool of a rabbit_ and cashmere is the hair of the Cashmere goat.
What is wrong with it_ according to PETA? The guide states: “Sheep produce only the wool they need to protect themselves from extreme temperatures and do not need humans to shear them. Yet_ in the wool industry_ their ears are pierced_ their tails are docked_ and the males are castrated_ all without any painkillers. Wool also harms the environment by degrading the soil_ polluting water_ and contributing to climate change. Lambs_ goats_ and rabbits are also mistreated and killed for shearling_ cashmere_ and angora.”
Alternative brands and materials. Vegan shearling and warm_ cruelty-free jumpers are easy to find today. The environmental association suggests that major brands like H&M_ Nasty Gal_ and Zara offer wool-free coats and other animal-friendly garments. High-fashion designers_ including Joshua Katcher of Brave GentleMan and Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart of Vaute_ collaborate with manufacturers to create innovative_ high-quality materials. The guide specifies: “Look for vegan fabrics in twill_ cotton_ and recycled polyester: efficient materials that repel water_ dry faster_ and are better for the environment than wool.”
Fur
What is fur? Fur is literally the coat of an animal still attached to its skin. Animals killed for fur include bears_ beavers_ cats_ chinchillas_ dogs_ foxes_ minks_ rabbits_ raccoons_ and seals.
PETA points out: “Whether it comes from an animal on a fur farm or one trapped in the wild_ every fur coat or trim is the result of tremendous suffering and the sacrifice of a life. On fur farms_ animals spend their entire existence confined to cramped_ filthy wire cages before being suffocated_ electrocuted_ gassed_ or poisoned.
Regardless of the species_ these animals feel pain_ fear_ and loneliness: they do not deserve to be tortured and killed for a fur-trimmed jacket." Regarding alternatives_ the association adds that Gap Inc._ H&M_ and Inditex are three of the biggest names on a long list of retailers that have completely abandoned fur. Gucci and Michael Kors have also recently banned it_ and Norway has issued a total ban on fur farming_ following the example of many other countries.
Silk and down
Silk is the fibre that silkworms weave to create their cocoons; it is sometimes used for shirts and dresses. Down is the soft layer of feathers closest to a bird's skin; down stolen from geese and ducks is found in puffer jackets_ pillows_ and bedding. Peta points out that other feathers are also used to decorate clothes and accessories.
What is wrong with it_ according to the animal rights association? To obtain silk_ distributors boil silkworms alive inside their cocoons. The guide states: “Anyone who has seen worms flinch when their home is uncovered must recognise that these animals are sentient. Silk is also considered the second-worst material for the environment in the fashion industry_ just after leather. Down is often obtained by painfully plucking live birds and is also a by-product of the foie gras and meat industries. Silk and feathers belong to the animals that created them.”
Brands like Express_ Gap Inc._ and Nasty Gal offer satin and silky items not derived from animals_ explain PETA's experts. Nylon_ milkweed pod fibres_ cotton-tree filaments (kapok)_ polyester_ and rayon are vegan materials that are easy to find and usually less expensive than silk. For silk-free underwear_ Wama Underwear uses hemp as an alternative. For down enthusiasts_ PETA has compiled a list of cruelty-free garments.