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There’s a misconception that vegan fashion means a reliance on plastic-based materials like polyester, but that’s no longer the case in a world of innovative plastic-free materials. Discover some top rated fashion brands using vegan plastic-free materials in their stylish designs, leaving a lighter impact on people, the planet, and animals.
The evolution of vegan fashion
Vegan fashion is an exciting scene filled with people who care deeply about their impact on the planet and the animals we share it with.
In its infancy in the mid-20th century, vegan fashion primarily responded to ethical concerns about using animal-derived materials such as leather, wool, and fur. Back then, options were limited and styles often lacked the sophistication of conventional fashion. Think beige shift dresses and hemp socks.
However, the movement has gained momentum over the decades as consumers, designers, and brands recognise the importance of cruelty-free fashion. Today, vegan fashion has blossomed into a thriving industry. Lyst reported a 178% page view increase for “vegan leather” in 2021, and trends across the board indicate increases in searches around terms like “vegan” and “cruelty-free” alongside “organic” and “second-hand”, speaking to the growing consumer awareness of our wardrobes’ impacts.
And in 2026, vegan fashion is more accessible and stylish than ever, but it also reflects this growing awareness of the interconnectedness of fashion, ethics, and sustainability, with new materials like plant-based leather alternatives, organic fabrics, and more sustainable production methods becoming increasingly mainstream. The evolution of vegan fashion serves as a testament to the power of conscious consumer choices and the capacity of the fashion industry to adapt to changing values and preferences.
But isn’t vegan fashion just plastic?
A common misconception is that vegan fashion equates to plastic-based clothing, but this is far from the truth. While much of the technically “cruelty-free” fashion you can find lining the racks of fast fashion stores is made completely from harmful plastic-based materials like polyester, nylon, and PVC, vegan fashion by more sustainable brands often takes a more holistic approach, ensuring the materials they use aren’t just free from animals, but from unnecessary harm to the environment and workers, too.
Many (vegan) fashion brands are adopting innovative non-plastic materials that align with the principles of circular fashion, such as recyclability and biodegradability. More common materials like TENCEL Lyocell, hemp, and organic cotton often take centre stage, but other options are also becoming available. It’s important to note that some of these products may contain small amounts of materials like elastane, which does not yet have a scalable more sustainable alternative, but that doesn’t discount the reduced impact of the items overall. Some of the brands listed are not entirely vegan, but all products mentioned are.
Vegan plastic-free materials and the brands incorporating them
MIRUM
MIRUM is a USDA Certified Biobased Product made from a combination of virgin natural materials such as natural rubber, plant oils, and cork. In addition to having a low carbon footprint, MIRUM requires no water during manufacturing and dyeing.
