More people are wearing outdoor and activewear than ever before but, while it may be practical and super comfortable for us, it can have disastrous impacts on animals and the environment. That is, unless we Wear it Kind.

Look for items made from recycled plastics like Econyl – a warm, adaptable, and innovative product made entirely from ocean and landfill waste! It’s made by recycling industrial plastic, fabric scraps, and discarded or lost fishing nets. Once abandoned at sea, these ‘ghost nets,’ last indefinitely, trapping and killing animals such as turtles and dolphins.

By choosing recycled plastic, you’ll not only look fabulous, you’ll feel fabulous in the knowledge that you’re helping to clean up our oceans and earth! To find out more about ‘ghost nets,’ check out Seaspiracy on Netflix. 

You can also go for products made from canvas, or from fillers like Primaloft®, a more sustainable source of fabric and clothing insulation. 

Recycled polyester, hemp, and organic or recycled cotton are great options here. If you really want the look and feel of cashmere, but without the cruelty, go no further than vegetable cashmere, a revolutionary product made from soy pulp, a by-product of tofu production.

For those choosing to continue to wear wool, at minimum ensure it is live lamb cut wool free! Check out the Brands Against Live Lamb Cutting (Mulesing) list to see which brands are taking a stand against lamb cutting.

And don’t forget what’s inside the coat, Primaloft® is a great alternative to down for keeping you warm! 

Check out the Brands Against Live Lamb Cutting (Mulesing) list to see which brands are taking a stand against lamb cutting (mulesing).

The range of animal-friendly leather alternatives on the market is growing all the time, here are just a few of the fantastic plant-based options now available.

• Piñatex is a durable, leather-look product made using pineapple leaf. Developed in Italy, this material is growing in popularity with designers, retailers, and customers alike and, in 2019, department store H&M released a range of boots and jackets using Pinatex and other sustainable materials.
• Apple leather – another innovative product to hit the market. Made from the leftovers from apple harvesting, apple leather is strong, hypoallergenic and 100% biodegradable.
• Mushroom, or mycelium, leather is another new kid on the block that could be set to change the future of fashion. While it’s a relatively new technology, prototype mycelium leather bags, belts and other accessories were released in 2019 and we could soon see a lot more of them.
• For coffee lovers, there could soon be another way to enjoy the bean we love so much! Pioneered by German company, Nat-2, coffee leather will turn a waste product from the global coffee market into a versatile and sustainable alternative to animal leather.
• Cork is another more sustainable alternative that not only looks great and performs well but is gentle on the earth. It’s no surprise that a growing number of brands are turning to cork for their designs and more of it is appearing on our shelves.

And this is just the beginning of an ever-expanding list! With more humane alternatives reaching the market all the time, keep a look out for leather made from coconuts, cactus, and teak leaves, just to name a few.

• Linen has long been an ethical choice for the fashion conscious. It has strong sustainability credentials and, unlike many clothes available in stores today, it can be worn time and time again and still look great! 
• Lyocell and modal fabrics, generally known by the brand name Tencel, are a newer alternative. Made by processing wood pulp, lyocell and model fabrics are super soft and resist wrinkling.  
• Microsilk is a revolutionary product that captures the unique properties of silk without harm to any animal. By studying the way spiders’ spin silk fibres, Bolt Threads, the creators of Microsilk, have imitated nature to create stunning fabrics favoured by ethical fashion designers such as Stella McCartney. 

When looking for hats that offer sun protection while looking great with any outfit, look no further than jute, straw, and organic cotton. These three materials are versatile, durable, and kind to the plant.