Is Polyester Vegan-Friendly? - Inclusivity in Fashion
The fashion world keeps constantly evolving. New styles and trends keep popping up and so do new catchphrases. Slow fashion, upcycling, and seasonless fashion are all picking up steam and turning heads in the style world.
Alongside these, vegan-friendly fashion is another new trend, that is triggering curiosity within the industry.
Over the years, however, whenever the phrase “vegan-friendly” came up, it was usually food that came to mind. The kind that is free from animal products or derivatives and is generally safe to be consumed by vegans.
Then what exactly does it mean for fashion to be vegan-friendly? How are fabrics considered vegan-friendly? And more to the point, is polyester vegan-friendly?
Read on as we discuss all this below.
What Does Being Vegan-Friendly Mean?
Veganism is an overall approach to life where all animal products are strictly avoided. Those committed to veganism always opt for cruelty-free products. This applies across the board for many; from the food they eat to the products they use, or the clothes and accessories they wear. Choosing vegan is more than a dietary choice, it’s more a commitment to a way of life.
And with reason.
A horrifying 110 million animals are killed annually for different experiments including those for food, drugs, chemical testing etc. Then is it a wonder this choice in lifestyle is picking up?
In the case of fashion, vegan-friendly materials are either synthetic or plant-based such as cotton, polyester, nylon, bamboo and hemp.
Secondly, vegan-friendly brands do not conduct animal testing but instead opt for other methods to conduct their tests.
Some certifications such as from PETA or the Vegan Society provide verification that the fabric is indeed vegan-friendly. This assures consumers that the “vegan claim” is authentic.
Is Polyester Vegan-friendly?
Polyester is the fashion world’s favourite fabric. Its durability and softness accompanied by the fact that it is economical to use make it the most widely used fabric in the industry. It can be made into dresses, trousers, upholstery and so much more.
Whether it is vegan-friendly or not depends upon whether it is used in its pure form or as a blend. Polyester itself is a synthetic fabric and is derived from petroleum and sometimes even plants.
When polyester is used on its own, it is most assuredly vegan. In cases where it is mixed with animal derivatives such as fur, leather, wool or fleece, then it is not!
Is Acrylic Polyester and Metallised Fibre Vegan-friendly?
Acrylic is a material that fulfills all requirements to be called vegan but none to be declared sustainable. This is mainly because acrylic is not biodegradable. It also sheds off microfibres when washed.
Metallised fibres themselves are vegan-friendly because they are not derived from animal sources. They are usually made from synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon, which are vegan-friendly as they do not involve the use of animal products.
However, whether a fabric containing metallised fibres is fully vegan-friendly depends on the other materials used in its production. For example, if the fabric is made from a blend of metallised fibres and wool, silk, or other animal-derived fibres, then it would not be considered vegan-friendly.
What fabrics are non-vegan?
The list is long. Besides the obvious animal-derived ones, there are many more materials out there that are non-vegan;
Leather-
The primary source of this material is a cow’s hide. Skins from many more animals such as crocodiles, deer, fish, and kangaroos are also used.
Fur-
It is obviously derived from animals and is used to make luxurious clothing. Thankfully, it is now getting extensively banned.
Silk-
Derived from the cocoons of caterpillars, silk is a big no-no.
Cashmere-
Fine downy hair is sheared from the undercoat of mountain goats which is then spun to make cashmere yarn used in luxurious clothing.
What is Inclusive Fashion?
Fashion should be for everyone; not just for the lean, or the tall, the able-bodied or the well-built. It should be a mode of expression for the entire diverse range of body types.
That is what inclusivity in fashion is. It is about recognising that beauty can be found in all shapes, sizes and colours. It means making room for those who may choose to live differently, who have different ideals, and those who wish to avoid certain ways of life. It is a way to do away with traditional barriers and stigmas and welcome all into the folds of fashion.
Embracing inclusivity also means adopting ethical practices throughout the fashion supply chain, including fair labour standards and humane working conditions for garment workers. This way fashion brands can help empower marginalised communities and stand up to exploitation and discrimination within the industry.
When fashion brands and designers choose to be inclusive, they are sending a powerful message that everyone deserves to feel, be seen, heard, and represented.
So when a plus-sized person walks into a store, they should find their size. When a person with special needs requires a piece of clothing, it shouldn't be a problem. What about people of colour? Their choices should be available too.
And when someone demands vegan-friendly fashion, the designers should be able to have something on offer.
What Can Be Done to Make Fashion More Inclusive?
Fashion has the potential to impact everyone’s lives. It is people’s mode of expression, a reflection of their identity and values. This makes it all the more imperative that it be inclusive and diverse.
Many fashion brands are embracing inclusivity by leaps and bounds. But clearly, we have only just scratched the surface. A lot still needs to be done.
There are many ways forward. Let’s take a look:
- Brands can collaborate with influencers, models and designers from different backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures to create a feeling of inclusiveness.
- Educating the consumers is essential so they stand by the brands that promote inclusive fashion.
- Retailers should ensure the availability of sizes and styles for the whole spectrum of consumers they entertain.
- Vegan-friendly fashion choices should be freely available for those who choose it and wish to endorse it.
Indeed, there is a whole world of work to be done. And it needs to be done together. Designers, fashion brands, and consumers, all need to be a team. Only then will fashion be a true representation of us all.
Then let us promote inclusivity in society as a whole, not just as a passing trend, but as a conscious choice and a lasting way of life.
