Vegan Knitwear – The Benefits of Vegan Alternatives to Traditional Knitwear in 2024

Last updated on January 10th, 2024

In today’s world, many of us are becoming more conscious of our choices and their impact on the environment and animal welfare. This is causing the demand for sustainable and ethical fashion to rise. And as the colder months roll in, one thing that’s gaining momentum is vegan knitwear. 

But what exactly is it and what makes it so appealing? In this blog post, I’ll share a number of benefits to choosing vegan knitwear instead of traditional knitwear.

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Vegan knitwear, at its core, refers to clothing items made by a process of knitting, without using any animal-derived materials or by-products. This means no wool, silk, or other animal fibres are used in the production of these cosy clothing items.

Vegan knitwear is becoming mainstream, it’s no longer a niche trend. 

As people become more aware of the ethical and environmental issues surrounding traditional knitwear production, the demand for cruelty-free and sustainable alternatives is skyrocketing. The good news is that the fashion industry is responding to this growing interest by offering a wide range of vegan knitwear options. Some vegan-friendly brands are really leading the way.

1. Joy
2. Vegan Outfitters
3. Mila Vert
4. Minuit sur Terre
5. KOMODO

Vegan knitwear often uses innovative, cruelty-free materials like organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, Tencel, and synthetic fibres. These materials mimic the warmth and softness of traditional wool without the need for animal exploitation.

And the amazing thing about fashion today is that designers aren’t settling for what’s been done before, they are constantly looking for more innovative, sustainable and eco-friendly materials and methods.

Traditional wool production can have a significant environmental footprint, from the land and water resources needed to raise sheep, to the carbon emissions from processing and transportation. If made with care and consideration, vegan knitwear, typically involves more sustainable practices, from farming organic materials to reducing water and energy consumption in manufacturing.

If you’ve never heard me say it before, I’m going to say it again – Vegans don’t need to miss out. 

Vegan knitwear comes in all kinds of styles and designs, making it easy to find the perfect pieces to add to your wardrobe. Whether you’re looking for a cosy sweater, a stylish cardigan, or a warm scarf, you’ll find vegan options that suit your style.

Vegan materials used in knitwear are designed to be soft, comfortable, and durable. If you choose quality items they’ll retain their shape and quality over time, providing long-lasting and cosy clothing options. 

Whether opting for vegan knitwear or traditional knitwear, the key to long-lasting items is quality. Clothing that is well-made and created using quality fabrics, is much more likely to stand the test of time.

For people with wool allergies or sensitivities, vegan knitwear is an ideal choice. Vegan materials are less likely to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, making them a safer and more comfortable option for some.

This is not only the case with vegan brands however it does seem to be common practice among vegan businesses to care about every step of the production process. Not all, but many vegan brands are advocates for people, animals and the planet.

They often work with factories that pay fair wages, provide safe working conditions, and treat their employees with respect and dignity.

I’m not saying there aren’t any non-vegan brands that treat their workers ethically because thankfully there are plenty. However, with all the research I’ve done, I’ve come to notice the majority of vegan brands are all about making a positive change wherever possible.

There are always exceptions to the norm, so I recommend always checking out any brand before supporting them by giving them your money.

Vegan knitwear doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg, or the life of an animal. There are plenty of budget-friendly options available these days. And with the growing demand for vegan-friendly alternatives, we are seeing more and more affordable items on the market every day.

Vegan knitwear is getting easier to find, you can shop online to find the perfect vegan jumper, hat, scarf or whatever you’re looking for. 

Here are some of my favourite brands that offer vegan knitwear:

1. Joy
2. Vegan Outfitters
3. Mila Vert
4. Minuit sur Terre
5. KOMODO

I’m a strong believer in getting the most out of whatever you buy. I don’t want to contribute towards the waste problem we are facing, any more than I need to. This is why I try hard to avoid fast fashion. Also, I don’t want to waste my money either. 

Proper care ensures the longevity of all clothing items, especially knitwear. Most items can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, but always check the care instructions so it continues to look fab on you for years to come.

To me, the benefits of vegan alternatives to traditional knitwear are clear to see. By choosing cruelty-free and sustainable materials, you not only enjoy the warmth and cosiness of knitwear but also contribute to a more ethical and environmentally friendly fashion industry. 

So, the next time you’re shopping for a cosy jumper or scarf, consider going vegan and enjoy a more compassionate and eco-conscious approach to fashion.

Vegan fashion is something that’s here to stay and if you want to know more check out my Vegan and Sustainable Fashion page.

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Meet the Author

Meet Sinead O’Carroll: Vegan explorer, sustainability advocate and the founder of The Wondering Wandering Vegan. Embracing veganism since 2018 and vegetarianism since 2005, Sinead is armed with a Vegan Health, Nutrition and Lifestyle qualification, and is on a mission to share her passion for cruelty-free living. 

With a taste for adventure and a heart for eco-conscious choices, she’s here to prove that vegans never miss out on flavour, fun or style. Join her in enjoying the delights of a vegan-friendly world! 🌱✈️🌍
Want to know more? Check out Sinead’s About page here.

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Follow me on Instagram to see all the delicious vegan food I find, the vegan and cruelty-free products I use and what I get up to as a travelling vegan.

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