Veganism extends to not just what we put in our body but also what we put on it. But veganizing a closet could be more tricky than veganizing our diet. What do we do with the non-vegan clothes we already have? How do we tell our loved ones we cannot use the gift they preciously picked for us? Where do we find vegan clothing companies? I was once clueless with vegan fashion that I wasn’t even aware I was wearing something made from an animal! While I understand it’s the intention that counts and it’s pursuit and not perfection that matters, it’s still handy to get advice from an expert. I’m so happy that vegan fashion blogger, Caitlin at The Vegan Chickpea, has agreed to share advice on how to veganize your closet.
Caitlin avidly reviews vegan fashion and beauty products on The Vegan Chickpea. She reviews all kinds of vegan companies from GUNAS handbags to Mata Traders to Vaute Couture. She also reviews and scrutinizes each beauty product she receives from all kinds of vegan beauty subscriptions like Vegan Cuts, Petit Vour, and LaRitzy. Reading her blog not only gives me tips on which products work and don’t work, but also introduces me to vegan products that I haven’t heard of before. If there’s one who lives and breathes vegan fashion, I think it’s safe to say, Caitlin is that person.
Below are her top 5 tips on how to veganize your closet, whether you’re reorganizing for the new year or deciding to finally deal with your non-vegan apparel.
Top 5 Tips: How To Veganize Your Closet
1. Donate unwanted possessions including non-vegan clothing, shoes, accessories, and coats, to individuals in need.
There is already so much waste in this world; Look for any opportunity to recycle/upcycle/donate/hand down possessions that no longer align with your ethics. Some people do not have the privilege to make such a decision.
2. Use social media and ethical boutiques to discover vegan companies.
Social media is a great way to find vegan fashion companies. I have come to know many brands through Instagram, other bloggers, and through the community. Since vegan companies enjoy collaborating, it is not uncommon to get to know a brand due to their work with one you already know and love. Some of my favorite vegan brands include Djuna Shay, GUNAS, Indigo Apparel, Jill Milan, Miakoda New York, and Vaute Couture.
Another great way to discover vegan fashion brands is through trusted ethical boutiques and shops. My personal favorite is Bead and Reel; They offer a whole host of vegan, ethical brands with a wide assortment of clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products. Everything on the site is vegan and super eco-conscious with credentials including fair trade, made in America, organic, upcycled, zero-waste, and woman-owned business. I also contribute to the weekly blog, which is extremely fulfilling. It is so important to spread the word of ethically made, vegan clothing.
3. Get into email lists and social media to score discounts and bargains.
The best way to find bargains is to sign up for your favorite vegan fashion brand(s)’s email list and follow them on social media (especially Instagram). Those resources are the first places you’ll find special sales and discount codes.
4. Read labels and research to check if the item is vegan or not.
When checking to make sure that a garment is indeed vegan, do as you would a food product, read the label. Avoid items that include leather, suede, silk, and wool. If you aren’t sure if a fabric is vegan or not, research it before making a purchase. There are so many great vegan fabrics available including cotton (organic is preferable), hemp, and soy. Items (especially shoes) with the inscription “ all man-made materials” is a great indicator, but depends on how much you trust the source and how it was manufactured.
Vegan fashion is a learning process. In the beginning you may continue to shop at the stores you have always frequented, but instead seek out items free of animal products. Over time, additional ethical issues (such as organic, fair-trade, made in the US) may be important to you and you’ll buy less to invest in higher quality pieces.
5. Be honest but polite when declining non-vegan gifts.
I am really lucky. My friends and family are very cognizant of the items they gift me. However, depending on your relationship, I believe there are two solutions. One option is to immediately let them know that you cannot accept the present and why. Do not be judgmental or defensive, but understanding and heartfelt. It is a challenge to understand what is and is not vegan and many people do not have a grip on what it means. The second option is to accept the gift and then donate it. This option works particularly well if it comes from an individual with no hopes of understanding the issue (like grandparents). Smile and give it to someone in need.
ABOUT CAITLIN AT THE VEGAN CHICKPEA:
The Vegan Chickpea is a blog that celebrates healthy, beautiful, vegan living. Posts concentrate on simple, healthful (always gluten-free) recipes and cruelty-free beauty and fashion (with little snippets of life thrown in).
About the girl:
My name is Caitlin and I live in a little suburb near Philly with a cool dude and a little white pup. I’m a very passionate person, particularly when it comes to the vegan lifestyle, modern art, aesthetics, brand loyalty, musicals, Thai food, and my every day routine.
If you have any questions, comments, would like to work together, or just want to say hi, please feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. They mean the world to me.
*If you have an inquiry about product reviews, collaborations, and/or sponsorships, please visit the Contact page.
Hopefully with Caitlin’s advice, you will have an easier time veganizing your closet. You’ll no longer have to wonder what to do with unwanted non-vegan items or how to find vegan companies and their best bargains. More importantly, you’ll feel more empowered as you actively lessen your animal consumption and embrace a kinder lifestyle. Feel free to have fun with learning about kinds of vegan fashion companies. You could always check Caitlin’s blog and read her reviews.
Thank you Caitlin for your helpful tips. You are such an important resource to the rest of us!