Vegan knitwear is different from traditional knitwear because it avoids the use of animal-derived materials like wool, cashmere, and angora.
We simply do not have the right to take wool from animals because it involves causing them unnecessary pain and suffering. Animals have their own needs and rights, and exploiting them for their wool disregards their well-being and autonomy. By choosing vegan alternatives, we respect animals' rights to live free from harm and exploitation, promoting a more compassionate and ethical approach to fashion.
Wool production is cruel due to the treatment of sheep throughout the process. Shearing can be stressful and painful, often resulting in injuries. Sheep are selectively bred to produce excessive wool, leading to health problems such as overheating and infections. Practices like mulesing, where skin is removed to prevent fly infestations, are particularly painful and inhumane. Additionally, many sheep are kept in poor living conditions, contributing to their suffering.
Cashmere production is cruel due to the intensive and often painful processes involved in harvesting the wool from cashmere goats. These goats are typically subjected to harsh shearing or combing, which can cause significant stress, injuries, and even death. The demand for cashmere also leads to overbreeding and overcrowding, resulting in poor living conditions and inadequate care. Additionally, the environmental impact of cashmere farming is substantial, leading to overgrazing and land degradation.
Angora wool production is cruel due to the extreme suffering inflicted on angora rabbits. The rabbits are often tied down and their fur is torn or sheared off, a process that can cause intense pain and distress. This can result in physical injuries and severe stress for the animals. Additionally, angora rabbits are frequently kept in small, confined cages with inadequate care, leading to further suffering.
At Will’s Vegan Store, our mission has always been to make living a vegan lifestyle more accessible through increasing vegan fashion options. Since launching our vegan shoes and boots in 2013, we’ve expanded our range to include high-quality Italian vegan knitwear. Our first collection of vegan knitwear debuted in 2019, and we're proud to say these pieces continue to be a staple in our lineup today.
Sustainable Materials: Our vegan knitwear stands out for its commitment to sustainability. We use Ecotec cotton made in Italy, which blends 40% Better Cotton Initiative certified cotton with 60% recycled materials. These recycled materials include production waste from weaving and knitting, as well as post-consumer clothing and plastic bottles. This combination is certified by GRS (Global Recycled Standard), Oeko-Tex 100, and Unionfiliere Traceability & Fashion certifications, ensuring that every piece is both eco-friendly and responsibly produced.
Ethical Production: Each item of our vegan knitwear is made in small batches in Italy, reflecting our dedication to high construction standards and meticulous craftsmanship. By producing in Italy, we ensure our knitwear meets stringent EU environmental and ethical standards, contributing to the overall quality and integrity of the product.
Care Instructions: To keep your vegan knitwear looking its best, we recommend washing it on a 30-degree light wash with a non-bio detergent. For drying, either line dry or place the garment on a radiator. This gentle care routine helps maintain the quality and longevity of your knitwear.
Our vegan knitwear is designed to offer both style and comfort while aligning with our values of sustainability and ethical production. Each piece is crafted to be a long-lasting addition to your wardrobe, supporting a vegan lifestyle without compromising on quality.
