It’s not hard to remember a time when the words “hemp” and “clothing”, when used in conjunction, would conjure up images of a white man with dreadlocks throwing around a hacky sack. Thankfully, those dark days are behind us.

In fact, in a 2018 interview, grime superstar Jme stated that “vegan is now normal.” And he’s not wrong. From chain restaurants actually catering to their vegan customers to big fashion houses thinking about the materials they use, the plant pound is big business.

“There’s no doubt that a vegan fashion revolution is underway,” says PETA director Elisa Allen. “The climate crisis has compelled many people to think about the impact that our buying choices have on the planet and the animals who live on it.”

The good news is that technological advances in the textile industry mean that the alternatives are no longer consigned to the potato sack offerings. “Innovative materials such as leather made from apples or pineapples, wool made from coconut or hemp, and silk made from oranges are revolutionising the future of fashion,” adds Allen.

Whether the urge to forgo animal products is borne out of compassion for our four-legged, winged and finned friends, or a desire to lessen your impact on the environment (fun fact: cow’s fart out a lot of methane), here’s what to avoid and 10 stylish brands that’ll help you do it.

Key Materials To Avoid (And What To Wear Instead)

Leather

Used for everything from this season’s most hyped sneakers to slick backpacks, wallets and even that little patch on the back of your jeans, leather is hard to mooove away from (apologies). Those who do, however, will contribute towards reducing the massive amounts of energy and chemicals required during the manufacturing process.

What To Wear Instead

There have been some serious strides made in the world of leather alternatives, and not all of them are plastic horror shows. Surprisingly, it’s fruit that most innovation has come from, with Italian company Vegea crafting a grape leather from the waste product of wine, and even Hugo Boss releasing a collection of sneakers made from Pinotex, a leather substitute made from pineapple.