Materials

Vegan substitute for Silk

Conventional silk boils silkworms inside their cocoons. Plant and regenerated fibres now match the drape and sheen.

Options, ratios and best uses

Cupro

n/a

Made from cotton linter waste; drapes like silk.

Best for: linings, blouses

Tencel / lyocell

n/a

Closed-loop solvent recovery; soft and cool.

Best for: dresses, bedding

Bamboo lyocell

n/a

Choose lyocell process, not viscose.

Best for: bedding, scarves

Modal

n/a

Smooth, high-stretch and durable.

Best for: underwear, tops

Tips

  • Prefer lyocell over viscose for lower chemical impact
  • Wash cool to keep the sheen
  • Look for FSC-certified pulp

Avoid

  • "Peace silk", which still farms and kills moths eventually
  • Bamboo viscose marketed as eco

Questions people ask

Is peace silk vegan?

No — it still relies on farming silkworms, and most moths die shortly after emerging.

Which feels most like silk?

Cupro, closely followed by high-grade Tencel.

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