Vegan substitute for Wool
Wool warmth comes from crimped fibre trapping air. Several plant and recycled fibres do the same without shearing, mulesing or slaughter.
Options, ratios and best uses
Organic cotton fleece
n/aBreathable, machine washable, widely available.
Best for: jumpers, mid-layers
Tencel / lyocell
n/aClosed-loop production, silky drape.
Best for: knits, base layers
Recycled polyester fleece
n/aWash in a microfibre bag.
Best for: outdoor warmth
Hemp blends
n/aSoftens with each wash; very low input crop.
Best for: durable knitwear
Tips
- Layer thin fabrics rather than one thick one
- Look for recycled content percentages
- Second-hand is the lowest-impact choice
Avoid
- Assuming "responsible wool" means no slaughter
- Buying thin acrylic that pills in a season
Questions people ask
Is wool not just a haircut?
Sheep are bred for unnatural fleece volume, mulesed in some regions and slaughtered when yields drop.
What is warmest without wool?
Recycled polyester fleece or a down-free synthetic insulation layer.