Hey everyone!

I wanted to discuss the apparel of being a vegan and what that looks like.

Transitioning into a vegan lifestyle means not only switching up your diet, the products you use, but it also changes the clothes you wear or what the intentions are behind it.

It’s a pretty big change that definitely takes time. There’s no need to rush into this process.

I know, for me, I realized that when I go shopping I need to be more mindful to think about what fabrics were used in the making of the clothes and if it’s ethical to my vegan lifestyle.

SO, let’s get right into it.

Here are some tips I would suggest to someone looking to transition to the apparel lifestyle of being vegan:

1. Take it slow- Yes, I know I said this already, but it’s true. Nothing happens overnight. I mean, maybe some things, but lifestyle changes don’t always happen this way. I’m sure you have LOTS of clothes that have leather or some other animal fabric on them and that’s OK! Believe me. These things take time.

2. Re-evaluate your closet & style- Even if you have a lot of items that have animal skin on them, whether they’re sneakers, purses, jackets, belts, etc., that doesn’t mean you have to get rid of all of it. It just means to take into consideration the type of clothes you like.

3. Use what you have already- Yes, you may have some leather items in your closet, but instead of freaking out and throwing it out or donating it, I think it’s best to just use these items up. They were already purchased, they were already made, and you’ve been owning them. Unless it brings you some discomfort wearing these items, then just use them up. Once they have been used up, then decide what to do with them next. There’s no need to revamp your entire wardrobe. Save your money and make more mindful decisions going forward. It’s ALL good, I promise.

4. Shop mindfully- When it comes to shopping, now this is when it can get a little tricky. Ok, so you’ve made the transition to going plant-based for your diet, you realize that you may have some leather or other items in your closet, but now let’s get back to how to shop and what to look for. Now is the time to keep in mind what materials are being used in items that you DO like. So when you are looking for a leather jacket, shop for ‘faux’ leather; when you are looking for new shoes, check out the materials that were used. This process DOES get easier.

5. Shop refurbished- I find that going to thrift shops are a great way to be mindful because you’re not giving in to the production of MORE leather or animal skin apparel, but you are using something that was once owned by someone else. I’m not saying to stop wearing certain brands because they use animal skin, but if you do want to wear something of those brands, purchase refurbished or used items. It’s better for the environment and it’s better for the animals in the long run. That way you are still wearing what you want but you’re not continuing the production of NEW items. You can do this for couches, cars, and anything really. Poshmark does a great job of this, so does Offer Up, and many other online applications.

SO, there you have it!

Do you find these tips useful? Let me know in the comments!

Love you all,

Ash x