November is Plant Wool Month! What does that mean? It’s a celebration of all the plants used to make vegan clothing. From hemp to bamboo, these fibers are just as warm and comfortable as sheep’s wool but without any of the cruelty!

What Is Plant Wool?

If we want to work towards a kinder, cleaner future, be gentler on our forests and oceans, and protect animals, then choosing to wear plant wool is a great way to help! These natural fibers are great for creating clothes that last for many years. They’re also soft, breathable, and biodegradable, without stealing from sheep.

Here are some popular plant wools that you might have already heard of:

• Cotton: One of the most common fabrics, cotton is soft, breathable, and a great option for many types of clothing items. Organic cotton is even gentler on the planet!

• Linen: Made from the flax plant, linen is lightweight and breathable.

• Hemp: This fabric is a great option and often blended with cotton for added softness.

• Bamboo: Bamboo fabric is soft and moisture-wicking—so great for items you wear when you move around a lot.

Different types of plant wool are continually being made and created. From soy to seaweed, plant wool is the future! Instead of relying on sheep, one can now find wool in the deepest ocean and on the tallest tree.

Why You and Your Family Should Try Plant Wool:

For the Sheep

Sheep wag their tails when happy, just like dogs. They also have a great memory, have friendships with other sheep, and love to play with one another. However, in the wool industry, they’re not given the opportunity to have a full life. Many sheep used for wool are bred to have a lot more wool than they naturally would. Sheep used for their wool often have holes punched in their ears and their tails cut off—both without painkillers.

For Innovation

Those who are developing plant wool fibers are innovating a kinder world—which is what we want! When you support plant wool, you’re supporting their efforts and creating a demand for kinder fabrics!

For the Planet

When raising animals for their fleece, hair, skin, or flesh, farmers must make room not only for the plant crops to feed them but also for the animals themselves, leading to deforestation. In contrast, growing plants that are used directly by humans, such as for yarn or food, decreases land use.

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The only wool that supports kindness to animals is made from plants. Soft, warm, and great for so many things, vegan wool makes it easy to feel comfortable and warm while doing something kind for animals every time we get dressed.