Clothes for vegans - a guide to choosing vegan sweaters and knitwear from Susan Holton Knitwear
How to shop for vegan sweaters, jumpers and accessories
Full disclosure - I’m not vegan… and I am definitely not setting myself up as an expert in this subject. But I’m increasingly asked which pieces in my collection can be worn by vegans and/or can be bought as gifts for vegans. So it seemed to me that a guide to clothes for vegans, and specifically vegan sweaters and knitwear, will be helpful.
And there’s an additional benefit in this subject - I meet an increasing number of people who are intolerant to wool, and simply can’t wear it. Vegan sweaters, and vegan knitwear generally, have the additional benefit of being wool free so there’s no itch.
This blog post is the result of my initial research. It’s a starting point for me in informing myself about veganism, and I can already see that I’m going to need to do much more research into this subject.
“Vegan is not about being perfect. It is about doing the least harm and the most good.”
Making the right clothing choices either for yourself, or as gifts for others - even when you aren’t vegan - can be surprisingly hard!
As someone who designs and creates every piece of knitwear in my collection, I know just how personal choosing the right piece can be. For those following a vegan diet and lifestyle—or shopping for someone who is vegan—finding beautiful, high-quality knitwear can feel tricky. NB - not all of my designs are vegan - and I’m not trying to suggest that they are - but I want to make it as easy as possible for you to find the perfect cruelty-free or vegan options on my website.
Sustainability is often linked with veganism - for very good reasons. But it is beyond the scope of this guide, however, I will return to that topic also in due course.
It’s about doing the least harm and the most good.
So - here’s a guide to help you navigate my collections and make vegan-friendly clothing choices with confidence
What is vegan knitwear?
Vegan knitwear simply means that no animal-derived materials, such as wool, leather, alpaca, or silk, are used in its creation. Instead, vegan knitwear is made from plant-based fibres such as cotton, linen, bamboo, or other types of viscose.
Or it can be made from synthetic fibres such as acrylic or polyester.
There are advantages and disadvantages to all of these fibres - this is a BIG subject - and I will cover it in more detail in another blog post. The important point here is that these alternatives to animal fibres offer plenty of texture, warmth, washability, and softness, ensuring you can still enjoy beautifully crafted luxury knitwear without compromising your values.
How to find the vegan items on my website
While many of my designs use luxurious natural animal fibres like wool or silk - or use those fibres combined with others - I also offer a selection of vegan-friendly pieces. Here’s how to spot them:
1 Material description
Each product listing on my website includes a description of the materials used. Look for terms like cotton, linen, or acrylic. These are the vegan-friendly options. I always aim to be transparent about my materials, so you can make an informed choice.
2 Filters and categories
To make things easier, I’m working on adding a dedicated section for vegan knitwear. In the meantime, you can check out the products I’m showing and linking here in this blog post. You can also use the search function or browse through product descriptions to pinpoint suitable options. If you’re unsure, feel free to get in touch—I’m always happy to help and clarify.
3 Ask me directly
As a small, independent brand, I’m just an email or message away. If you have any questions about a specific piece, I’d be delighted to confirm whether it’s vegan-friendly. Personal service is something I pride myself on, and I want to ensure you feel confident in your choices.
Vegan options from my website
1 Zig zag rib soft denim (100% cotton) cardigan jacket
NB choose the 100% cotton denim options shown below - not the cotton/silk options
2 Soft cotton kimono cardigan sweater (cotton/acrylic)
3 The swing wrap jacket (cotton/linen or 100% cotton)
4 The big square wrap (cotton/linen)
5 The cocoon sweater (viscose/linen/acrylic)
6 The cocoon dress (viscose/acrylic)
7 The swing hem dress or waistcoat (viscose/cotton/linen/acrylic)
8 Sixties inspired shift dress (viscose/cotton/linen/acrylic)
Vegan friendly accessories (below)
Below top row L Cotton rich cloche style hats Below top row C Bandana style scarves - choose those labelled 100% cotton (9 colours) not those labelled cotton/silk Below top row R Colour block style cotton or cotton/linen mittens
Below bottom row L Colour block style cotton or cotton/linen mittens-wrist warmers
Below bottom row C Pure cotton ‘tuck in’ scarves
Below bottom row R Two colour mittens-wrist warmers in cotton or cotton/linen
Other reasons to choose vegan-friendly knitwear…
Vegan knitwear isn’t just about avoiding animal-derived materials—it’s also a fantastic option for anyone with sensitivities to wool or silk. Plant-based - and even some synthetic fibres - can offer a lightweight, breathable feel that’s perfect for layering or wearing year-round. Plus the rich textures and vibrant colours in my vegan pieces are just as eye-catching and unique as the rest of my collection.
A word about sustainability
I understand that many vegans are also passionate about sustainability, and it’s a value I share. While I use a range of materials, I always strive to source my yarns responsibly. Many of my vegan options use high-quality plant-based fibres that are not only cruelty-free but also kind to the planet.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re vegan yourself or shopping for someone who is, I want you to feel confident that you can find something truly special here at Susan Holton Knitwear. My vegan pieces are designed with the same care, attention, and creativity as the rest of my collection, so you can wear them knowing they’re as beautiful as they are ethical.
If you have any questions about vegan options—or anything else—I’d love to hear from you. Simply drop me a message, and I’ll be happy to help.
Happy shopping!
Information and further reading
I intend to look further into this subject and if I find good sources of further reading and information I will post the details here. In the meantime you may find this article from Peta helpful.
About Susan Holton Knitwear
For those that don’t know me yet, I’m a Surrey UK based knitwear-designer-maker creating luxury contemporary knitwear and accessories for women. This website is the main ‘shop’ for my knitwear, you can browse my shop by clicking the button above.
In addition, I exhibit at a few ‘in person’ events each year at which you can browse and try on (and buy, if you wish) a selection of my beautiful knitwear including cardigans and jackets, sweaters and jumpers, dresses and tunics, scarves, hats, mittens, wrist warmers and more. My knitwear is finely crafted and handmade in natural yarns in my home-studio in Surrey. It is never mass-produced.
Susan Holton working in her Surrey studio
Personal shopping at my studio
Would you like to shop in person at my home-studio? Please do get in touch if you would like to arrange a visit.
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Clothes for vegans - a guide to choosing vegan knitwear and accessories from Susan Holton Knitwear
Susan Holton working at her knitting machine
Susan Holton creates beautiful wearable knitwear - for women of all ages shapes and sizes who want to look and feel fabulous.
Read more about Susan Holton Knitwear…
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