Vegan Knitwear

Vegan knitwear is different from traditional knitwear because it avoids the use of animal-derived materials like wool, cashmere, and angora.

We simply do not have the right to take wool from animals because it involves causing them unnecessary pain and suffering. Animals have their own needs and rights, and exploiting them for their wool disregards their well-being and autonomy. By choosing vegan alternatives, we respect animals' rights to live free from harm and exploitation, promoting a more compassionate and ethical approach to fashion.

Wool production is cruel due to the treatment of sheep throughout the process. Shearing can be stressful and painful, often resulting in injuries. Sheep are selectively bred to produce excessive wool, leading to health problems such as overheating and infections. Practices like mulesing, where skin is removed to prevent fly infestations, are particularly painful and inhumane. Additionally, many sheep are kept in poor living conditions, contributing to their suffering. 

Cashmere production is cruel due to the intensive and often painful processes involved in harvesting the wool from cashmere goats. These goats are typically subjected to harsh shearing or combing, which can cause significant stress, injuries, and even death. The demand for cashmere also leads to overbreeding and overcrowding, resulting in poor living conditions and inadequate care. Additionally, the environmental impact of cashmere farming is substantial, leading to overgrazing and land degradation. 

Angora wool production is cruel due to the extreme suffering inflicted on angora rabbits. The rabbits are often tied down and their fur is torn or sheared off, a process that can cause intense pain and distress. This can result in physical injuries and severe stress for the animals. Additionally, angora rabbits are frequently kept in small, confined cages with inadequate care, leading to further suffering. 

At Will’s Vegan Store, our mission has always been to make living a vegan lifestyle more accessible through increasing vegan fashion options. Since launching our vegan shoes and boots in 2013, we’ve expanded our range to include high-quality Italian vegan knitwear. Our first collection of vegan knitwear debuted in 2019, and we're proud to say these pieces continue to be a staple in our lineup today.

Sustainable Materials: Our vegan knitwear stands out for its commitment to sustainability. We use Ecotec cotton made in Italy, which blends 40% Better Cotton Initiative certified cotton with 60% recycled materials. These recycled materials include production waste from weaving and knitting, as well as post-consumer clothing and plastic bottles. This combination is certified by GRS (Global Recycled Standard), Oeko-Tex 100, and Unionfiliere Traceability & Fashion certifications, ensuring that every piece is both eco-friendly and responsibly produced.

Ethical Production: Each item of our vegan knitwear is made in small batches in Italy, reflecting our dedication to high construction standards and meticulous craftsmanship. By producing in Italy, we ensure our knitwear meets stringent EU environmental and ethical standards, contributing to the overall quality and integrity of the product.

Care Instructions: To keep your vegan knitwear looking its best, we recommend washing it on a 30-degree light wash with a non-bio detergent. For drying, either line dry or place the garment on a radiator. This gentle care routine helps maintain the quality and longevity of your knitwear.

Our vegan knitwear is designed to offer both style and comfort while aligning with our values of sustainability and ethical production. Each piece is crafted to be a long-lasting addition to your wardrobe, supporting a vegan lifestyle without compromising on quality.

Taking good care of your vegan knitwear ensures it remains in excellent condition and continues to support your sustainable lifestyle. Here’s how to keep your vegan knitwear looking its best:

1. Washing Instructions:

• Temperature: Wash your knitwear on a gentle 30-degree Celsius (86°F) cycle. This lower temperature helps preserve the fibers and colors while being energy-efficient.
• Detergent: Use a non-bio detergent to avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the material or affect its quality. A gentle, eco-friendly detergent is ideal.
• Machine or Hand Wash: While machine washing on a gentle cycle is convenient, hand washing in cool water is even gentler and can help maintain the knitwear’s shape and texture.

2. Drying Tips:

• Line Dry: The best way to dry your knitwear is to lay it flat on a clean, dry towel. This prevents stretching and maintains the shape of the garment.
• Radiator Drying: Alternatively, you can place the knitwear on a radiator, but avoid direct heat. Make sure it's laid out flat to prevent deformation.
• Avoid Tumble Drying: Never use a tumble dryer, as the high heat can cause shrinkage and damage the fibers.

3. Storing Your Vegan Knitwear:

• Fold, Don’t Hang: Store your knitwear folded rather than hung. Hanging can stretch out the fabric, particularly at the shoulders.
• Keep It Cool: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading.

4. Handling Stains:

• Spot Clean: For small stains, gently spot clean with a damp cloth and a bit of non-bio detergent. Avoid rubbing too hard to prevent damaging the fibers.
• Full Wash: If your knitwear needs a full wash, follow the washing instructions above to ensure it’s cleaned thoroughly yet gently.

By following these care tips, you’ll extend the life of your vegan knitwear, keeping it looking great and supporting your commitment to sustainable fashion.

How to Choose the Right Size

Finding the perfect fit for your vegan knitwear is easy with our detailed size guide. Here’s how to make sure you select the right size:

1. Check the Size Chart:

• Size Chart Link: On each product page, you’ll find a link to our Size Chart next to the size selector. This chart provides clear guidelines to help you choose the size that best matches your measurements.
• Measurement Guide: The Size Chart includes measurements for different sizes, such as chest, waist, and length. Compare these with your own measurements to determine your best fit.

2. Compare with a Similar Garment:

• Hand-Measured Knitwear: We hand-measure all our knitwear to ensure accurate sizing information. You can compare these measurements to a similar piece of clothing you already own.
• How to Measure: Lay your existing knitwear flat and measure it from the outside, following the same guidelines provided in our Size Chart. This will help you find a size that matches your preferred fit.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to select the right size for your new vegan knitwear and enjoy a comfortable, stylish fit.

Our vegan knitwear is crafted with care in Italy, a country renowned for its high standards in textile production and fashion craftsmanship. Here’s more about where and how our knitwear is made:

1. Italian Craftsmanship:

• Production Location: All of our vegan knitwear is produced in small batches at the same factory in Italy located in the heart of Tuscany.
• Ethical Manufacturing: We ensure that our knitwear is made under ethical conditions, adhering to strict EU labor laws and environmental regulations. This includes fair wages, safe working environments, and sustainable practices.

2. Sustainable Materials:

• Ecotec Cotton: Our knitwear is made from Ecotec cotton, which is crafted in Italy using 40% Better Cotton Initiative certified cotton and 60% recycled production waste. This includes recycled post-consumer clothing and plastic bottles.
• Certifications: The materials used are GRS certified, Oeko-Tex 100 certified, and Unionfiliere Traceability & Fashion certified, ensuring that they meet high standards for sustainability and quality.

3. Small-Batch Production:

• Attention to Detail: By producing our knitwear in small batches, we maintain a high level of quality control and craftsmanship. This approach helps us ensure that each piece meets our rigorous standards for both sustainability and durability.

Our commitment to producing vegan knitwear in Italy reflects our dedication to combining ethical production practices with high-quality materials. Each piece is designed to offer both style and sustainability, reflecting the values we hold at Will’s Vegan Store.