Alternatives to Wool
Many people who are allergic to wool already use alternatives to wool clothing and blankets, including cotton, cotton flannel, polyester fleece, synthetic shearling, and other cruelty-free fibers. Tencel—breathable, durable, and biodegradable—is one of the newest cruelty-free wool substitutes. Polartec Wind Pro—made primarily from recycled plastic soda bottles—is a high-density fleece with four times the wind resistance of wool that also wicks away moisture.
Choosing to buy these nonwool products not only helps animals but also can reduce or eliminate many of the consumer problems and inconveniences that go along with wearing or using wool.
Some of the consumer problems associated with wool:
● It is susceptible to mildew and moth damage.
● It is not always machine-washable and cannot be directly ironed.
● It is easily damaged and not very durable.
● It tends to be expensive.
● It causes allergies and/or extreme itching for many people.
● It’s very water-absorbent and doesn’t dry quickly.
● It stains easily but doesn’t clean well.
● It’s prone to retaining foul odors.
● It shrinks with every wash.
Check out PETA’s cruelty-free clothing guide for more tips on where to find the trendiest and most compassionate fashions.
