What is Vegan Silk Made of? The Best Vegan Silk Materials

Innovative designers and brands know that consumers want silk suits, sheets, shirts, and more without harming young silkworms or the environment, so they’ve turned to plant-based materials to make vegan silk instead. From the spiny Sahara cactus to high-tech fiber labs, we’ll explore what vegan silk is made of and how plenty of fabrics prove you can have the shine and softness of silk without boiling thousands of young silkworms alive. Vegan silks are taking over fashion and are as luxurious as they are kind.

Is Any Silk Vegan?

Not all silk is vegan. Conventional silk is made by boiling or gassing live silkworms—the larvae of the silk moth—while they are still in their cocoons. Imagine resting peacefully, awaiting a magnificent metamorphosis, only to be violently boiled or gassed alive.

Some silk producers use humanewashing labels such as “peace silk” and “ahimsa silk” to dupe consumers and hide how animals suffer in the process. While these producers claim that no silkworms are killed for the fabrics, animals still suffer and die. Moths are often bred in captivity generation after generation, leading to severe deformities. Their wings are so underdeveloped in proportion to their heavy, inbred bodies that they can’t even fly. Although the cocoons used for this silk don’t contain larvae at the time of harvesting, the emerging moths behind them are killed or repeatedly refrigerated and thawed for breeding. Each of these damaged, empty cocoons still represents an animal that suffered and died for silk—just like in conventional silk production, where larvae are boiled alive inside their cocoons.

Anyone who has ever seen a caterpillar flinch when touched knows they’re sensitive beings. They produce endorphins, have nervous systems, and show clear physical responses to pain. Workers kill approximately 3,000 of these sensitive individuals to make just one pound of raw silk.

What is Vegan Silk Made of?

Luckily, the fashion world offers plenty of vegan silk options that are made from cactus, cotton, wood pulp, and other plant-based materials—no boiling, gassing, or killing animals required.

Cactus Silk

Don’t be deceived by cactuses’ prickly appearance—Cactus silk is super soft and silky! The Saharan aloe vera cactus provides the natural fibers to make this silk, also known as “vegetable silk” or “Sabra silk.” 

Cupro (Cuprammonium Rayon)

Made from cotton linter, Cupro is a byproduct of the cotton industry. It has a smooth texture and beautiful drape. Vegan brand Niluu uses fabric made with cotton linter in many of its beautiful robes and gorgeous clothing items.

Tencel (Lyocell)

Tencel is made from wood pulp, often eucalyptus or beech, using a system that recycles most water and solvents used in production. Since Tencel is also biodegradable, it’s considered one of the most sustainable fibers.

Poly Microfiber

Poly microfiber is an ultra-fine synthetic fiber—usually made from polyester—offering a smooth sheen and elegant silk drape without harming animals. It’s soft, durable, and wrinkle-resistant, making it a popular material in high-quality vegan accessories.

Vegan tie company Jaan J use woven poly microfiber to create stylish, professional, and polished ties that pair perfectly with business suits and crisp button-downs.

Ramie

An ancient fiber made from the stalks of a nettle plant, ramie has a silky finish and is known for being exceptionally strong and wrinkle-resistant.

Soy Silk (Soybean Fiber)

Produced using the leftover pulp from soy food production (like tofu), soy silk is smooth and lightweight. It’s often called “vegetable cashmere” and is an excellent example of a zero-waste, animal-free material for clothing and accessories.

Rayon/Viscose

Made from cellulose derived from wood pulp, these semi-synthetic fabrics have a smooth, silk-like texture. Rayon and Viscose are both commonly used in contemporary styles around the world.

Always Wear Vegan Silk

With so many stylish, animal-free options, dressing stylishly and compassionately has never been easier. If you want more ideas about where to shop, check out PETA’s Shopping Guide.