When it comes to vegan fibers, the three most common and well-known are cotton, hemp, and flax. But did you know that fiber can be made from an even wider variety of plants? From corn to pineapple to seaweed, we’ve got a collection of options to diversify your vegan shelf. You may find yourself wondering—but how are they made? And why would I choose one over the other?
Don’t worry, we felt the same way once, too! So we’ve compiled some information to help you out:
Rose
Made from: Natural waste from rose bushes and stems
Properties: Shiny and soft, it is commonly compared to silk and bamboo fibers
Great for: Garments and accessories that benefit from fine luster and silky drape
Seacell
Made from: A mixture of cellulose fiber and organic seaweed
Properties: Biodegradable and made from renewable resources, this fiber is soft and silky with a nice drape. Seacell is known for its durability, comfort, and breathability
Great for: Clothing and home textiles
Soybean
Made from: Soy pulp, a by-product of tofu production
Properties: Soft and smooth, this fiber feels great against your skin, and has a beautiful luster similar to silk. It is known as “vegetable cashmere”
Great for: Soybean’s softness makes this fiber a great choice for children’s clothing
Ramie
Made from: A perennial plant, often called Chinese nettle of China grass (Boehmeria nivea)
Properties: One of the strongest natural fibers, ramie does not have much elasticity or stretch. It has a dense texture and feels smooth to the touch. It is naturally resistant to bacteria and mildew.
Great for: Weaving, home textiles, and making durable fabric. Blends well with wool, cotton, and silk.
Corn
Made from: Sugars from maize plants
Properties: Warm and comfortable, with a smooth feel. Corn fiber is naturally flame retardant.
Great for: Sweaters, tops and scarves – especially for those with sensitive skin
Pineapple
Made from: Leaves of the pineapple plant
Properties: Fiber is silky, resilient, and strong. It is white or ivory in color and very breathable
Great for: Creating sheer, silky fabrics
Mint
Made from: The remains of mint leaves after the peppermint oil has been extracted
Properties: Naturally cooling, but does not have a peppermint scent. Wonderfully soft and shiny, mint fiber has a golden beige color and excellent moisture absorption
Great for: Blending with other vegan or non-vegan fibers to create quality yarn/fabrics
Here at Living Dreams, we are committed to practicing sustainability in both our daily lives and our business. Our vegan fibers are rigorously tested to meet strict GOTS and Oeko-Tex standards, meaning they are guaranteed to be free from harmful substances often found in manufacturing, such as formaldehyde, phthalates, and heavy metals.
We hope you find a way to celebrate Earth Day with us—whether that be by reducing your plastic use, picking up trash, carpooling, planting trees, or whatever suits you best!
If you make anything using one of our products, we would love to see it! Share it with us in our Community Facebook Group or tag us on social media.
