Vegan Women Fashion Market

Market Overview

The global vegan women fashion market size was valued at USD 380.97 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 1,131.40 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 16.9% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

Vegan women's fashion refers to clothing and accessories that are created without the use of animal-derived materials or by-products. It is a rising trend in fashion as more people learn about the industry's ethical and environmental implications of using animal products in fashion. Vegan women's fashion includes a wide range of products such as clothing, shoes, bags, belts, and accessories that are made from alternative materials like synthetic fabrics, plant-based materials (such as cotton, hemp, and bamboo), and innovative sustainable materials (like recycled polyester and Piñatex, derived from pineapple leaf fibers). These materials provide cruelty-free and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional animal-derived materials like leather, fur, silk, and wool.

Vegan women's fashion frequently emphasizes ethical labor practices and environmentally friendly production techniques to be free of animal products. Many brands focusing on vegan fashion prioritize transparency and ensure their products are manufactured under ethical working conditions, minimizing harm to humans and animals. Vegan women's fashion covers various styles, from casual and everyday wear to formal and high-end fashion. There are vegan alternatives available for nearly every type of clothing and accessory, allowing women to express their personal style and fashion preferences while aligning with their values.

Highlights

• Footwear dominates the products segment.
• E-commerce dominates the sales channel segment.
• North America is the highest shareholder in the global market.

Market Dynamics

Global Vegan Women Fashion Market Drivers

Growing E-Commerce Retail Market

E-commerce retail channels have become a major driver in distributing vegan women's fashion products. The accessibility and comfort of online shopping have made it an increasingly popular choice for consumers to browse and purchase various vegan fashion items. Online sales platforms offer various products from different brands, allowing consumers to explore options and find styles that align with their values. In addition, the demand for vegan women's fashion has been growing, as evidenced by the significant number of searches for ethical and vegan products on fashion search engines and online marketplaces. Consumers are actively seeking out vegan alternatives to traditional fashion items, including products made with vegan leather and other cruelty-free materials. The popularity of these searches indicates a rising interest in ethical and sustainable choices.

Additionally, e-commerce retail sales are projected to experience substantial growth in the coming years. Factors such as increased consumer spending, a growing population, and improved Internet access contribute to the expansion of online retail. The advent of mobile shopping apps and the availability of secure and convenient payment gateways further facilitate online shopping experiences. These advancements in technology and infrastructure make it easier for consumers to shop for vegan women's fashion products from the comfort of their homes.

Increasing Recognition of Vegan Fashion Standard

Many customers are adopting a prominent vegan lifestyle, resulting in higher demand for fashionable vegan apparel from people across the globe. However, classifying these items has been a complex process, as vegan fashion products not only rule out conventional animal products such as leather, silk, and wool but also means abstaining from utilizing animal-derived ancillaries like glues, dyes, and other coloring materials. To address these challenges, British Retail Consortium (BRC), a trade association in the U.K for all traders and retailers, announced the issuance of new guidelines to aid retailers and other vendors dealing in vegan fashion products by setting out questions and procedures to ask suppliers and distributors regarding the authenticity of the product that claims to be free from animal-processed materials. Such factors drive market growth over the forecast period.

Global Vegan Women Fashion Market Restraint

Presence of Counterfeit Products

Many people have realized the significant ethical and environmental effects of animal-derived products. Some of them are land conversation, feed and water consumption of animals, resultant carbon emissions, and the requirement of complex processing and chemical treatments to manufacture desired products. For instance, most animal skin in the apparel industry must be treated with hazardous substances like chromium and formaldehyde to avoid decomposition.

One of the major factors driving the usage of counterfeit products is that fur is being produced in huge volumes in countries such as China and Taiwan, which makes it cheaper to procure and buy than faux fur. Some companies wanting to increase their profit margins falsely label their garments to deceive shoppers. Hence, sellers are often unaware that the products contain real fur, hindering market growth.

Global Vegan Women Fashion Market Opportunity

Increasing Demand for Animal Cruelty-Free Products

The global vegan women's fashion market is experiencing a significant opportunity due to the increasing demand for animal cruelty-free products. Consumers, including the fashion industry, are becoming more aware of their purchasing decisions' ethical and environmental impact. Due to this rising awareness, demand has increased for vegan fashion products that are free from animal-derived materials and produced sustainably and cruelty-free. One of the primary drivers of this demand is the increasing concern for animal welfare. Many consumers are actively seeking alternatives to fashion items that involve animal exploitation, such as fur, leather, silk, and wool. Vegan fashion offers a range of alternatives, including innovative plant-based materials, recycled fabrics, and synthetic alternatives that imitate the appearance and feel of traditional materials without harming animals.

The rising awareness of the fashion industry's environmental impact also drives the demand for animal cruelty-free products. Traditional fashion production often involves harmful practices, for instance, water degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, and deforestation. Vegan fashion brands focus on sustainable production methods, including using organic and recycled materials, reducing waste, and minimizing chemicals and harmful processes, creating opportunities for market growth over the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America Dominates the Global Market

Based on region, the global vegan women fashion market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America is the most significant global vegan women fashion market shareholder and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 13.2% over the forecast period. North American fashion industry, specifically the US, is home to some of the major designer labels of the globe, including Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein. The recent outbreak of coronavirus in the region severely impacted the industry, which propelled established brands and design houses to stop their manufacturing and postpone upcoming runway shows, such as the CFDA Awards and the Met Gala have been postponed indefinitely. In addition, sales of apparel from both offline and online channels have been declining consistently. For instance, sales data reported for Amazon between mid-February and mid-March show that growth in apparel sales fell by an average of forty percentage points.

Additionally, many small and medium fashion companies have been furloughing their employees or declaring bankruptcy. For instance, Bldwn, a U.S.-based fashion brand, filed for bankruptcy on March 25, 2020, after added financial loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fashion companies with less liquidity in their financials are anticipated to be the most affected by the corona crisis. In addition, growing environmental concerns and an inclination toward veganism in the region will benefit the fashion industry in the upcoming years. According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, most people who start being vegan in food habits accept the concept of animal-free and sustainable development in all aspects of life, including fashion.

Europe is predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 13.5% over the forecast period. The European fashion industry has long been recognized for its influence and innovation, with renowned fashion capitals such as Paris, Milan, and London driving trends and setting the stage for luxury fashion. This strong foundation provides a favorable environment for the growth of luxury apparel, including vegan apparel. One of the major elements behind the rising demand for vegan apparel in Europe is the growing affluence of the fashion industry. European consumers, particularly fashion-conscious millennials, are becoming more aware of ethical and sustainable fashion choices. They increasingly seek products that align with their compassion, sustainability, and animal welfare values. As a result, the acceptance of vegan apparel has gained significant traction among this demographic. In addition, veganism, which extends beyond dietary choices to encompass all aspects of life, including fashion, has resonated with many European consumers. This movement emphasizes avoiding animal-derived materials in producing apparel, such as leather, fur, and wool. Vegan apparel offers an alternative that allows individuals to express their style while making a compassionate choice.

The Asia-Pacific region has seen a growing trend of veganism, with a significant percentage of the population adopting a vegan lifestyle. This trend extends beyond dietary choices and includes abstaining from using products derived from animals, including apparel. In 2016, according to a report by Magazine Post Limited, approximately 8% of the population in Asia-Pacific identified as vegan. In addition, the Asia-Pacific region has witnessed a rising trend of veganism and increasing demand for vegetarian and vegan products; the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the apparel and fashion sectors. The pandemic has resulted in factory closures and disruptions in the supply chain. However, retailers with a diversified supply base may be better positioned to manage the effects of the pandemic.

Segmental Analysis

The global vegan women fashion market is bifurcated into products and sales channels.

Based on products, the global vegan women fashion market is bifurcated into accessories, clothing and apparel, and footwear.

The footwear segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 13.1% over the forecast period. The demand for vegan women's footwear is rising as veganism and ethical consumerism gain popularity. Manufacturers are recognizing this trend and actively launching new products with unique designs and collections to cater to the needs of vegan consumers. One of the main methods manufacturers use in the vegan women's footwear market is "material innovation." They are constantly exploring and utilizing new materials that are cruelty-free and free from animal-derived components. This strategy enables them to offer consumers various options without compromising style, comfort, or quality.

By leveraging innovative materials, such as plant-based alternatives, recycled fabrics, and synthetic materials, these manufacturers can meet the demands of conscious consumers and differentiate themselves in the market. Several well-known brands have emerged as leaders in the vegan women's footwear market. Beyond Skin, RAFA, Ahimsa, Olsen Haus, and Mohop are popular names in this space. These brands have demonstrated their commitment to vegan and sustainable principles by offering diverse footwear options that align with ethical values.

Based on sales channels, the global vegan women fashion market is bifurcated into e-commerce, hypermarkets/supermarkets, departmental stores, specialty stores, and others.

The e-commerce segment owns the highest market share and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 16.8% over the forecast period. Several factors, including increasing smartphone and internet penetration, drive the growing popularity of e-commerce in the vegan women's fashion market. The simplicity and convenience of internet purchasing and the availability of various goods have attracted consumers to purchase vegan fashion items through online sales channels. In addition, companies in the industry are recognizing online retail's potential and establishing new online platforms to tap into the global market. This shift to e-commerce allows them to reduce operational costs, expand their reach, and potentially increase profits. By leveraging online platforms, companies can showcase their animal-friendly fashion products to a larger audience and increase their visibility in the market.

Additionally, independent e-commerce websites have emerged, catering to the demand for vegan fashion. These platforms focus on offering sustainable and animal cruelty-free products, aligning with the values and preferences of conscious consumers. This niche market segment allows smaller players to establish their presence and offer unique fashion options to their target audience. In addition, consumers prefer to use online portals, including companies' official websites, to purchase premium vegan fashion products. These platforms provide value-added services such as cash on delivery, convenient return policies, secured transactions, and centralized customer services. By ensuring a seamless and trustworthy shopping experience, companies can attract and retain customers seeking authentic, high-quality vegan fashion items.

Recent Developments

• April 2023- The British Fashion Council announced it would launch a new initiative to promote vegan fashion. The "Vegan Fashion: In Fashion" initiative will support vegan fashion brands and designers and help raise awareness of the benefits of vegan fashion.
• May 2023- The Italian fashion house Gucci announced it would be fur-free. Gucci is one of the most high-profile fashion brands to make this commitment, and its decision is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the industry.