Ethically produced cashmere, mohair etc

[Squirrelfruitandnutkin]

I was very very tempted by a cashmere beanie in John Lewis today, but I was put off by the thought of unethically/ animal cruelty stuff. (Having noticed ASOS are going to stop selling it plus some other things because of animal cruelty concerns)

Is there a way to find out/ tell whether the cashmere is eco/ animal friendly/ not bad?

I don't know the answer but would buying it secondhand help? eBay or similar? Then at least you know you're not funding cruelty.

ethicalangora.yolasite.com/ I haven't shopped with them but plan to later in the year.

I also buy jumpers from Izzy Lane the wool is from rescue sheep she does cashmere sometimes. Everything made in the UK I've been a very happy customer years.

I don't know about the animal cruelty but there are environmental concerns about cheap cashmere because it's led to overgrazing of land.

I believe Brora are regarded as ethical as well as very high quality.

Pure Collection used to state that their cashmere was sustainably produced although I'm not sure if that's still the case and they seem to have had some changes at the top.

Izzy Lane is an ethical and slaughter free brand.

Some of these are much more expensive but then cashmere was a luxury fabric until recently. I only buy it second hand now although I know some people think that's a bit of a fudge.

Look at alternative luxury wools: alpaca is a good and very warm wool that knits beautifully. In New Zealand, they mix possum (which is a pest animal and hunted) with the merino wool from the sheep they rear. It's a gorgeous mix, but it needs to be washed carefully and is not hardwearing. Blissfully warm and light though.

But surely if a possum is hunted it would be considered as animal cruelty?

I’m not keen on second hand, my own weird issue. But I could knit (very slowly) or crochet so if I knew how to tell if something was cruelty free/ ethical then I could do that.
Are there standards or things to tell if it’s ‘good’ or ‘bad’?

Squirrel Izzy Lane has won awards for ethical fashion, you can buy wool in her site. I have jumpers, scarves and gloves from there. Quality is amazing and lasts for years.

Not sure about ethical angora if you Google you may find out more information.

amp-theguardian-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/oct/10/izzy-lane-ethicalfashion?amp_js_v=a2&amp_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCCAE%3D#referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Flifeandstyle%2F2008%2Foct%2F10%2Fizzy-lane-ethicalfashion

There's an app called Good on You which looks at how ethical different brands are from a people, animal and environmental perspective. They sometimes have offers too. It's a great way to shop with peace of mind.

Thanks!
Izzy Lane is lovely but too £££ for me!

Will check out the app, I suspect being super ethical may not be fully compatible with my price limits.

I know. Annoying isn't it!!
The app looks at lots of brands (zara etc.) and so you can decide if they are ethical 'enough' for you personally

I love www.turtle-doves.co.uk It’s all recycled cashmere, and it’s beautiful and well priced. Downside is you don’t get the selection you’d get in mainstream, but worth a look.