Leather—a term that can be found on the labels of certain jackets, shoes, purses, wallets, belts, and other goods. But what exactly is leather, and can it ever be animal-friendly?
What Is Leather Made Of?
According to Oxford Dictionary, “leather”—in its noun form—is “[a] material made from the skin of an animal by tanning or a similar process.”
Although leather is often made of cows’ skin, it can also be made from the skin of pigs, goats, sheep, dogs, and cats as well as crocodiles, ostriches, and other “exotic” animals.
Do Animals Need Their Skin?
Animals absolutely need their skin to survive. Those used for leather are typically killed before their skin is torn from their bodies—but sometimes they’re skinned alive, dying slowly and painfully.
Can you imagine your skin being torn off while you’re still conscious, just for a handbag or belt?
Is Leather Vegan? Can It Ever Be Cruelty-Free?
You can’t buy a leather jacket without sentencing an animal (or many) to death. The leather industry claims billions of lives each year. Some assume that wearing leather shoes is somehow less cruel than biting into a cheeseburger, but the production of these items goes hand in hand. See how the treatment of cows in the meat, dairy, and leather industries compares:
| Treatment | Cows Used for Meat | Cows Used for Dairy | Cows Used for Leather |
| Torn away and separated from their families |  | | |
| Restrained and branded with hot irons | | | |
| Often kept in feces- and mud-filled holding pens | | | |
| Receive inadequate veterinary care | | | |
| Often suffer from disease and lameness caused by stressful living conditions | | | |
| Killed 10 or more years earlier than their natural life expectancy | | | |
| Crammed into trucks and transported for miles through all weather extremes, typically without food or water | | | |
| Sent to slaughterhouses, where their throats are slit and bodies hacked apart, sometimes while still conscious | | | |
And it’s not just nonhuman animals who suffer—leather production harms humans, too, as well as the environment.
What Should I Wear Instead?
There are so many cruelty-free, chic, eco-friendly vegan leather options available today. By opting for animal-free goods over leather ones, you’re helping to save lives. Click below to shop:
- Vegan leather jackets >>
- Vegan leather sneakers >>
- Vegan leather sandals >>
- Vegan leather wallets >>
- Vegan leather handbags >>
Ladies, want the perfect faux-leather jacket? Get your hands on a limited-edition PETA x Coalition LA Vegan Leather Jacket today. Click below to learn more about vegan leather and why it belongs in your closet:
As an enthusiast deeply knowledgeable about ethical and sustainable practices, especially in the realm of fashion and material production, I can provide valuable insights into the concepts touched upon in the article about leather. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the ethical, environmental, and social implications of various materials used in the fashion industry.
Leather Composition and Sources: The article correctly identifies leather as a material made from the skin of animals through a process known as tanning. It accurately mentions that leather can be sourced from a variety of animals, including cows, pigs, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, crocodiles, ostriches, and other exotic animals. This demonstrates a keen awareness of the diverse origins of leather and the impact of the leather industry on different species.
Animal Welfare Concerns: The article rightly emphasizes the ethical concerns associated with leather production, shedding light on the fact that animals used in the process often suffer immensely. It accurately points out that some animals are killed before their skin is removed, while others may be skinned alive, highlighting the inhumane practices prevalent in the industry. The mention of the treatment of animals in the meat, dairy, and leather industries draws attention to the interconnected nature of these sectors, dispelling the notion that wearing leather is somehow less cruel than consuming animal products.
Environmental and Human Impact: The article delves into the broader consequences of leather production, acknowledging the harm inflicted not only on animals but also on humans and the environment. This aligns with the understanding that the leather industry contributes to deforestation, pollution, and other environmental issues. By highlighting the adverse effects on human health and well-being, it underlines the comprehensive impact of leather production on all aspects of life.
Vegan Alternatives: The article concludes by advocating for cruelty-free and eco-friendly alternatives to leather, promoting vegan leather as a viable and ethical choice. This aligns with the growing trend in the fashion industry to embrace sustainable practices and animal-friendly alternatives. The provided links to vegan leather products demonstrate a commitment to offering practical solutions for individuals seeking ethical and stylish alternatives.
In summary, the article effectively combines a factual understanding of the composition of leather with a compassionate perspective on animal welfare and a broader awareness of the environmental and human impact of leather production. The promotion of vegan leather as a viable and ethical choice reflects a commitment to a more sustainable and compassionate fashion industry.
