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I’m seeing a lot more references to vegan leather. Is leather bad because it’s an animal product? Is vegan leather a more ethical alternative?
– Kylie
Dear Dot,
I’m curious about your take on vegan leather versus genuine leather from an eco perspective but also from a quality perspective.
– Sofia
Dear Kylie and Sofia,
When I was pregnant with Eldest Dot Child, I bought myself a pair of black “pleather” maternity pants and snakeskin boots, chasing a Blondie circa 1978 aesthetic. Problem was, those pants were hot … and not in the way Blondie circa 1978 was hot. As both the outdoor temperatures and the numbers on my scale soared, those pants — among the only items in my closet that still fit me — became like a waist-down sauna. If you are unfamiliar with women who are 8 ½ months pregnant, Kylie and Sofia, let me assure you that we are not known for being easy-going. All of which is to say, Dot and vegan leather have a somewhat troubled history.
But let’s not hide from the truth about leather’s environmental cost. Keep reading for Dot’s thoughts on whether animal leather can be ethically made … and if faux leather is all it’s cracked up to be.
