We are big fans of cruelty-free fashion. And that’s why we are thrilled that multiple companies are banning the use of angora wool all together.

Angora wool comes from the incredibly cute and fluffy angora rabbit. Angora hair is soft and downy, which makes it highly valued. Angora is typically used to make sweaters, scarves, and gloves. Sadly, angora hair is typically harvested in cruel ways that greatly harm rabbits.

People and clothing companies alike are starting to talk more about angora wool farming because of PETA’s recent expose on angora rabbit farms. The animal rights organization’s footage is incredibly hard to watch, but the film needed to be made. So many people just view rabbits as emotionless animals, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Rabbits have feelings and just like any other animal that’s farmed in a factory-like setting, it suffers severely when it’s confined in a small cage.

“In its exposé of a PETA Asia investigation, some rabbits used for angora scream in pain as their fur is ripped out, while others are cut or sheared and invariably wounded by the sharp tools as they struggle desperately to escape. In addition, the angora-farming industry condemns these intelligent, social animals to years of isolation in small, filthy wire cages,” reports PETA.

One of the more recent clothing companies that dropped angora wool from its clothing line because of PETA’s reporting is bebe, a popular, fashion-forward clothing company. Other mainstream companies (such as H&M, Forever 21, and Target) that no longer sell angora products are listed here. PETA most recently updated its “angora-free” company list on June 16, 2015.

We are thrilled many mainstream companies are dropping angora wool, but also want to mention that there are businesses dedicated to being cruelty-free. To discover brands that are totally vegan, or sell vegan products, check out Farm Sanctuary ‘s extensive list.

What are your favorite cruelty-free clothing brands? If you have any, share in the comments.

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Angora rabbit image from Shutterstock

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