Cupro: The Sustainable Vegan Silk Alternative
Many people are unaware that silk is made by boiling silkworms. Even ‘peace or ahimsa’ silk has been found to cause harm, as although the worms are allowed to chew their way out of cocoons, most end up on the floor, and starve as they are too tired to find food.
This beautiful dress is not made from silk, but waste cotton!
Synthetic alternatives leach microplastics from washing machines. But cupro is quickly becoming the favourite alternative. It’s made from cotton, and a zero waste fabric too, that would otherwise end up on landfills. And it looks and feels, just like silk!
Although Tencel fabric is also touted as a silk alternative, it has issues. Made from closed-loop wood pulp, it’s made from flammable eucalyptus trees. Due to concerns over wildfires, Spain and Portugal have already banned new plantations.
Plant-Based, Not Petroleum-Based
Cupro comes from cotton linter, the fuzzy waste left over after cotton seeds are processed. Rather than relying on oil or animal products, cupro uses what would otherwise be thrown away.
This gives it a real edge over synthetic fabrics and animal silk. If you care about making the most out of raw materials, cupro sets a strong example.
Silky Soft Feel and Rich Drape
One of cupro’s biggest wins is how much it feels like real silk. The fibres are smooth and fine, which helps clothing drape beautifully and feel lovely on your skin.
Unlike many plant-based fabrics that can feel coarse, cupro brings a softness that’s perfect for blouses, dresses, linings, and scarves. You get that luxury feeling, but with bonus points for ethics.
Breathable and Moisture-Wicking
Cupro fabric has been around since 1900. It holds up well in warm weather because it’s breathable and wicks moisture away better than most synthetics. The fabric lets skin breathe, making it a go-to for summer wear or for anyone after a light, cool layer.
It helps keep you fresh without clinging or sticking to your body.
Hypoallergenic and Biodegradable
People with allergies or sensitive skin often struggle to find fabrics that don’t irritate. Cupro is hypoallergenic and free from animal proteins, so it’s less likely to cause skin reactions.
It’s also biodegradable, breaking down naturally and leaving a smaller impact on the environment compared to oil-based fibres or even viscose.
Easy to Care For
Unlike traditional silk, which can be tricky to wash, cupro is simple to look after. Many cupro garments can be machine washed on a gentle cycle, saving you time and dry cleaning costs.
It also resists shrinking and holds colour well, so clothes keep their good looks for longer.
Lower Environmental Impact
Cupro production reuses waste material and uses a closed-loop system, which recycles water and chemicals during manufacturing. This makes it less polluting than processes for regular viscose or polyester.
Certified Vegan and Cruelty-Free
With demand growing for vegan fashion, cupro has found a strong following among those who want to avoid harming animals. No silkworms are used or killed in the process, and cupro fabrics can carry vegan certification.
It’s a clear, guilt-free choice for anyone who cares about animal welfare in their clothing choices.
Versatile Styles and Colours
Designers love cupro because it accepts dye beautifully, creating deep, vibrant colours. It can be made into everything from flowy dresses to smart blazers and casual tops.
As brands turn to planet-friendly options, there’s a growing range of cupro clothing out there, in shapes and shades for every taste.
Supporting Circular Fashion
By turning what was once waste into something valuable, cupro fits right into the circular fashion movement. It supports an approach where resources are used more than once and nothing is wasted.
This mindset is key to building a fashion system that values people and planet as much as style.
Reasons to Protect Silkworms
Silkworms are not worms, they are the larvae of the silk moth. Living on mulberry leaves, they spin silk from their saliva which hardens into liquid protein, when it comes into contact with air).
They can’t fly. Those used for industry have been genetically altered to not be able to survive in the wild, without human care. Wild silkworms can survive in forests, feeding on trees.
