Luxury apparel brand Hugo Boss has launched its first completely animal-free men’s suit, certified with the PETA-approved Vegan logo. Developed for Boss’ spring/summer collection, the suit uses certified organic linen in a move away from conventional wool. PETA has unearthed systemic cruelty to sheep within the wool industry having investigated more than 100 shearing operations across four continents. Its exposé found evidence of rough treatment and bloodied wounds.
“As demand for ethically produced fashion continues to rise, we applaud BOSS for being the first world-known premium brand to set this stylish milestone in vegan menswear,” said PETA Director, Elisa Allen. “Compassionate consumers can now choose a design that’s not only fashionable but also cruelty-free and sustainable.”
The new Hugo Boss suit is made with vegan chemicals, dyes or glues and in place of wool is woven with certified organic Italian linen. The PETA-Approved Vegan logo confirms this, with the animal welfare NGOs certification only awarded to products made from vegan materials. More than 1,000 brands and designers worldwide have already had their products or collections certified to use the logo, including Esprit, Zalando, Topshop, and Dr. Martens.
Over recent years PETA has campaigned profusely against the use of wool due to the barbaric practices found to have been used in shearing operations globally. As shearers are paid by volume and not by the hour, the exposé highlighted the rough, rushed treatment of sheep which are often kicked and hit.
PETA affiliates have filed complaints with the relevant authorities, which has led to recent convictions in Australia and Scotland.
