We’re not gonna argue — feather-adorned headpieces are fancy and so pretty to look at. This is partly why they’ve become a staple for outfits to high-fashion events such as race days and weddings. But you know what they say, sometimes there’s a hidden ugliness in beauty. 

Feather headpieces are no doubt beautiful but they also face ethical and durability concerns. Here’s why you should think twice before adding one to your collection and what to choose instead. 

The Ethical Concerns of Feather Headpieces

There will always be discussions about the ethics of feather headpieces or the use of feathers in fashion, in general. 

So some brands may claim that their feathers are “ethically sourced” or “cruelty-free” but what is actually considered ethical in these cases? The paths of acquiring these materials are often murky, with little transparency.  Were they farmed or were they hunted? It’s often hard to tell.

The best way to go about it, perhaps, is to get the feathers as byproducts. But even then, you might not be at ease with this decision. So it’s understandable that you’d like to seek alternative materials. 

Our "VOSTRICH" hat uses vegan feathers made with fabric

Feathers and Their Environmental Impact

If sustainability is one of your goals this year and beyond, re-evaluating materials and looking for alternatives to things you’re used to but aren’t exactly friendly to the planet is one way to go.

Ever thought about how feather production affects the environment?

Many feathers come from birds that are raised in industrial settings or from species affected by overharvesting. This disrupts the birds’ natural habitats and pushes them to live in undesirable conditions.

Feathers sold on the market are also often dyed and treated with chemicals that may be harmful to ecosystems. 

Feathers are quite delicate materials too and are easy to damage and maintain, giving them a very short life to live. So there may be a need to replace them often, which then causes waste concerns. 

Durability & Practicality: Do Feathers Last?

Speaking of the latter, here’s a few more durability issues one may encounter when it comes to feathers in fashion. 

They are notoriously delicate. Not trying to scare you or anything, but a little rain or humidity or an accidental brushing against a different fabric can leave them damaged for good.

Feathers also require delicate and careful handling because they can shed over time. 
Due to their delicate nature, they may not be used as many times as you’d like because they will wear and tear faster than other materials that are more durable.

A closer look at the material we use for our feather headpieces and hats.

Are Feathers Falling Out of Fashion?

It’s no secret that the fashion industry is evolving, and that’s thanks to consumers. More and more people are looking for products that are not only stylish but also good for the planet (or at the very least don’t cause a negative impact). In turn, designers and tastemakers are opting for sustainable, cruelty-free materials.

And we’re proud to be a designer label that tries to foster a positive impact to the environment and its inhabitants, and we’re proud to say that we don’t use feathers or any other animal byproducts in our designs. What do we use instead? Fabrics that look and feel like the real thing — without the cruelty and negative impact.

Fashion is always evolving, and so should our choices.