Fashion’s efforts to reduce animal-derived materials have largely centered on what goes inside its jackets.

Only 26 of 321 brands using animal-derived materials—8 percent—had committed to, or taken steps toward, reducing that use, according to Four Paws ’ Animal Welfare in Fashion 2026 report. Commitments to replace virgin down with recycled or animal-free alternatives accounted for 85 percent of the reduction commitments identified.

The animal welfare organization assessed 332 brands in its Wear It Kind Directory, examining fur use, wool sourcing, live plucking and efforts to reduce animal-derived materials . Its findings point to a narrow focus on insulation, with few brands setting measurable targets to reduce animal-derived materials across their businesses.

Four Paws found that 14 percent of assessed brands had eliminated virgin down or taken action beyond certification to address live plucking risks.…