What Is Mycelium Leather? The Future of Sustainable Fashion Explained

You could buy a vegan leather bag made from mushrooms for your next purchase. This is no longer an idea meant for the future alone. Due to updates in both textiles and biotechnology, mycelium leather is gaining attention as one of the best new materials in the world of fashion. Cotton is a natural, compostable, green and animal-friendly fiber.

In this text, we will examine what mycelium leather involves, discuss how to make it, highlight its characteristics and explain how leading fashion houses are using it. Whether you’re studying textiles, working as a researcher or want to consider oekotex, you’re likely to find information here that helps you.

What does Mycelium Leather mean?

The underground part of fungi is called mycelium. It helps to form a network that mushrooms eventually grow on. The findings showed that in enclosed areas, mycelium develops a tough sheet that resembles leather.

Rather than shooting or killing animals to get leather, mycelium leather is produced in labs or greenhouses. It develops effortlessly without chemicals that might be harmful. This means it is better for the environment and society as a whole.

How Does the Making of Mycelium Leather Work?

• To begin, mycelium is grown on waste products from farms, for example, sawdust or different plant fibres. Fungi are given a climate-controlled setting to grow and fill the mixture with their dried spores. Within just a few days, the mat becomes as thick as necessary and it is harvested.
• Once the harvest is done, the material must be processed. The leather is dried, flattened and at times, eco-safe tanning agents are added to enhance its texture, repel water and add to its toughness. When the processing is done, it is as ready for use as leather in handbags, shoes, jackets and upholstery.
• Since the process requires little energy and no hazardous materials, it produces much less CO2. Unlike regular leather which needs many years from raising the animals to making the final product, mycelium leather is produced within just 2 weeks.

Key Properties and Technical Features

1. It is very lightweight and simple to work with. It is possible to design faux leather that resembles not only cowhide, but also suede, among other leather types. How an athlete trains and takes care of their diet is crucial for their sports performance. Its thickness, flexibility and feel can be changed in a lab setting by engineers.
2. It can be composted and does not release microplastics, unlike other synthetic types of leather. It is a breathable material, allowing greater comfort for those wearing it. Efforts are being made to discover coatings that make the tiles more durable and better able to resist water.

The production of Mycelium Leather is beneficial to the environment.

Mycelium leather is highly valued for having a minimal effect on the environment. Producing animal leather causes deforestation, emissions of methane and the use of helpful chemicals. However, synthetic leather is made of petroleum-based plastics which are not able to break down.

Thanks to mycelium leather, there aren’t any of these problems. This material is produced without using animals, chrome tanning or petroleum. Bacteria is able to use waste materials, meaning it forms a closed-loop process. Vertical farms that obtain renewable resources are being used by some start-ups for growing mycelium leather.

Since mycelium is grown on site instead of harvested, mycelium leather does not require transportation and reduces the need for animal farming.

Implementing the Technology and Using the Brand

Some of the top brands and fashion designers are currently working with mycelium leather.

Stella McCartney was the first to present handbags created from mycelium leather made by Bolt Threads Mylo. Hermès of France associated with MycoWorks to make Sylvania, a high-end mycelium leather which is found in their new signature bag. Not only is mycelium leather appearing in trainers from Adidas, but Lululemon is planning to use it in their yoga mats and clothes.

The partnerships suggest that mycelium is being evaluated for use in the luxury sector.

How Suitable Is This Material for Shoes?

• Classic leather is made from animal skins using a long tanning process. It is durable, but using it has negative impacts on nature. Compared to animal leather, mycelium leather is produced more quickly, comes from ethical sources and benefits the environment.
• There is still room for improvements when it comes to how strong and durable mycelium leather is. While synthetic leather is not quite as strong as cow leather now, future developments will improve that trait. At present, scientists are looking into making it more long-lasting using biodegradable coatings and resins.
• Another key benefit is that furniture can be designed differently. This type of leather is formed specifically, so its thickness, as well as its pattern and texture, can be selected. It can be dyed either with transparent colors or using natural substances.

Inventions and Modern Studies

The success of mycelium leather will depend on the advancements made in biotechnology. People in the food industry are trying to strengthen cellulose by using nanocellulose, chitosan and protein coatings.

People are interested in creating clothing items that can be completely composted, including the thread and buttons. It could be an important material for these types of shoes.

Ecovative, MycoWorks and Bolt Threads are looking into different fungi strains to enhance the qualities of their products. A few are now using 3D printing to shape the material which requires less cutting and sewing.

Textile students and workers must not overlook this industry.

• Students in the textile field should understand materials such as mycelium leather. In modern times, eco-friendly textiles are at the center of what fashion and technical textile brands are working on. Understanding the behaviors, the production process and differences between these materials and regular ones boosts your success in studies, job interviews and research work.
• More questions regarding sustainable materials, new polymers and modern textiles are appearing in GATE Textile, Textile Committee and CLRI recruitment tests.
• Creators in the product, R&D and merchandising fields have to be informed about the latest changes. The need for sustainable products is on the rise and brands are hiring engineers who know how to use the new alternatives.

Also read: Top Textile Innovations to Know in 2025 – Smart, Sustainable, and Functional Materials

FAQ :

What is mycelium leather made of?

Mycelium leather is made from natural fungi materials.

It consists of a fungus mycelium that grows on agricultural waste materials.

Is the quality on par with that of normal leather?

At the moment, these polymers are perfect for bags and shoes, but researchers continue to find methods to make them more durable for long-term use.

How much time does it require for a film to be finalized?

In general, mycelium leather can be cultivated and processed within two weeks.

Has it been adopted in fashion before?

Hermès, Stella McCartney, Adidas and Lululemon have already incorporated it into certain products they release.

Are the products vegan and breakdown into nature?

Indeed, it does not use any animal material and will decompose once added to a compostable setting.