Would You Put Mushrooms on Your Feet? The Future of Fungi-Based Fashion

When you think of mushrooms, your mind probably jumps to risottos, questionable foraging attempts, or the ones that make your local pizza place slightly smug about its ‘gourmet’ credentials. But what if I told you that mushrooms—yes, the humble fungi—are making their way into fashion? And not just in the form of questionable festival hats, but as actual, wearable items. It appears that fungi might just be the future of sustainable fashion, and no, you won’t have to worry about your shoes sprouting overnight. Probably.

Mycelium: Nature’s Overachiever

At the centre of this fungi revolution is mycelium, the root-like structure of mushrooms. Mycelium is essentially nature’s version of an all-purpose toolkit— Grows fast, biodegradable, and strong enough to replace leather. It’s already being used to produce everything from jackets to handbags, and some of the world’s biggest fashion brands are betting big on its potential.

Mushroom Leather

For years, fashion lovers have been on the hunt for a vegan leather alternative that doesn’t feel like it’s been made from recycled crisp packets. Enter mycelium-based leather. It’s soft, long-lasting, and—unlike it's synthetic counterparts—actually biodegradable. Brands like Stella McCartney and Hermès have already dabbled in mushroom leather, proving that fungi can be just as stylish as overpriced cowhide, minus the ethical baggage.

Trainers, Bags, and Beyond

While mushroom leather is having a moment, the fungi fashion takeover doesn’t stop at handbags. Many companies are experimenting with mycelium to create everything from biodegradable trainers to futuristic-looking coats. Unlike traditional leather, which uses an obscene amount of water, chemicals, and time to produce, mycelium can be grown in just a few weeks using minimal resources.

But Will It Survive British Weather?

Of course, the big question for anyone living under a perpetually grey sky is whether mushroom-based fashion can handle a proper downpour. Nobody wants to step outside in a drizzle and watch their shoes slowly decompose around them. The good news is that fungi-based materials are treated to be water-resistant and durable.

The Future of Fungus in Fashion

With sustainability now a key focus in the fashion industry these days (even if some brands are still trying to convince us that ‘greenwashing’ is an actual eco-friendly initiative), fungi-based fashion is certainly on the rise. It’s ethical, stylish, and doesn’t involve turning an animal’s skin into a handbag. Plus, the idea of wearing mushrooms is sort of cool— even if slightly unsettling at first.

So, should You Embrace the Fungi?

If you’re looking for a sustainable alternative to leather that doesn’t involve plastic, mycelium fashion might just be the way forward. It’s innovative, biodegradable, and, let’s be honest, sounds far more interesting than ‘vegan leather’ (which, let’s face it, is often just a posh way of saying ‘plastic’). So would you put mushrooms on your feet? If they look good, feel good, and don’t disintegrate at the first sign of rain, why on earth not?