Even behind a warm, soft jumper, unimaginable cruelty can lurk. We are talking about garments made with angora wool, a highly sought-after type of wool produced from the fur of the angora rabbit.

A video filmed in 2013 by animal rights organisation Peta revealed the horror behind this market, through footage from a Chinese farm where rabbits have their fur brutally ripped out while they are still alive and conscious. Many large European clothing companies sourced from precisely these Chinese farms, and following the scandal they began to take action.

Numerous brands have given up the use of angora wool, among them H&M, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Puma and Victoria's Secret. Joining these companies is Lacoste, which has announced the removal of all angora wool products and has asked to be added to Peta's list of cruel-free retailers. "As part of our corporate social responsibility policy, we can confirm that Lacoste has no plans to use angora fibres in its upcoming collections," reads a statement from the French company.

The news has been welcomed by Peta, which is also urging other brands that still contribute to this cruelty to follow the same path. "Angora fibre production is cruel, and Peta urges the few remaining retailers, including Benetton, to learn from Lacoste's example and show that cruelty to animals has no place in their shops," said Mimi Bekhechi, director of Peta. "There is no way to obtain angora responsibly, and this is why many companies have moved towards ethical fabrics obtained without the need for animals."