As the world progresses, we are growing more conscious of how our choices affect the planet and its creatures. We are advancing towards green choices, and with that, our fashion sense is evolving, too.
We are not just following the latest trends; we are consciously making style choices that are in sync with our values.
Today, we are stepping into the world of fashion, the world of vegan leather handbags, which combine the perfect blend of chic and compassion.
You must be curious about what goes into crafting these cruelty-free bags. Join us as we explore a range of vegan leather alternatives and discover which ones are sustainable.
We'll break down the materials and guide you on picking a durable one for your wardrobe. Ready to make an informed, stylish choice? Let's get started!
Why Should You Choose Vegan Bags?
Vegan leather is usually made from polyurethane, a type of plastic that factories custom-make. The cool part is that this material can also be created from sustainable sources like pineapple leaves, apple skins, cork from oak trees, and even leftover fruit and recycled plastic!
Most vegan leather bags look just like regular leather bags. Good-quality vegan leather can be so similar to the real thing that it's tough to tell them apart!
Below mentioned are the top 5 reasons why you should choose vegan bags:
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Cruelty-Free
Vegan leather is a cruelty-free alternative to traditional leather, which typically involves using cowhide and comes at the cost of animal suffering.
Usually, animals are kept in cramped, unhygienic conditions to make leather, with little access to food, water, or fresh air, and they endure painful processes to obtain their hide.
In contrast, vegan handbags are made from animal-free materials. They are made of synthetic materials like polyurethane, ensuring no harm to animals. For animal lovers or anyone who cares about ethical fashion, vegan leather is a compassionate choice.
We all stand together to end animal cruelty in the name of fashion!
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Sustainability
If you're eco-conscious about the environment, vegan leather bags are perfect. By opting for bags, you can stay stylish and guilt-free and make a sustainable impact.
Vegan leather production is a highly efficient green choice hat generates less waste compared to traditional methods.
Vegan leather often uses recycled materials like apple peels and recycled plastic bottles. It's smart to turn waste into fashion while keeping plastics out of landfills and oceans.
Given the rise of global warming and pollution, opting for vegan bags is a sustainable step. It aligns our fashion choices with the planet's needs for a healthier future.
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Quality
One of the greatest advantages of vegan leather bags is the impressive quality control. High-quality vegan leather mimics the texture and feel of real leather, so you won't have to sacrifice quality for sustainability.
Vegan leather is more adaptable because it holds onto pigments better than traditional leather. This quality is reflected in the vibrant and stylish designs of these green bags.
Vegan leather bags have gained prominence and are trending for their stylish appeal. They're just as durable and long-lasting as real leather. So, when you invest in one, you're getting both quality and sustainability. It's a win-win for you and the planet!
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Variety
Vegan leather handbags come in a variety of different styles and designs. You can choose the one that best fits your style and personality. They are a vibe!
Since they are high-quality, vegan bags are perfect for pairing with formal attire. Their spark and shine are ideal for making heads turn at any casual or party-wear outfit.
So, if you plan on switching to vegan handbags, you have unlimited choices.
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Luxury
Vegan leather bags have become major fashion statements in recent years, embraced by top brands like Gunas, Matt & Nat, and Sole Society. These bags offer the same look and feel as real leather but are more sustainable and ethical in nature, which is what makes them a hit with trendsetters.
If you love keeping up with the latest fashion trends, vegan leather bags are perfect for you!
You get high-quality, stylish bags while supporting a cruelty-free, eco-friendly cause. You can look great and feel great about your choices!
Types of Materials Used for Vegan Handbags
You will be amazed to know there are so many sustainable vegan alternatives to leather. Some are still in development and not widely available, but here are some that you can find easily on the market:
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Mirum is made of a blend of FSC-certified natural rubber, natural colorants like charcoal, natural fillers like clays, and plant-based oils and waxes.
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Cork - made from the bark of cork trees (without the trees being cut down) and is completely biodegradable.
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Mycelium is bio-based and produced from mycelium, the branching, root-like vegetation part of fungi.
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Fruit leather (including orange, mango, pineapple, apple, and grape) - 45% of all global fruits and vegetables are discarded between the field and the plate. Fruit leather uses the waste of these different fruits and creates partly bio-based materials.
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Cactus leather is made of dried cactus powder backed by woven material.
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Treekind is made from sustainably sourced wood, is completely free from plastic, and is recyclable. It is estimated to use less than 1% of the water cow skin leather production.
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Washable paper: FSC trees can create a recyclable and biodegradable alternative to leather.
Note: PVC and PU are commonly used as alternatives to leather, but they are less sustainable, require fossil fuel extraction, and do not biodegrade. However, recycled PU leather doesn't require extracting new fossil fuels, hugely reducing its environmental impact.
Vegan Leather Bags Durable or Not?
Durability is one of the main concerns people have with vegan leather goods. Since vegan leather is usually thinner than animal leather, people worry it will only last for a while or will 'peel.' Their concern is right!
If you have ever been into a vintage shop or thrift store, you must have come across an animal leather jacket or bag that has cracked or peeled. This is because animal leather requires high maintenance to keep it supple. Not many people will commit to this, so their bags peel.
This shows that durability comes down to how well you care for a product. When it comes to handbags, we can control wear and tear by storing them properly and not exposing them to too much damage.
All materials are not created equally, so the choice of vegan alternative for the bag really depends on that.
Note: Care instructions are included with handbags to help you preserve and protect your vegan handbag, so it lasts for many years. So when you buy a vegan leather bag you should also know how to clean vegan leather bags.
10 Best Vegan Leather Bags in 2024
Make a sustainable fashion statement with vegan leather bags; they are all the rage. They combine style, ethics, and durability. Here are 10 of the best vegan leather bags for 2024:
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Anca Barbu
Materials: Premium Vegan Leather
Price: $150 - $250
Why We Love It: Anca Barbu offers luxury bags that are both fashion-forward and cruelty-free. Their Carolina Bagfeatures bold designs with a contemporary edge. Whether you're heading to the office or brunch, this bag will turn heads. Spacious and made with high-quality vegan leather, it's the perfect blend of style and practicality. They have a wide range of bags, including crossbody bags, shoulder bags, and tote bags. Check out their bags: Money Bag, Gold, LOVE, Spring Splashes, Anca Barbu Carolina White, God Bless the USA, and more.
Bonus: Each bag is handcrafted, giving it a unique touch!
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Sans Beast
Materials: AppleSkin™, MIRUM®, Recycled PU
Price: $50 - $285
Why We Love It: Sans Beast bags are bold, edgy, and ethically crafted. The brand uses innovative materials like AppleSkin™ (from apple waste) and MIRUM® to create cruelty-free, fashion-forward accessories. Like the Bandolier Crossbody from the Crossbody Bags collection, their designs are practical yet trendy with a touch of luxury.
Perfect For: Anyone who loves bold fashion with a heart for the planet!
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Svala
Materials: Piñatex® (Pineapple leather), MIRUM®, Cork, BioVeg
Price: $220 - $298
Why We Love It: Svala's collection beautifully combines sustainability and luxury. The bags are handmade in LA using materials like Piñatex® and recycled polyester. Made from eco-friendly materials, these bags are for eco-conscious fashionistas. Plus, 10% of profits from their animal-friendly bags go to charities like Wild Aid.
Standout Feature: Gorgeous designs that support wildlife protection!
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Mashu
Materials: Piñatex®, Frumat (Apple Leather), VEGEA
Price: $259 - $596
Why We Love It: By combining Art Deco and Cycladic architecture with sustainable materials, Mashu's bags are a true work of art. Their geometric handles on the top handle bags and eco-friendly vegan leather make them stand out in any crowd.
Perfect For: Anyone wanting a luxury bag with a unique twist.
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Will's Vegan Store
Materials: Bio-based Vegan Leather
Price: $52 - $170
Why We Love It: Will's Vegan Store produces timeless, high-quality vegan leather bags from bio-based materials. Their collection includes classic satchels and functional backpacks; every bag is designed with ethics and craftsmanship in mind.
Standout Feature: Made in a carbon-neutral process using plant-based leather!
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Pixie Mood
Materials: Recycled Vegan Leather, Cork
Price: $26 - $118
Why We Love It: Pixie Mood's vibrant, colorful bags are as fun as eco-friendly. Using recycled vegan leather and cork, their range includes everything from stylish tote bags to practical weekender bags. They also partner with One Tree Planted to offset their carbon footprint.
Perfect For: Those who love playful, sustainable fashion!
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Stella McCartney
Materials: VEGEA, Mylo™, MIRUM®, Alter Nappa
Price: $425 - $2,650
Why We Love It: Stella McCartney is a pioneer in luxury vegan fashion. Her bags are stylish and sustainable, using innovative materials like VEGEA (grape leather) and Mylo™ (mushroom leather). The Falabella bag is iconic, but her other designs, from crossbody bags to tote bags, are equally stunning.
Standout Feature: High-fashion with a conscience!
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LaBante London
Materials: PU, Recycled Polyester
Price: $125 - $540
Why We Love It: LaBante offers ethical, sustainable, and chic bags perfect for the modern professional. Their vegan leather bags are made from ethically sourced PU and recycled polyester, combining practicality with style.
Standout Feature: Ethically sourced materials and SEDEX certification.
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Von Holzhausen
Materials: Technik-Leather
Price: $295 - $495
Why We Love It: Known for minimalist designs and eco-conscious materials, Von Holzhausen uses Technik-Leather, a PVC-free material. Their collection is timeless and sophisticated, perfect for those seeking a more refined look.
Perfect For: Anyone looking for luxury with a minimal aesthetic.
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Elvis & Kresse
Materials: Upcycled Fire Hose, Reclaimed Leather Offcuts
Price: $208 - $488
Why We Love It: Elvis & Kresse are sustainability champions, turning decommissioned fire hoses into stunning handbags. Their commitment to upcycling and giving 50% of profits to charity makes them stand out ethically.
Standout Feature: Bags made from reclaimed fire hoses and a commitment to zero waste!
Final Words
Vegan leather bags prove that style, ethics, and sustainability can go hand in hand. With so many options crafted from innovative materials like AppleSkin™, Piñatex®, and recycled plastic, it's easier to find a chic bag that aligns with your values.
If you are a fashionista drawn to bold designs, minimalist luxury, and eco-friendly upcycling, check out Anca Babru's collection. They have an amazing collection of vegan bag styles that offer something for every fashion-forward individual.
When you make a smart choice of choosing vegan leather, you're not only making a fashion statement but also supporting a cruelty-free and environmentally responsible future.
So purchase your next handbag, which you and the planet can feel good about! Happy Styling!
