March 10, 2023 | written by
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Vegan leather is in, and it’s here to stay. While leather requires the skin of animals, fake and vegan leather supply alternatives that hold us wanting good and doing good. And not solely is it better for the world, it’s better for our closets and wallets too: Vegan leather is nearly at all times cheaper than the true factor, and can be versatile and adapted to whatever our wants are.
Not all vegan leather is created equally, though. When you can, avoid vegan leather created from polyvinyl chloride or PVC for brief. PVC is not biodegradable and ends up creating microplastics that are ingested by fish and different animals. Plus, the manufacturing of PVC results in the creation of dioxin, a extremely poisonous manmade contaminant that remains in the physique for a long time. Add on the truth that PVC isn’t simple to recycle and is usually combined with phthalates (cancer-causing chemicals) during production, and we’re sold on utilizing it as little as possible.
We’ve discovered 9 brands which are crafting rocking vegan handbags and purses, proudly wearing that “cruelty-free” badge. These brands go for upcycled supplies, polyurethane leather (vegan leather), and organic cotton and twill for handbags made to enrich any outfit or occasion.
If you’re wanting to include more vegan goods into your wardrobe, take a look at our guide to vegan shoes as well!
Best Overall | Most Affordable | Best Designer Bags
1. Gunas
Best For | Contemporary, colourful designs
Ethics | Vegan, cruelty-free, ethically made, PVC-free, offers back, made-to-order options
Price Range | $125–$275
For over 10 years, Gunas has been selling vegan handbags and footwear, making it one of the first totally vegan brands around. Started in her Manhattan studio house, Sugandh Agrawal wanted to create a fashion brand centered round activism—and she has positively succeeded. Rather than using leather, Gunas opts for canvas, nylons, upcycled supplies, and other sustainable materials to craft simple yet sturdy products that also give back. It presents quite a lot of handbags and purses—clutches, totes, and shoulder bags, with plenty of five-star reviews.
2. Angela Roi
Best For | Mini and micro bags
Ethics | Vegan, cruelty-free, ethically made, offers back, fair wages
Price Range | $65–$295
Angela Roi was born from two co-founders (Angela and Roi—could you guess?) who wished to convey advantage to an otherwise competitive and wasteful world: fashion. The vegan leather artisanal purses are made ethically with premium supplies while additionally staying comparatively affordable. Bucket bags, pouches, saddlebags—you name it, and Angela Roi sells it in beautiful colours and with impeccable design. The company offers back, too, supporting animals worldwide who in any other case might be mistreated or poached.
3. Stella McCartney
Best For | Statement hardware
Ethics | Vegan, cruelty-free, ethically made
Price Range | $490–$2,650
Of all of the brands on this listing, Stella McCartney takes the cake when it comes to luxury and influence. Its mission statement, ethics, and sustainable practices focus on a world that treats people, planet, and animals equally. That’s why the company avoids fur, seeks out recycled materials, and works to reduce its environmental influence. With patterns that resemble leather or snakeskin, Stella McCartney opts for vegan options that also give off designer vibes. We’re all about brands that make us feel like a million bucks, while avoiding hurt in the course of.
four. Matt & Nat
Best For | Shoulder bags and work-appropriate backpacks
Ethics | Vegan, recycled materials, ethically made, cruelty-free
Price Range | $40–$310
Matt & Nat is a longtime chief in the vegan items industry, with handbags, shoes, and other vegan accessories. Based out of Montreal, it’s implemented cruelty-free and moral practices that utilize sustainable supplies each time possible. From wallets to yoga bags to men’s briefcases, Matt & Nat use vegan leather for a refined, high-end take a glance at affordable prices. Matt & Nat exemplifies what it means to stay mindfully.
5. HFS Collective
Best For | Belt bags
Ethics | Vegan, cruelty-free, ethically made, PVC-free
Price Range | $98–$420
HFS Collective prides itself on creating high-quality bags that remind us to hold less and experience more. The hands-free belt bags are excellent for touring, a full time out, or just operating errands. And if these aren’t your thing, don’t fear, there are wallets, crossbodies, and even wine & water bottle holders. The ethically made bags are designed with organic and upcycled supplies, proper here in the US.
6. von Holzhausen
Best For | Totes and shoppers
Ethics | Vegan, sustainable & recycled supplies, cruelty-free, ethically made, gives back, eco-friendly packaging
Price Range | $55–$495
von Holzhausen is a direct-to-consumer brand hailing from Malibu. Touting ethical, sustainable styles, this timeless brand crafts accessories for all genders, together with bucket bags, totes, and crossbodies. Everything is created from both Technik-Leather, a proprietary blend of recycled plastic bottles, or plant-based leather. Even the packaging is eco-friendly! As an added bonus, von Holzhausen offers monograms and alterations on choose merchandise, in addition to cost plans. This vegan brand is worth it.
7. Melie Bianco
Best For | Textured and distinctive bags
Ethics | Vegan, cruelty-free, ethically made
Price Range | $45–$150
Mix together fair trade practices, eco-friendly supplies, and a love of design, and you’ll get Melie Bianco. Its vegan handbags are loved by the likes of Marie Claire, O Magazine, and Good Morning America, showing that luxury can still be affordable. With attractive natural colors, designer particulars like bows and bamboo, and budget pricing for all of the handbags, we wouldn’t be shocked if we became lifelong Melie consumers for all of our purse needs. Most of all, we love the brand’s business mannequin, which encourages revenue sharing amongst the whole staff.
eight. Hozen
Best For | Crossbody bags in distinctive shapes
Ethics | Vegan, cruelty-free, ethically made, offers back, recycled & biodegradable supplies, carbon-neutral
Price Range | $160–$478
Made ethically in LA, Hozen bags use premium organic and upcycled materials for purses that are as bold as they’re functional. Having perfected the craft with Italian manmade leather, Hozen presents canteen round purses, drawstring bucket bags, and small duffels in colours that pop—all made in small batches. 10 % of every purchase alone goes to Mercy for Animals, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing cruelty in the path of animals. Hozen isn’t just talking the (vegan) speak; it’s walking the (vegan) stroll, too.
9. LaBante London
Best For | Convertible crossbodies
Ethics | Vegan, PVC-free, provides back, recycled supplies, ethically made
Price Range | £50–£415
Founded in 2009, LaBante London solely uses recycled supplies for its bags. From clutches and crossbodies to backpacks and tote bags, the faux leather and quilted textures are out there in pure colours, making them straightforward to include into your on a daily basis wardrobe. The polyester is created from plastic bottles and the outers are made with over 50 % vegetable oil (a renewable pure source). Primarily manufactured in Guangzhou, China in a SEDEX Certified factory, the design and manufacturing team is made up of ninety nine p.c women. And annually, LaBante donates at least 10 percent of its profits to charity.
Features picture is from Angela Roi
