Best Vegan Leather Bags – Best Styles For All Budgets!
In a market with thousands of vegan handbags and brands, deciding which one is best for you can be at least challenging.
To save your time, effort, and money, in this article, I’ll introduce you to the best vegan handbags (from the most celebrated vegan brands) in 2022.
We’ll look at the best vegan handbags right now, suitable for all tastes and pockets.
A carefully curated selection of affordable vegan handbags, luxury vegan handbags, vegan handbags from PU, mushroom, or even cactus leather; they’re all here.
Also, to make it easier for you, I’ve crowned three brands as winners of the following three vegan handbag categories:
On a side note, the best vegan bags of 2022 are made from natural, organic materials.
I am talking about bags from apple leather, pineapple leaves, mushrooms, and cork, designed for spring, summer, winter, gym, beach, work, and even a special dinner date.
Without further ado, these are the top 21 best vegan handbags right now!
1/21
MATT & NAT Adelsm Small Satchel
Best Overall Vegan Handbag
$135 $87.75
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“The brand makes exceptional vegan handbags and should be a top choice for anyone looking to buy a faux leather or vegan leather handbag.”
Matt & Nat is a sustainable label that makes vegan purses from cruelty-free leather alternatives and recycled materials out of Montreal.
Following its success with the Abbi tote bag, Matt & Nat’s ADELSM bag, part of the brand’s Purity collection, is made from recycled materials and aims to take over the vegan’s hearts.
Designed as a small pouch with double handles and flap closure, this vegan handbag comes with a detachable and adjustable crossbody strap.
With the interior lining made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, on the inside, you’ll find a large zippered pocket for your wallet, smartphone, car keys, and even cosmetics.
2/21
JW PEI The Fae Top Handle
Best Top Handle Vegan Leather Bag
$119
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“I love JW PEI’s aging vegan leather look. On par with Stella McCartney, quality and style, but a fraction of Stella’s price, JW PEI is my brand to go when I need a vegan bag to impress.”
Hailing from Los Angeles, California, JW Pei is a company that specializes in patent-style vegan handbags.
With a minimalist style – somehow similar to Matt & Nat – JW Pei’s vegan handbags are made from high-grade polyurethane resin and ultra-fine microfiber bundles.
The unique material combination gives the bags a leather-like patina that gets better with time.
Soft, beautiful, and durable, with linings made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, JW Pei vegan handbags are a must-have for vegan fashion lovers.
3/21
Sole Society Lacie Weekender Bag
Best Vegan Leather Travel Bag
$59.98
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Highly recommended for high-quality vegan handbags and super stylish weekender bags for quick getaway trips.”
Located in Culver City, California, Sole Society is an American label specializing in vegan products, mainly vegan leather bags.
More famous for its vegan shoes, clothing, and accessories, Sole Society is betting on unique vegan handbag styles.
The gorgeous vegan tote in this selection comes in a wide range of natural colors such as slate, charcoal, and tan.
The oversized tote features plenty of room to carry everything you need.
And, despite the expensive look, at under $60 it is a very affordable bag.
4/21
GUNAS Rotunda Handbag
Best Vegan Shoulder Bag
$195
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“A vegan handbag for special occasions in a unique design and gorgeous color choices.”
Located in Long Island City, NY, Gunas makes vegan handbags from cruelty-free and PVC-free materials.
The brand also uses recycled nylons, coated canvas, cork, rubber, upcycled polyester, and proprietary ultra-leather.
As one of the first fully vegan brands globally, Gunas has been selling vegan shoes and handbags for the last ten years.
‘Rotunda’ bag is named after the famous Capitol in Washington, the Guggenheim museum, and the Pantheon in Rome.
These buildings are round domed structures, and the type of architecture represents the “authority of nature and power of reason.”
The Rotunda bag is Gunas’ representation of the issues concerning our times, such as gender equality and animal rights.
5/21
Laflore Paris Bobobark Convertible Bag
Best Vintage Inspired Vegan Leather Bag
$289
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“On par with Stella McCartney (style and quality-wise, but at a fraction of Stella’s price), Laflore Paris is the brand I go to whenever I want a statement vegan leather handbag.”
Laflore Paris is a creation of Elie Seroussi – founder of CECILE & JEANNE, a renowned Parisian jewelry designer, and his daughter, Natasha.
The brand’s ethical and sustainable designer bags for women, handcrafted in Paris, showcase a stunning level of effortless elegance.
Meticulously constructed by expert artisans from the highest quality earth-friendly materials, each Laflore Paris bag is durable, chic, and designed to flatter a woman’s silhouette.
6/21
Stella McCartney Falabella Mini Tote Bag
Best Luxury Vegan Handbag
$675
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“If you are after a luxury vegan handbag, Stella McCartney is the best choice right now.”
Stella McCartney needs no introduction to the world of luxury and sustainable fashion.
Known for her exclusive cruelty-free couture, shoes, accessories, and vegan leather bags, the British designer is the best at blending luxury with sustainability.
The brand’s mission statement puts ethics and sustainable practices at the center, intending to create a world that treats people, the planet, and animals on equal terms.
As Stella’s signature vegan designer handbags, Falabella mini tote bags will make you stand out from a mile.
Made in Italy from the brand’s proprietary vegan leather-like material, the bag was made in limited numbers, so make sure you get your fast.
7/21
Realer Faux Leather Large Hobo Bag
Best Budget Vegan Leather Bag
$38.99
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“At under $40, this has to be the best price/quality vegan handbag out there right now.”
Featuring luxury gold-tone hardware, this classic Hobo-style vegan handbag delivers much elegance.
Made from soft and durable vegan leather featuring an anti-scratch, anti-fading, and slightly waterproof layer, the bag has a gorgeous and fashionable look.
Similarly, the liner is made from a sturdy and anti-cracked polyester instead of soft cotton cloth.
With a price under $40 and in a range of 28 different colors, this affordable vegan handbag is the best-selling bag on Amazon right now.
8/21
Sinbono Drawstring Handbag
Best Stylish Vegan Handbag
$99
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“PETA-approved SINBONO is well-known for its stylish vegan handbags made of recycled bottles and reclaimed fruit skins.”
Established in New York, SINBONO is an industry leader in vegan fashion accessories.
The brand’s mission is to help conscious fashion lovers find and choose sustainable accessories that complement their looks.
As SINBONO’s interpretation of classic designer bags, this beauty is made from butter-soft vegan leather and features an elegant drawstring closure, hence its name.
The Drawstring vegan handbag has a unique style, equally eye-catching and spacious, designed to stand the test of time.
The scrunchie handle is detachable, so you can take it off if you want to use the bag as a clutch bag.
Also, the bag has two inner pockets, so there’s no need to pack your wallet.
9/21
Kenneth Cole Laptop & Tablet Backpack
Best Vegan Leather Laptop Backpack
$59.99
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Excellent for those looking for a vegan bag packed with the latest technologies, such as RFID, Bluetooth, portable charging, and much more.”
Priced at just $59, this vegan leather backpack by Kenneth Cole is protected by anti-theft RFID technology and accommodates with ease a 15.6″ laptop.
Anti-theft radio frequency identification (RFID) technology blocks radio waves from reading credit/debit cards and even certain passports information.
This vegan backpack is durable, with a tear-resistant and fully lined interior.
Furthermore, the backpack has a main internal compartment for larger items, a mesh zipper pocket, and dual open slip pockets.
10/21
Freshly Picked Convertible Diaper Backpack
Best Vegan Leather Diaper Bag
$175
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Each vegan bag is hand-made by Utah-based artisans, from the highest-quality genuine Italian leather, suede, nylon, and organic vegan leather materials.”
Packed with ten pockets and a spacious central compartment for more oversized items, this vegan backpack by Freshly Picked is for mothers who want to pack ‘everything’ for their babies.
The Utah-based Freshly Picked has conducted focus groups across the US to create this vegan handbag.
In the process, the company identified what moms want from a diaper bag: large capacity, ease of use, durability, and style.
However, with easy access via a magnetic front flap, a grab-and-go top handle, and ‘electronics’ sleeve, this diaper bag can be used as a backpack, cross-body bag, or even as a purse.
11/21
ECOSUS Briefcase Laptop Bag for Women
Best Vintage Vegan Leather Briefcase
$46.99
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“A tremendous vegan label of you’re after vintage style vegan handbags and shoes, the type of vintage fashion you could only find in the 1950s.”
ECOSUSI has created this elegant vintage vegan briefcase for women.
Launched in 2015, the company creates superior quality vegan handbags, business bags, briefcases, and school bags for any taste and budget.
The roomy interior also has multiple pockets and was designed to keep everything organized.
With a 14.8 by 10.6 x 4 inches capacity, this vegan messenger bag is perfect for holding a laptop and lots of A4-sized notebooks.
12/21
Urban Originals Blink Backpack
Best Puffy Vegan Leather Backpack
$98
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Available online at stores like Anthropologie, Urban Originals takes a stand against the leather industry by creating slick and practical accessories from vegan alternatives.”
Urban Originals is an Australian company whose brand ethos and values center around veganism, aiming for a cleaner planet and a better world.
Driven by a strict no-animal products policy, Urban Originals creates stylish vegan handbags, backpacks, crossbody bags, wallets, and vegan totes.
The brand’s stylish bags are made from organic cotton, bio-based polyamides, and leather resulting from recycled PET bottles.
Urban Originals ensures that all of its bags are made in fair trade conditions and have passed Australia’s Department Store and Industry ethical standards.
Beyond its ethical values, Urban Originals’ stylish vegan leather backpacks are pure work of art.
The Blink backpack by Urban Originals can be worn either as a backpack or as a crossbody, thanks to the convertible strap and short handle.
The bag has adjustable straps, a front slip padded pocket, a zipper pocket at the back, and a closing flap with a magnetic button.
13/21
Elvis & Kresse Large Post Bag
Best Vegan Post Bag
$318
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Made from “heroic” material, the brand’s ‘Fire-Hose’ pieces are not just vegan handbags but a whole new kind of luxury handbags collection.”
Launched in 2015 in Kent, UK, Elvis & Kresse is a British vegan leather label known for its superb vegan luxury bags and accessories.
The company partnered in 2017 with the Burberry Foundation to tackle the growing problem of global leather waste.
The five-year partnership will see at least 120 tonnes of leather off-cuts from Burberry re-crafted into new luxury items designed and sold by Elvis & Kresse.
Part of the brand’s suggestively titled “The Fire-House Collection,” the Elvis & Kresse Large Post bag is made from genuine decommissioned fire-hose previously deployed in active duty for up to 25 years, fighting fires around the UK.
With a zip pocket, two additional poacher-style pockets, and a lining made from reclaimed parachute silk, this all-day vegan bag can be held in hand, carried on the shoulder, or across the body.
The heroic material – once used to save lives – gets a second chance to keep giving back.
14/21
Labante London Demi Black Vegan Tote Bag
Best Vegan Tote Bag
$180
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Available everywhere, from House of Frazer to Amazon, Labante London is an affordable alternative to high-end and designer vegan handbags.”
Based in London, LaBante is a British designer label founded in 2009, known for its excellent vegan leather handbags.
LaBante London’s offering includes vegan clutches, cross bodies, backpacks, and tote bags in quilted textures and natural colors, making them easy to incorporate into your everyday wardrobe.
The stunning Black Demi bag from LaBante London is a “designer winged vegan tote bag featuring gold hardware plaques on the base.
The bag is further adorned with the brand’s logo at the top for an elegant look.
It comes with two zipper compartments, a central zipped compartment for larger items – and you can fit a 13-inch laptop.
15/21
Mashu Cassiopeia White Bag
Best Designer Vegan Leather Bag
$598
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Designed in London and handcrafted in Greece, Mashu’s latest luxury sustainable handbags marry contemporary design with exquisite traditional craftsmanship.”
Mashu is a designer label specializing in exclusive vegan handbags and accessories.
Sketched in London but hand-made in Greece, the label is defined by exquisite Art Deco constructs and lines of ancient architecture.
The brands’ vegan leather bags are balanced by playful patterns and textures, aiming to create a more nuanced and tasteful balance.
Cassiopeia is the brand’s latest creation, a vegan designer bag conceived during the lockdown.
Made from gold-plated brass, the bag’s handles are inspired by nature and its asymmetric forms.
As one of the best vegan leather bags in this article, Cassiopeia is from Desserto, the brand’s proprietary formulation of cactus leather.
16/21
Jill Milan Hollywood Hills Crossbody Bag
Best Crossbody Vegan Bag
$540
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Arguably the most popular brand of luxury vegan handbags out there, this is a label worn by A-class celebrities worldwide.”
There’s no need for an introduction to Jill Milan’s vegan leather bags.
The label is popular with celebrities and has been spotted on the red carpet, movie premiers, and even at the Oscars.
Sported by celebrities such as Anne Hathaway, Kerry Washington, and Eva Longoria, the label has fans worldwide.
Thanks to its minimalist square design and rounded edges, the Hollywood Hills vegan crossbody bag is super chic.
Made from Italian vegan patent leather, this vegan crossbody bag is spacious enough to hold your essentials but light enough to be taken everywhere.
The bag features an adjustable shoulder strap and comes with palladium-coated hand-made brass hardware.
17/21
Pixie Mood Nyla Backpack Large
Best Large Vegan Backpack
$125
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“This super chic vegan bag could be the answer to so many situations; a studious staple for the girl on the go or the mom with a sleek sense of style.”
Following their success with Alicia Tote II, Pixie Mood’s Nyla vegan backpack aims to set new heights for this Canadian label.
The label has recently introduced ‘Brown Croc,’ a textured new vegan material that will highlight the 2022 vegan handbags season.
Part of the brand’s FW21 collection Nyla is a vega backpack of high versatility.
Overall, Nyla is roomy enough for everyday use and multifunctional enough as a backpack or shoulder bag.
18/21
Angela Roi Hamilton Crossbody
Best Cross Shoulder Vegan Handbag
$225
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“True to the brand’s reputation, the ‘Hamilton’ has the looks and the functionality everyone expects in the crossbody bag category.”
There’s no wonder Angela Roi’s most popular product is the crossbody vegan bag style.
Like most of the brand’s vegan handbags, this crossbody vegan bag is made from ‘Exquisite PU Leather’ and matched with satin gold hardware.
The name of the material might sound a bit pretentious at first; yet, it makes perfect sense after you touch it, as it gives a sense of high quality.
The bag’s interior is from vegan suede, in a unique design that supports its overall style.
Back to the bag’s functional features, this vegan handbag has three open pockets and two inner slip pockets, all covered by a front flap closure.
Also, the rectangular design with accordion-style pockets makes the bag very space-efficient.
Not to forget the adjustable strap, a lovely addition that makes the bag stylish and comfortable.
19/21
Jeane & Jax Autumn Textured Backpack
Best Textured Vegan Leather Backpack
$130 CAD
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“With pockets, a phone pouch, and card slots, the unisex and roomy Autumn vegan handbag is the ideal choice for a weekend away.”
Jeane & Jax is a Canadian brand that uses ethically sourced materials to create luxury vegan handbags and wallets.
The brand is PETA-approved and socially responsible, ensuring all employees have a safe, healthy, and fair work environment.
According to the founder, the vegan bag company draws inspiration from Montreal’s multicultural and artistic vibe, the largest city in Quebec, Canada.
This fabulous vegan handbag comes with an adjustable crossbody strap and has a full-zip closure.
It also has a front pocket with magnetic snap closure, an interior phone pouch, and a zipped back pocket.
20/21
MOENN Marcelline Tote
Best Everyday Use Vegan Tote Bag
$109 $89
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“A one-of-a-kind vegan handbag crafted to be your go-to for any situation, be that office, shopping, or gym.”
This beautifully handcrafted tote is part of the brand’s popular Marcelline Collection.
With an oversized cut, this vegan tote is designed to be an excellent companion at the airport lounge, office, supermarket, and even at the gym or beach.
The tote has a removable pochette in matching vegan leather to keep all your small personal items tucked safely away when you’re on the go.
Devised to hold everything you could need, the Marcelline oversized tote is a timeless vegan handbag piece embellished with a gold-toned metal signature logo where each leather handle meets the bag.
21/21
Alexandra K 1.6.1 Grey Taupe
Best Vegan Leather City Bag
$379
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Probably the only brand that sells serialized vegan handbags. Each bag has a unique serial number and a vegan and eco-friendly certificate.”
1.6.1 Grey Taupe is a stylish vegan bag hand-made in the UK from an innovative recycled PU fabric.
Designed for the city, the maxi bag has a front pendant with Alexandra K’s logo embossed on it.
The bag is lined with a proprietary fabric that feels like soft leather, magnetic fastening, and a detachable strap.
With two inner pockets, space for a smartphone, and three compartments – one of them with a zipper – this vegan bag can also fit a laptop and lots of A4 documents.
Most Asked Questions On Vegan Handbags
What Is Vegan Leather?
Vegan leather is a catch-all term for materials that replace animal leather and are cruelty-free.
Vegan leather is made from various materials such as wood, cork, rubber, barkcloth, apple, pineapple, and glazed cotton.
Moreover, we see more eco-friendly alternative options becoming available as the vegan fashion market grows and evolves.
However, two of the most common types of vegan leather are produced with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU).
This is where the term “vegan leather” becomes a bit problematic.
Sure, PVC and PU are not animal products; that’s the good part.
But, the bad part is that PVC is manufactured with toxic chemicals that cannot be recycled.
So we recommend that you avoid any handbags made with PVC.
“There have been concerns over the last few years about PVC because of production challenges and because they release dioxins, potentially hazardous chemicals if burnt,” said Andrew Dent, the Vice President of Library and Research Materials at Material ConneXion.
A better synthetic alternative, while not perfect, is PU, which is less environmentally harmful and can be recycled.
Finally, vegan leather bags are getting the recognition they deserve in the world of fashion.
Compared to animal leather bags – which required the sacrifice of an animal to produce – vegan leather bags are cruelty-free alternatives that keep you looking good while doing good.
Moreover, thanks to recent material developments, there are more environmentally-friendly vegan leather alternatives, such as mushroom leather, and kelp leather now than ever before.
Vegan Handbags vs Animal Leather Bags, Which One Is Better?
Traditional leather handbags – the kind made from animals – have always been a staple of the fashion world.
But the world is changing as a variety of new and established brands have begun producing vegan leather or faux leather bags.
Above all, the makers of vegan handbags are innovators at the core.
Creators of materials made from recycled plastic bottles, fishing nets, fruit skins, mushrooms, cactuses, and tree bark these designers create vegan bags that are sturdy, sustainable, and above all, stylish.
Not too long ago, vegan bags were seen as ‘crunchy’, tacky and polluting.
Nowadays, they’re just as chic as anything produced by the most exclusive ‘designer’ brands.
And what’s more, these bags act as a badge of honor as finally, you can “wear your ethics on your sleeve”!
And it turns out, what’s right for the animals and the planet is also good for your pocket.
What’s The Verdict?
I hope you’ve enjoyed my top 21 vegan leather handbags.
If still unsure whether vegan leather bags are for you, remember that while traditional leather handbags are still out there, the world is changing fast.
More bags are made from innovative and high-quality materials.
Nowadays, vegan leather bags are as chic as traditional designer leather bags.
Above all, vegan bags are not only good for animals and the planet but also for your pocket!
Most vegan leather bags come at a better price than their animal leather counterparts.
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Now it’s your turn…
What’s your take on vegan handbags vs animal leather bags regarding quality, material, durability, and environmental stance?
Which one of these vegan handbags is your favorite and why?
Do you have multiple vegan bags for various occasions or just one for all tasks? If so, which one?
Are there any other great vegan handbag and bag brands you’ve tried and want to add to this list?
Please leave your tips and comments below in order to help other women looking to step into the world of vegan fashion.
