If you’ve been looking to make more sustainable or ethical choices when it comes to your wardrobe, it can be hard to know where to begin. Thanks to their versatility and great cost-per-wear, we think bags are the perfect place to start when it comes to making more sustainable and ethical investments.
However, if your doubts about vegan-leather (AKA faux leather) or replica leather alternatives have been holding you back, have no fear. The introduction of cutting edge fabrications, clever craftsmanship, and innovative technologies mean that the squeaky pleather you once knew, is now just a distant memory.
With a variety of fabrications to choose from—from recycled plastic bottles to cactus leather—these vegan-friendly and fashion-forward finds are just as luxurious (and buttery) as their non-vegan counterparts. Scroll to shop our favourite vegan leather handbags.
Brie Leon The Chloe
PRICE: $199
This 90s-inspired vegan leather bag will be your go-to thanks to its sculptural shape and great everyday size. With a detachable crossbody strap, magnetic closure, and brass hardware, it’s as practical as it is pretty. Shop it here.
Poppy Lissiman Crikey BB Bag
Price: $195
Sydney-based Poppy Lissiman is the queen of statement sunglasses, bags, and accessories—and this cute yin and yang top-handle bag is no exception. It's been making the rounds on Instagram and it could be yours, knowing that it's made with stacks of personality and faux leather too. Shop it here.
JW PEI Gabbi Bag
PRICE: $83
An Instagram favourite, you’ve probably already seen this cute croissant style bag all over your feed. Designed from high-quality vegan leather, canvas, polyurethane, and certified fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles, if you’re looking for a trend-led and affordable pick, this is it. Shop here.
Matt & Nat Schlepp Tote Bag
PRICE: $175
Made from tan-hued vegan leather, this on-trend tote is the perfect bag to get you back to the office. Big enough to fit your laptop plus all your other essentials, this is the perfect vegan leather handbag for every day. Shop here.
Alice In The Eve The Elle Croc Baguette Bag Black
PRICE: $49.95
With an adjustable shoulder strap, silver hardware, and textured faux-croc finish, this leather-look baguette bag will complete any 90s inspired ensemble. Shop it here.
A_C Darcy Daypack Cactus Leather
PRICE: $349
Handcrafted from soft pebbled desert cactus leather, 100% GOTS certified organic cotton inner and custom silver hardware, this is the backpack you’ve been waiting for. The bag also features extensive internal pockets for the ultimate organisation on-the-go. Shop it here.
Peta And Jain Liv Tote Bag
PRICE: $89.95 $62.97
Large enough to fit a standard size laptop and with alternating long and short handles, this tote has been designed to be your daily go-to. Its soft and supple pebbled vegan leather outer and smooth suedette lining make it a joy to use. Shop here.
Frida Rome The Week/end Bag
PRICE: $367
Made from soft-to-the-touch cactus leather and luxury eco-suede, this fully deconstructable, lightweight, and multi-use bag is the perfect travel accessory. Shop here.
Urban Originals Flashback Hobo
PRICE: $99.95
With a spacious main compartment and easy access external zip pocket, this triangular slouch bag has been designed with everyday wear in mind. And a bonus? It’s cut from a soft, smooth vegan leather so you don’t have to make any compromises. Shop here.
HVISK Casset Croco
PRICE: $228 $102
If you’re looking for a laptop-friendly bag that doesn’t scream "work tote" then this Yves Klein blue beauty is our pick. Made from imitation croc and featuring a top zip closure to protect your belongings, this is the chicest work tote we’ve seen yet. Shop here.
Louenhide Alexis Weekender Bag
PRICE: $129.95
If you’ve been on the hunt for a vegan-friendly travel bag, then look no further. The perfect size for short adventures and crafted from faux-leather, this weekender is both smart and stylish. Shop here.
Stella McCartney Small Perforated Faux Leather Camera Bag
PRICE: $880
If you're ready to drop some cash on something designer, you'll want to draw your attention towards Stella Mccartney's beautiful vegan bags. Crafted in Italy from McCartney's innovative "Alter Nappa" vegetarian leather, this small shoulder bag is the perfect size for housing your essentials. Shop here.
Now that your bag is sorted, get your kicks in order with this edit of the coolest eco-friendly sneakers to drop in 2020.
Image credit: Poppy Lissiman Instagram, Brie Leon, Net-A-Porter, JW Pei, The Iconic, A_C Darcy, Peta and Jain, Frida Rome, HVISK
Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchase.