The Right Type of Vegan Leather for your Handbag

Vegan leather or Faux leather is becoming increasingly popular among people looking for cruelty-free and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional leather handbags. Vegan leather is a broad term that includes various materials, such as synthetic options like polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as well as plant-based material made from food products such as pineapple, apple, cork, mushroom, cactus, tomato, grape, corn, coconut, and others.

As a customer, it's important to know that these materials all have different properties. Some synthetic vegan leathers break down quickly, contributing to non-biodegradable waste. Materials made from plant-based or other natural materials while relatively eco-friendly, may still include large or unknown quantities of synthetic materials, leading to some of the environmental problems that the customer is hoping to solve from their eco-friendly purchase.

In addition to how eco-friendly the said vegan material is, these materials can significantly vary in terms of feel, durability, functionality, and comfort. So understanding more about the types of vegan leather will help you make informed purchasing decisions. It will also help you know what to expect, and to care for it more effectively.

How to choose which leather alternative is right for you?

Choosing the right Vegan material can depend on many factors:

1. Aesthetic and Feel

Many leather alternatives are made to look and feel like leather. Some materials such as coconut, mushroom, and cork however, have very different unique look, very different from leather. Are you looking to buy something that looks as close to leather as possible? Or something that looks drastically different?

While we haven't tested all materials, our of the ones we have tested, below is a list of materials more similar to animal leather in look and feel:

1. Cactus leather
2. Apple Leather
3. Corn Leather
4. Polyurethane (PU)
5. PVC
  
  The materials that look very different from compared to animal leather:

1. Cork
2. Coconut
3. Pinatex (Pineapple)

2. Durability

Faux or vegan leather made from plastic-based materials such as polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are made to mimic the look and feel of genuine leather. However, because it lacks the natural structure and durability of real leather, it can begin to peel, crack, or wear down, especially if exposed to prolonged friction, heat, or moisture.

Out of the many plant-based options available, cork is one of the most durable vegan leather alternatives out there. It is naturally water-resistant, lightweight, and resistant to wear and tear. Cork does not peel or crack easily, making it a long-lasting option for handbags and accessories.

3. Price

Vegan leather options varies in price depending on the material used. PU and PVC-based vegan leather are generally more affordable, but they may not last as long. Most plant-based vegan leathers, however, tend to be more expensive due to the production process and their eco-friendly appeal.

4. Weight

Weight can vary significantly between different vegan leather types. PU and PVC tend to be lightweight, making them suitable for everyday bags and accessories. Cork leather is also lightweight, which makes it a comfortable and practical choice for those who prefer durable yet easy-to-carry products.

5. Functionality

When selecting a vegan leather product, functionality is key. Some vegan leather types, like PU and PVC, are more flexible and suitable for structured handbags, while others, like cork, are firmer and better for minimalistic or durable designs. Cork leather is particularly notable for its hypoallergenic properties, breathability, and resistance to mold and mildew, making it an excellent choice for long-term use.

6. Waterproof

Not all vegan leather types are waterproof. PU and PVC are naturally water-resistant, making them ideal for everyday use in various weather conditions. Plant-based alternatives, such as cactus leather, also have some level of water resistance but may require additional treatment to enhance their durability against moisture. Cork leather is naturally water-resistant due to its unique cellular structure, which repels water and prevents absorption, making it a great choice for handbags and accessories used in humid or wet conditions.

7. Bulk

The thickness and flexibility of vegan leather can impact the bulkiness of a product. Certain plant-based leathers like cactus and pineapple leather are naturally thicker and less flexible which makes them bulkier compared to cork leather and PU or PVC based vegan leather. This is especially noticeable in products like wallets or handbags with multiple compartments where a firm material can increase the overall volume of the bag. On the other hand Cork leather tends to be more lightweight which makes it more suitable for flexible designs.

Conclusion:

Though plant-based leather is not completely sustainable, it remains a better alternative to traditional leather, PU, and PVC. Today, while many innovative plant-based materials options are emerging, their demand is still lower, and production costs remain high. However, with more choices available than ever before, consumers have the power to shape the industry. By consciously choosing plant-based alternatives, demand for these materials will grow and encourage more brands to adopt them. This shift can drive meaningful change overtime by making sustainable options more accessible, reducing environmental harm, and ultimately pushing the fashion industry toward a more responsible future.

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