Best Vegan Handbags

For centuries, leather bags have dominated the fashion world. But no longer —vegan leather is in, and it’s here to stay. While leather requires the skin of animals, faux and vegan leather offer alternatives that keep us looking good and doing good. And not only is it better for the world, but it’s also better for our closets and wallets too: vegan leather is almost always cheaper than the real thing, and can be versatile and adapted to whatever our needs are.

Not all vegan leather is created sustainably, though. When you can, avoid vegan leather created from polyvinyl chloride or PVC for short. PVC is not biodegradable and ends up creating microplastics that are ingested by fish and other animals. Plus, the production of PVC results in the creation of dioxin, a highly toxic man-made contaminant that remains in the body for a long time. Add on the fact that PVC isn't easy to recycle and is often mixed with phthalates (cancer-causing chemicals) during production, and we're sold on using it as little as possible.

Here are a few brands that are crafting rocking vegan handbags and purses, proudly wearing that “cruelty-free” badge. These brands opt for upcycled materials, polyurethane leather (vegan leather), and organic cotton and twill for handbags made to complement any outfit or occasion.

Gunas

Gunas is an independent fashion label that’s committed to being 100 percent vegan. Their motto? No animals harmed in the name of fashion. GUNAS is an independent high fashion label with a cause! Started in 2009 by designer and animal lover, Sugandh G. Agrawal, GUNAS' heart and soul screams to be the voice of animals. With an award-winning design and business background, Sugandh quit her 7-year corporate career as an Industrial designer at KitchenAid to start her own brand of cruelty-free fashion in New York. Her mission is strong and clear. Animals are NOT meant to be a part of fashion. We can look and feel good without harming other living beings. We need to connect ourselves with what goes on behind the scenes and question our actions and their impacts.

What initially began as an all MADE IN NYC label, has now gone global to source and manufacture bags and shoes using artisan and small-scale ethical manufacturers from countries such as India, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil, and Hong Kong. With styles ranging from totes, satchels, cross-body bags, wallets, and backpacks GUNAS has a bag to suit your every mood and lifestyle needs.

Matt & Nat

If you’re a veteran conscious shopper, you’re probably familiar with sustainable and eco-friendly accessories brand Matt and Nat. They’ve experimented with recycled materials through the years, like nylons, cardboard, rubber, and cork. Since 2007, their linings have been created with 100% recycled plastic bottles.

Matt and Nat’s chic and simple bags have become a workwear vegan bag staple. With many designs roomy enough to comfortably carry a laptop, their durable vegan leather pieces channel practical understated fashion at its finest. The BRAVE backpack fits a 13” laptop, has various internal compartments including a smartphone pocket.

Sole Society

Sole Society is notorious for creating gorgeous bags made from eco-conscious vegan leather with a “buttery soft feel.” It doesn’t get much better than that. Plus, their creations are incredibly affordable. Sole Society is usually known for their shoes, apparel, accessories, and more—but don’t miss out on their vegan handbag options.

Their gorgeous bags come in a variety of natural colors like slate, charcoal, and tan, and some brighter, bolder colors to match your mood. Buttery soft yet sturdy, they carry a mix of satchels, totes, weekenders, and backpacks, so it’s a one-stop-shop for all of your vegan leather needs. Best of all? They have extremely affordable prices, free shipping on orders over $50+, and new styles added continuously.

Leafy Souls

While we are talking about the best vegan handbags, we'd be remiss if we didn't throw ours into the mix. Be sure to check out our handbag and best sellers collections!