In the past, leather was the go-to for handbags. Because of that, it wasn’t just the animals that suffered for fashion—it was also the environment. Today, both new and established brands are proving there’s no need to cause harm when creating stylish accessories. Instead, there’s an ever-growing amount of cruelty-free materials that are paving the way for a more kind and sustainable future.
The next time you’re on the lookout for a new bag, browse through these brands first. With innovative materials and a strong desire to help save the animals and the planet, you can add to your collection while doing good at the same time.
The Best Vegan Bag Brands—Plus, Exactly Which One to Buy First
1. Angela Roi
Angela Roi doesn’t believe fashion needs to be cruel. Because of that, the luxe Peta-approved company only uses non-animal materials to create premium vegan handbags. In addition, they support mistreated animals by donating to local shelters and charities to help with rehabilitation, emergency care, and food supplies.
Our Pick: Hamilton Cross-Body, $215
2. Matt and Nat
Matt & Nat, one of the OG ethically-minded handbag brands that’s been around since 1995, uses no animal products in production. Instead, all the linings inside the bags are made out of 100% recycled plastic bottles, letting you buy an accessory that’s not only cruelty-free, but also sustainable.
Our Pick: Deely Mini Backpack, $120
3. JW PEI
Since JW PEI’s launch in 2016, the company has had animal welfare as its top priority. Every bag is made with ultra-microfiber vegan leather that’s five times more durable than genuine leather, not to mention 50 percent lighter. Because of the material, your bag won’t fall apart, flake, or peel—it’ll stay stunning for years to come.
Our Pick: The Fiona Bag, $195
4. Hozen
The California-based brand Hozen creates sustainable vegan handbags with the ultimate cool-girl feel. With the philosophy “doing good can look as good as it feels,” the handbags are made from materials like grain-based leather and suede, pineapple leaf fibers, and recycled plastic at a fair-wage factory. In addition, 10 percent of all profits are donated to Mercy for Animals.
Our Pick: Belt Bag, $240
5. VONI
The brand VONI isn’t just vegan and sustainable. It’s also woman- and black-owned. Right now, there’s one bag available: the ultra-fierce Stella, which comes in black and navy. It’s chic, can be used as a cross-body or carried by the handle, and is made from smooth vegan leather. Extra bonus: Toting around all those #girlpower vibes can give you all the confidence you need to take on the world.
Our Pick: Stella, $110
6. Stella McCartney
If you’re fine with spending an entire paycheck on a bag, you can’t beat choosing an option from Stella McCartney. While the company isn’t entirely vegan because of the use of wool, it never uses “leather, skin, fur, or feathers” to create its products. Instead, the leather-free bags are created from recycled materials or plastic bottles.
Our Pick: Falabella Reversible Tote, $1,235