The 13 Best Vegan Leather Handbags and Purses of 2023
They're stylish and sustainable.
In recent years, the market for vegan leather has exploded. Many of the best sustainable bag brands have turned to vegan leather alternatives that are just as stylish, versatile, and long-lasting as the real thing. New vegan leather picks from some of the top sustainable fashion brands, like Everlane and Santos by Monica, utilize cactus leather. Meanwhile, luxury brands like Stella McCartney and, most recently, Chloé have relied on vegan leathers for their accessories and sustainable footwear collections.
The number of designers and consumers supporting sustainable fashion is growing. According to Natalie Tomlin, a spokesperson for ThredUP, an online thrift store, and resale platform, their 2022 Resale Report found that 56 percent of consumers say brands should play more of a role in reducing fashion's environmental impact.
The push for more sustainability is felt from the brand side, too. "I feel like many brands want [to create] luxury items that are sustainable and don't harm animals," says Noel Veloz, the Founder & Creative Director of New York-based accessories brand Hemincuff. "I want to pick the best materials that also have longevity," he adds, and vegan leather bags might last longer in your collection than the real thing. "They're often easier to clean when compared to leather, and they're more resistant to cracking."
The first step in trading your leather goods for the alternative? Do your research. "A whole host of things can be used to create vegan leather bags," says Whitney Bauck, an independent environmental reporter who contributes to outlets including The New York Times, Washington Post, and the Financial Times. "While innovative new leathers derived from materials like cactus, mycelium, or food waste tend to get a lot of buzz, plastic or other fossil fuel derivatives are probably still the most common materials. Natural materials like pineapple or cactus fibers might require a plastic coating, binding, or base," she says.
Luckily, designers are increasingly moving away from plastics to offer consumers high-quality options. Plus, we've already done most of the work for you. Ahead, we've vetted the best vegan bags on the market right now.
I was having a hard time finding a great crossbody bag that feels discreet and elevated, and this bag from Hemincuff is my new favorite. It holds all my essentials and has an adjustable shoulder strap, so it doesn't look too long on my petite frame. It also has a luxe-feeling design that goes with all my semi-formal outfits.
This black tote is the perfect laptop bag and made from prickly pear cactus. It also has all the fixings of a great work bag: an adjustable strap and interior pockets for easy storage.
Summer means it's safe to venture away from the little black bags of the world and try something new. This bag's vibrant exterior uses cactus fibers, and its lining is 100% organic cotton.
Stella McCartney was a pioneer in the sustainable fashion space. You can now shop her iconic Falabella clutch in a rich royal blue hue through ThredUP.
Belt bags (also known as fanny packs) will continue to be trendy throughout 2023. This bag from celebrity-adored brand Senreve is the perfect modern addition to the trend. Style it as a traditional fanny pack or a crossbody for an easy, hands-free approach.
Nanushka has long been a favorite of editors for its range of vegan leather handbags perfect for day or nighttime wear. This one has a relaxed silhouette and comes in fun colors (hot pink! Kelly green!), but the black option is a great place to start.
I can't say enough great things about Angela Roi. Every time I wear the Grace mini crossbody, shown here, or the Hamilton crossbody, I get so many compliments—for the color and the quality. The NYC–based luxury handbag brand prioritizes ethical sourcing and attention to detail.
How cute is this mini bag from SINBONO? It's made from vegan leather with a faux-suede lining on the inside.
This matte-finish bag has a detachable shoulder strap for peak versatility. It’s made from Vegan PU (polyurethane) leather and has a lining made from 100% recycled materials.
This vegan leather bag shines bright thanks to its glossed finish. Its sleek silhouette and retro details have made it one of the season’s most in-demand bags—ready for a night out.
This vegan leather wallet-on-a-chain from HOUSE OF WANT is great for holding the essentials. It retails for only $68 and comes in a few fun colors like bright purple, apricot pink, and a black-and-white gingham print.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Julia Marzovilla is the Fashion E-Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she reviews the latest launches from fashion and beauty brands, finds the best on-sale items around the internet, and interviews experts to find the best products in any category to share with her readers. She also creates shopping guides that span every vertical on the site as an expert in everything from the best laptop bags to the best laser hair removal devices.
In her near decade of experience, Julia has both written for several top outlets in the E-Commerce space and worked at major fashion labels. Prior to joining the Marie Claire team, she contributed similar shopping stories to sites such as Bustle, InStyle, The Zoe Report, Who What Wear, and worked as the Trending Fashion and News Writer STYLECASTER. You can find her across the internet at @JuliaMarzovilla. In real life, you can find her creating shopping guides for her friends, cooking or baking in her too-small kitchen, or buying tickets for the next time Harry Styles is in town.
Julia has a Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Journalism from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. She lives in New York City, her hometown.
-
Zendaya's Custom Wimbledon White Is Back With a Vengeance
The motif from her 'Challengers' era returns for awards season.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Two of ‘The Later Daters’ Found Love on the Netflix Dating Show—Are the Couples Still Together Today?
Here's what we know about the stars' love lives post-filming.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
There's Still Time to Snag Katie Holmes's Favorite Minimalist Bags for Under $250
Celebrities can't resist this brand's minimalist vegan leather designs.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
10 Holiday Gifts Marie Claire Editors Are Giving and Getting
Use our guide to simplify your shopping experience.
By The Editors at Marie Claire Published
-
Fashionable Gift Ideas for Every Type of Personal Style
From the classic dresser to the eccentric trendsetter.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Strathberry's Black Friday Sale Majorly Discounts Meghan Markle and Jennifer Lopez's Favorite Bags
Strathberry's best styles are 25 percent off.
By Kelsey Stiegman Last updated
-
How Do You Find Your Personal Style?
From Gen Alpha to an almost-centenarian, we asked six stylish people to share how they discovered their formula for getting dressed.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Loewe Bags Everyone's Manifesting Right Now
From modern styles to heritage classics, these are the most coveted styles of the moment.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
7 Late Fall Essentials Marie Claire Editors Bought for November
Here are all the fashion and beauty must-haves to covet for the kickstart of the holiday season.
By Marie Claire Editors Published
-
This Winter’s Shoe Trends Embrace Individual Style
From edgy moto boots to classic loafers, there’s a shoe to suit every taste.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Fashion Girls Are Using Sheer Knee-High Socks to Level Up Their Looks
The perfect balance between not too bare and not too boring.
By Emma Childs Published