Vegan Bags: Handbags, Purses, Backpacks, and Beyond!

The path to eating more consciously almost always leads to living more consciously in general. And part of that is aligning all the stuff we buy—clothing and accessories, makeup and body care products, cleaning products, and more—with our values. Today we’re taking you on a vegan handbag adventure to help you find a compassionate and ethical vegan purse, satchel, briefcase, backpack, duffel, clutch, or any kind of bag you need to carry your belongings.

Tips For Finding Affordable Vegan Handbags

Finding affordable vegan handbags is easier than you may think! With a little bit of creativity and some savvy shopping, you can find the perfect vegan handbag without breaking the bank.

• Shop around for deals. It might seem obvious, but make sure to shop around. Look for sales and discounts at stores that specialize in vegan products. Many vegan brands offer discounts throughout the year so keep an eye out! Sometimes brands will send out special discounts just for their email subscribers so if you have an eye for a particular brand, make sure you’re on their list! Also, check out online retailers like Etsy and eBay for great deals on vegan handbags. Who knows? You might even find a designer bag at a fraction of the cost!
• Consider buying second-hand or vintage bags. Many thrift stores and consignment shops have a wide selection of gently used bags that are much more affordable than buying new. You can also find great deals on vintage bags online or at flea markets and garage sales. Plus, it’s always fun to hunt for hidden gems!
• Seek out synthetic. Look for bags made from synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester which are often much more affordable than animal-based materials. They’re not only a great option if you’re looking for an affordable vegan handbag, but they also come in all sorts of fun colors and patterns!
• Get creative with your search! Try searching for “vegan handbags” on sites like Pinterest or Instagram to get some inspiration for unique styles that may not be available in mainstream stores. You may even find some DIY tutorials that will help you create your own custom bag. You might just end up with a one-of-a-kind masterpiece!
• Support small businesses. If you don’t have the skills to make your own but still want something truly unique, consider supporting a small business and buying a handmade vegan bag. You can find these on Etsy or at local craft fairs and vegan festivals.

How To Care For Vegan Handbags

Caring for your vegan handbag is a breeze! To keep it looking its best, store your vegan handbag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or discoloration. Avoid getting it wet—instead, use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or dust. No need for harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the material.

For vegan leather bags, you can simply use a leather conditioner to keep it looking its finest for years to come! For canvas vegan handbags, spot-clean any stains with a damp cloth and mild vegan soap. To do this, mix a small amount of soap with warm water. Dip a clean cloth into the soapy water and gently dab at the stain, completely saturating it. Then use a dry cloth to lift the stain up—no scrubbing necessary! Allow your vegan handbag to air dry before using it again and you’ll be ready to rock your stylish accessory!

What Should I Do With My Old Leather Bags?

Great question! First, note that there is not one single “right” answer to this question—if and how you get rid of your leather goods is up to you. Here are a few options:

1. Use your non-vegan items until they’re totally worn out, and commit to buying vegan items going forward.
2. Donate your leather items to a homeless shelter where they can be given at no-cost to someone who can’t afford to buy these items.
3. Give or sell them to a secondhand shop (there are even online thrift store like ThredUp) so that someone else can use them until they’re worn out (which may prevent them from buying new leather).
4. Pass them on to a friend who you know will get use out of them.

We don’t recommend throwing your non-vegan items away. The damage is already done, the animal was already killed, and resources went into producing this product. To discard it is wasteful. Consider this excerpt from our Vegan Belts Guide:

While it may not “feel good” to wear or use items that aren’t aligned with your ethics, the reality is we can’t go back in time and un-buy items we’ve purchased. If you just throw them away, that animal died in vain. There are people in need who can’t afford clothing, and to throw away something that’s in usable condition is needlessly wasteful. Accept the imperfection of the situation and just commit to making more conscious buying choices going forward! 

If you’re still unsure about how you would like to handle the animal products you purchased before you went vegan, listen to our Vegan Clothing & Fashion episode of the Plant-Powered People Podcast.

What’s In My Vegan Purse?

In this video, longtime vegan Gina House shares what she carries in her vegan purse!

More Vegan Accessory Guides

• Vegan Wallets
• Vegan Watch Guide
• Guide to Vegan Belts
• Cruelty-Free Deodorant Guide