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Best Vegan Handbags (Plus: Purses, Backpacks, and Beyond!)

May 23, 2025 (Updated May 23, 2025) By: Michelle Cehn

Vegan handbags have you covered with everything from workday backpacks and briefcases to elegant evening purses to travel bags and accessories. Find the perfect vegan bag for any occasion!

Beautiful white vegan leather handbag purse from on a table with a bouquet of flowers.

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Looking for a stylish handbag that’s also kind to animals and the planet? You’re in the right place! Vegan handbags are a great way to show off your style without using leather or other animal materials. They come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors—so there’s something for everyone. Whether you want a sleek tote for work or a fun crossbody for weekends, there’s a vegan version you’ll love.

The path to eating more consciously almost always leads to living more consciously overall. 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.

Keep reading to discover some of the best vegan handbag brands out there. These companies focus on cruelty-free materials, smart design, and often even eco-friendly practices. So if you’re ready to upgrade your bag game with something stylish and compassionate, let’s get started!

Woman holding out a tan vegan leather handbag purse from Pixie Mood.

Table of Contents

Why Owning a Vegan Handbag is So Awesome

Owning a vegan handbag has many benefits beyond just being cruelty-free! It’s a simple and easy way to show your commitment to animal rights without having to sacrifice style or quality. Here are the main reasons why we love vegan handbags:

Cruelty-Free Style. A vegan handbag is made without harming animals, which feels great to know. You can carry it with confidence, knowing no leather or animal-based materials were used. It’s all about looking good and doing good.
Way More Eco-Friendly. Most vegan handbags have a smaller environmental footprint than traditional leather. Leather production is rough on the planet—it involves harsh chemicals and lots of water. Vegan bags often use sustainable materials that are better for the earth.
Durable and Low-Maintenance. Many vegan handbags are made with tough, easy-to-clean materials like polyurethane or recycled nylon. They’re designed to hold up well, even if you’re rough on your bag. A quick wipe-down usually keeps it looking new.
Affordable Luxury Vibes. You can get a stylish vegan bag that looks like it costs a fortune—but doesn’t. Because they don’t use expensive animal hides, many vegan brands offer luxury looks at wallet-friendly prices. Total win!
Support Ethical Brands. Buying a vegan handbag often means supporting companies that care about ethics, fair labor, and sustainability. It’s not just about the bag—it’s about making better choices overall. Your purchase can help shape a kinder fashion industry.

How to Shop for Vegan Bags

Ready to give your leather handbag a cruelty-free upgrade? You have a few options.

Shop From Vegan Brands – Yes, these do tend to be a bit more expensive, but it is a great way to vote with your money and support the kind of companies you want to exist in the world.
Look for “Accidentally Vegan” Synthetic Handbags – You can find many at mainstream stores like Target or Walmart.
Buy Secondhand – This is the most eco-conscious option of all and a great way to save money! You can find secondhand shops both online (like ThredUp, Poshmark, and Tradesy) and in-person (like thrift stores or local Goodwill).

100% Vegan Handbag Brands

There are dozens of brands of vegan handbags sprouting up with kind and fashionable options for the conscious consumer. What a time to be alive! Here are the most notable brands that we’ve explored and love.

These companies carry a variety of vegan leather bags including: cloth bags, luxury designer bags, more casual bags, vegan tote bags, vegan crossbody bags, vegan messenger bags, satchels, wallets, briefcases, laptop bags, and more. Whatever style you’re looking for, you can absolutely find it vegan!

Materials in Vegan Handbags

If not leather or suede, what is a vegan purse made from? There’s an exciting array of materials used to make vegan bags—from simple cotton to vegan leather to eco-leathers like mushroom leather or even pineapple leather! Here are a few of the most common materials to look for:

Vegan Leather
Vegan Suede
Plant-Based Leather (Apple Leather, Leaf Leather, Pineapple Leather, Mycelium Leather)
Cotton, Polyester, Hemp, Nylon, or Bamboo
Cork
Recycled Plastic
Rubber

Camel tan small vegan purse from Pixie Mood surrounded by colorful wildflowers on a purple background.

How Can I Find “Accidentally Vegan” Handbags?

Finding your perfect vegan purse can be easier than ever. When you browse for “accidentally vegan” handbags, you’ll find the most luck at big stores. These stores carry lower-cost items like non-leather handbags because they are generally much more affordable than leather.

Look for these labels:

All machine-made material
All synthetic materials

Also, make sure the bag doesn’t have a leather symbol.

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.

Consider buying second-hand or vintage bags. Many thrift stores and consignment shops have a wide selection of gently used bags. They 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. These materials are often much more affordable than animal-based materials. They’re a great option if you’re looking for an affordable vegan handbag. Also, they 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. 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:

Use your non-vegan items until they’re totally worn out, and commit to buying vegan items going forward.
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.
Give or sell them to a secondhand shop (there are even online thrift store like ThredUp). This way, someone else can use them until they’re worn out (which may prevent them from buying new leather).
Pass them on to a friend who you know will get use out of them.

Should I Throw My Non-Vegan Items Away?

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. So, 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 and World of Vegan team member Gina House shares what she carries in her vegan purse! Take a peek!

FAQs about Vegan Handbags

What is a vegan handbag, exactly?

A vegan handbag is made without any animal materials, like leather, suede, or wool. That means no animal products or by-products at all. Most use things like faux leather, cork, recycled plastic, or plant-based materials instead.

Are vegan handbags eco-friendly?

Many are, but not all. Some use recycled or plant-based materials that are much better for the planet than leather. Just check the brand’s info—they usually share how their bags are made.

Do vegan bags look as nice as leather ones?

Definitely! You can find vegan bags that look just like real leather—or even cooler. Lots of brands focus on style, so you don’t have to give up looks for values.

Do vegan handbags last a long time?

Yes, many do! Good vegan bags are made with strong materials that can handle daily use. Look for quality brands that use durable, water-resistant fabrics or sturdy vegan leather.

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