People have many different reasons for trialling a plant-based diet but are often motivated by a desire to avoid animal cruelty or lead a more sustainable lifestyle. What we put on our plates may be the main focus of veganism but what we use on our faces and wear on our bodies are also integral to a vegan lifestyle.
The vegan fashion space is rapidly expanding and leather, in particular, is a major focus. According to a representative from Wethrift: “Whilst the size of the global vegan fashion market is nearly at 337 billion US dollars, by 2027 experts are estimating it will have increased to 1,095 billion dollars, as fashion companies are increasingly looking for animal-free alternatives to leather and suede.”
Companies wanting to use vegan leather alternatives is good news of course but issues arise when those materials are plastic-based. With many brands marketing their planet-harming pleathers as vegan, the use of animal leather alternatives often gets a bad rap. Thankfully, there are plenty of designers innovating with sustainable vegan leathers, using the power of plants to create durable, biodegradable garments.
According to a survey conducted by The Vegan Society, consumer demand for these types of materials is on the rise, with 73.5% of participants saying they would be willing to pay more for plant-based leather compared to animal leather. In light of this wonderful news, we’ve collated a guide to the best brands on the market proving that vegan leather is even better than the real thing.
From Pangaia to SAYE, click through to discover the best vegan leather brands for January and beyond.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by us. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, we may earn a commission.
This article was originally published in January 2022 and has since been updated.
Mashu
For modern vegan leather bags, Mashu is the place to go. Created by Greek designer Ioanna Topouzoglou in 2017, the label has quickly gained traction in the sustainable space with accessories inspired by art deco interiors and Cycladic architecture. When it comes to materials, the brand has a plethora of vegan leathers on offer, including Piñatex (derived from pineapples), Desserto (derived from cacti) and BioVeg (made from plastic bottles and plant-based materials).
MASHU Philippa 2 White, $, available at MASHU
MASHU Aphrodite Camel, $, available at MASHU
ALOHAS
If you haven’t heard of ALOHAS by now, it’s time to get to know. The Instagram-approved shoe brand takes a less-is-more approach to commercial fashion with its on-demand production model. Selling made-to-order footwear from its HQ in Spain, the brand has a selection of vegan shoes on offer, including plant leather-based boots, loafers and sandals.
ALOHAS South Corn – Black Vegan Leather Boots, $, available at alohas
ALOHAS South Corn Black, $, available at alohas
Tea & Tequila
Indie label Tea & Tequila is doing slow fashion right. Using cactus leather for its clothing, the Mexican brand is pushing the sustainable material to new heights with vegan leather bomber jackets lined with bamboo fleece and scalloped trousers in eye-catching hues. Plus, they plant one tree for every order received.
Tea & Tequila Cappuccino Scallop Trousers in Cactus, $, available at Tea & Tequila
Tea & Tequila Lia Cactus Trousers, $, available at Tea & Tequila
SAYE
A longtime favourite of London cool kids, SAYE has championed vegan trainers from the start. Its Modelo ’89 style is created using a range of plant leathers, including cactus and mango. The brand’s commitment to environmentalism goes one step further, though: sustainable materials are utilised in every part of the process, from corn vegan napa uppers to bamboo linings, recycled PU foam soles and organic cotton. They also plant two trees for every pair of trainers sold.
Saye Modelo ’89 Icon, $, available at Saye
Saye Modelo ’89 Vegan Lima, $, available at Saye Brand
Pangaia
If you’ve ever searched for sustainable loungewear you’ve likely come across brightly coloured brand Pangaia. Beyond its supremely comfy clothes, Pangaia is innovating in the leather accessories space with its bags, purses and phone holders. Taking an anti-synthetics stance, Pangaia uses plant-derived leathers such as MIRUM® (made from agricultural waste) and Vegea (made from grapes) to make its products 100% recyclable.
Pangaia Biobased Wallet – Black, $, available at Pangaia
Pangaia Plant-based Leather Wallet, $, available at Pangaia
Deadwood Studios
Deadwood is all about using deadstock, repurposed vintage and upcycled post-production waste to create its chic, minimalist designs. For those wanting something truly green, the company is now using completely vegan plant leather to create its latest line of garments by harnessing the power of organic, pesticide-free cacti.
Deadwood River Cactus Jacket, $, available at Deadwood Studios
Deadwood Women’s River Cactus Black, $, available at Deadwood Studios
MARHEN.J
Made in Korea, MARHEN.J has put its stamp on the accessories space with a range of bags made from recycled plastic and other eco-friendly materials. Recently the brand has ventured into the fruit leather space, creating a line of delicious-looking, luxury handbags made from vegan apple powder.
Marhen.J Apple Leather Shoulder Bag – Calla Mini, $, available at Wolf & Badger
Marhen.J Apple Leather Hobo Bag, $, available at Wolf & Badger
Matt & Nat
Matt & Nat has always been a vegan, cruelty-free brand and the label has been making moves in the sustainable space since 2020, when it launched its first capsule collection made completely from PVB (100% recycled windshield glass resin). Since then, it has introduced a luxury line of accessories made with a high content of apple waste, furthering the brand’s commitment to becoming fully sustainable. What’s more, all bag linings are made of 100% recycled plastic bottles.
Matt & Nat Serena Vegan Hobo Bag, $, available at Matt & Nat
Matt & Nat Myron Vegan Backpack, $, available at Matt & Nat
Stella McCartney
Discussing vegan brands without mentioning Stella McCartney would be like discussing vegetarian sausages without mentioning Linda McCartney. Putting animal rights at the basis of her brand, Stella McCartney has long paved the way for more ethical fashion production, having never used animal leather, fur or feathers in her creations. The luxury label currently stocks a range of “leather” goods made from cruelty-free materials, including vegan, lab-grown Mylo™️ mushroom leather.
Stella McCartney Falabella MIRUM® Tiny Tote Bag, $, available at Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney Small Stella Logo Hobo Shoulder Bag, $, available at Stella McCartney
Themoirè
If you’re searching for sustainable, occasion bags, Themoirè is perhaps one of the best in the biz. Alongside collections of cork, straw and cotton clutches, the brand creates handbags in a range of vegan leathers, with the core collection made using vegan PU (an ecological alternative to PVC).
THEMOIRè Bios Faux-Leather Clutch Bag, $, available at Farfetch
THEMOIRè Hera shoulder bag, $, available at Farfetch
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