In need of a new handbag? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite sustainable & ethical handbag brands for you to shop through. There are totes, crossbody bags, shoulder bags, evening purses, and more. You can find vegan leathers made from plants (rather than virgin plastic materials), veggie-tanned leather (instead of chemically dyed), and natural materials (like cotton & straw). There is most definitely a style, size and color for everyone here!
These eco-chic bags not only make a fashion statement but also promote positive social and environmental impact. With increasing awareness about the harmful effects of fast fashion, more and more fashion-forward individuals are turning to brands that prioritize sustainability and ethics.
Cover Image: Poppy Barley
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us!
The Rise of Sustainable Fashion
As conscious consumerism continues to gain momentum, sustainable fashion has become a prominent trend in the industry. With a focus on sustainability and ethics, individuals are looking for alternatives to fast fashion that align with their values. One such alternative is sustainable handbags, which have emerged as a stylish and ethical option for fashion-forward individuals. These bags not only make a fashion statement but also promote positive social and environmental impact.
What makes a handbag sustainable?
We look for a few things when deciding if a brand should be listed on Sustainably Chic. The top two things are manufacturing and materials. Are the bags created ethically in safe working conditions, and are they made from materials that are kind to the planet? Transparency is essential to us, and if we cannot learn how their handbags are made, we aren’t confident sharing them with you. As mentioned above, we look for eco-friendly materials like plant-based vegan leathers, natural fibers, and veggie-tanned leather. If you are interested in learning more about sustainable fabrics, please check out these posts here.
We also want to list brands that make a quality product at an accessible price point. The point of buying a sustainable product is for it to last you many years and avoid having to replace it. We also understand that sustainable fashion brands are more expensive than conventional brands. Therefore, we search for brands whose price points are more manageable than others because you don’t have to spend $500 on a beautiful, quality handbag!
Of course, no brand is ever perfectly sustainable, but we believe these brands are genuinely working to make the fashion industry fairer for workers and plant-friendly.
to learn more about sustainable fashion - click here -
The Environmental Impact of Traditional Handbags
Traditional handbags often contribute to the fashion industry's negative environmental impact. These bags are typically made from materials like PVC and polyurethane, which are derived from fossil fuels and have a high carbon footprint. The production process for traditional handbags also involves high water usage and the release of harmful chemicals into the environment. Furthermore, the fast fashion model encourages the overconsumption and disposal of handbags, leading to significant waste generation.
Benefits of Purchasing a Sustainable Handbag
There are several benefits to choosing a sustainable handbag over their traditional counterparts. Firstly, sustainable handbags are made from eco-friendly materials that have a lower environmental impact. Vegan leather, for example, is produced without the need for animal hides and is sometimes made from natural and renewable plant-based materials. Additionally, sustainable handbags are designed to be durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste.
Secondly, sustainable handbag brands prioritize fair trade practices and ensure that workers are paid a fair wage and work in safe conditions. By supporting ethical brands, consumers contribute to a more compassionate and equitable fashion industry.
Looking for wallets? Check out this post here.
& here’s a list of all our favorite vegan handbag brands
Our Favorite Sustainable Handbag Brands:
1. Poppy Barley
Categories: Backpacks, Tote & Work Bags, Crossbodies, Occassion Bags, Shoulder Bags
Materials: LWG Leather, Vegan Cactus Leather
Price: $190-425
Poppy Barley offers sustainable handbags that combine timeless design with ethical craftsmanship. This Canadian brand emphasizes sustainability by using responsibly sourced materials, including Leather Working Group (LWG) Certified leather, which ensures eco-friendly tanning processes.
Each bag is handcrafted in fair-wage factories, reflecting Poppy Barley's commitment to ethical labor practices. Their handbags are designed for longevity, featuring versatile styles and durable construction to help reduce overconsumption.
Plus, Poppy Barley strives to minimize waste by incorporating upcycled materials and using small-batch production.
use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC-15 for 15% off your entire purchase
2. Pixie Mood
Categories: Totes, Waist, Shoulder, Crossbody, Clutches, Bucket, Backpacks
Price: $75-105
Materials: PU & Recycled Vegan Leather
One standout option for those seeking a PETA-approved vegan accessory is Pixie Mood, which offers stylish products at a more budget-friendly price. While we don't particularly favor polyurethane (PU) leather compared to other sustainable materials, it is certainly a preferable alternative to polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Pixie Mood incorporates recycled materials in several of their designs, showcasing their commitment to sustainability. Plus, all linings are crafted from recycled plastic bottles, further reducing their environmental impact.
To top it off, the brand takes proactive steps to combat climate change by offsetting its carbon emissions and using biodegradable packaging.
3. VIVAIA
Categories: Totes, Crossbody Bags
Price: $49-129
Materials: Recycled Plastic Bottles
VIVAIA is a sustainable brand that is redefining handbags and accessories through innovative eco-conscious practices. The brand is known for its commitment to the planet, using recycled materials like plastic bottles and eco-friendly fabrics to create stylish, durable bags. VIVAIA prioritizes zero-waste production and employs advanced technology to minimize its environmental impact.
Designed with versatility and functionality in mind, VIVAIA's handbags feature modern, minimalist styles that are both practical and timeless. With a focus on ethical craftsmanship and sustainable methods, VIVAIA provides conscious consumers with high-quality, planet-friendly alternatives to your everyday bag.
4. Sans Beast
Categories: Tote Bags, Crossbody Bags
Price: $47-267
Materials: AppleSkin™, MIRUM®, recycled PU
Discover the avant-garde world of Sans Beast, a brand renowned for its cutting-edge designs and commitment to sustainability!
Specializing in the creation of striking and one-of-a-kind bags made from high-quality vegan leather, Sans Beast is at the forefront of the cruelty-free fashion movement. Each piece not only showcases exceptional craftsmanship but also embodies the brand's dedication to ethical practices.
With a strong focus on transparency, they ensure that every element of their sourcing process meets rigorous standards of accountability, making their accessories not just stylish but also a responsible choice for consumers who care about animal welfare and environmental impact.
5. Able
Categories: Totes, Backpacks, Crossbody Bags, Crossbody Totes, Shoulder Bags, Clutches
Price: $118-278
Materials: Veggie-Tanned Leather
ABLE handbags combine classic style with a strong focus on sustainability and ethical production. Made in Nashville and by skilled artisans worldwide, these bags prioritize quality and durability, using premium leather and sturdy materials. The leather is vegetable-tanned, avoiding harsh chemicals.
ABLE empowers women by providing fair wages and creating opportunities for career growth for their makers.
Each handbag reflects transparency, with clear information on pricing and sourcing. From versatile totes to chic crossbody bags, ABLE offers functional, fashion'able' designs.
6. Svala
Categories: Totes, Clutches, Shoulder Bags, Backpack Purses, Crossbody
Materials: Piñatex® (Pineapple leather), MIRUM®, cork, PU, BioVeg
Price: $195-298
Svala creates handcrafted handbags in Los Angeles, using high-quality materials sourced from Europe for durability and style.
The brand prides itself on offering a diverse array of vegan leather alternatives, which are not only cruelty-free but also eco-friendly. One of their standout materials is BioVeg, an innovative fabric crafted from recycled polyester sourced from discarded plastic bottles, blended with bio polyols, which are renewable plant-based components.
In addition to their commitment to sustainable fashion, Svala actively contributes to social causes by donating 10% of their profits to a variety of charities and organizations. One notable beneficiary is Wild Aid, an international nonprofit whose mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade. Through their efforts, Svala is dedicated to both fashion sustainability and making a positive impact on the world.
7. LaBante
Categories: Backpacks, Clutches, Crossbody Bags, Shoulder Bags, Tote Bags
Price: $131-573
Materials: Plant-Based Vegan Leathers, PU Vegan Leather
LaBante is a trailblazing sustainable brand that offers luxurious, vegan handbags, combining style with ethical practices.
With a commitment to cruelty-free standards, LaBante uses eco-friendly materials, including recycled polyester, biodegradable linings, and PU (polyurethane) as alternatives to traditional leather. Each handbag design focuses on sustainability, creating timeless and versatile styles that actively combat overconsumption.
The brand prioritizes ethical production, ensuring that artisans receive fair wages and work in safe conditions. By choosing LaBante handbags, you support a brand dedicated to protecting animals, minimizing environmental impact, and promoting sustainable fashion - all without compromising quality or elegance.
8. HYER GOODS
Categories: Bucket, Shoulder, Crossbody, Fanny & Belt Packs
Price: $163-645
Materials: Upcycled, Deadstock Leathers
HYER GOODS is an innovative brand specializing in unique accessories crafted from high-quality leather and fabric derived from deadstock materials and factory scraps. This unwavering commitment to sustainability actively prevents materials from ending up in landfills while redefining the concept of luxury. The brand rescues these luxury leftovers, which major fashion houses often overlook and abandon, transforming them into exquisite, practical accessories.
Their collection showcases a bold array of materials, from pebbled leathers with a striking textured finish to opulent Italian croc prints and various textiles that add unique charm to each piece. HYER GOODS uses deadstock leathers sourced from India, repurposing production scraps from the fashion industry to embody both ethical consumption and innovative design.
9. Cuyana
Categories: Totes, Satchels, Backpacks, Shoulder Bags, Mini Totes and Crossbodies, Occassion Bags
Price: $158-798
Materials: LWG Leather
Cuyana stands out as a sustainable brand that focuses on creating timeless, high-quality handbags that embody the philosophy of “fewer, better things.”
They craft their collections using responsibly sourced materials, including Leather Working Group (LWG) Certified leather, which ensures eco-friendly production practices compared to conventional leather methods.
Cuyana emphasizes longevity by designing versatile, minimalist bags that transcend trends, thereby reducing the need for frequent replacements. The brand partners with artisans worldwide, prioritizing fair labor practices and exceptional craftsmanship. They also promote circularity through their Lean Closet program, which encourages customers to donate gently used items.
10. The Tote Project
Categories: Tote Bags, Pouches
Price: $22-32
Materials: Organic Cotton
The Tote Project donates 10% of gross profits to Two Wings to support survivors of human trafficking in the US. This partnership not only empowers these brave individuals in their recovery journeys but also plays a crucial role in raising awareness about this urgent issue.
The Tote Project actively commits to charitable contributions and prioritizes ethical manufacturing practices. They partner exclusively with factories that prioritize the well-being of women survivors, ensuring that their operations actively contribute to a more sustainable and equitable economy.
Skilled artisans handcraft each tote bag with care in a responsible and sustainable factory located in India. Plus, they only use fair-trade certified cotton to craft their bags!
WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!
Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.
