Compassionate Couture: The Best Vegan Crossbody Bag Brands
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The once-lauded luxury of leather now grapples with a distorted reputation as people grasp the environmental toll it exacts. Long cherished for its sumptuous feel against the skin in handbags and shoes, leather’s dark side has come to light. In response, a wave of innovation has swept in, with companies shifting towards crafting vegan crossbody purses, totes, shoulder bags, and other accessories such as vegan sneakers. Witnessing these wholehearted efforts to redefine fashion, making it both eco-conscious and stylish, is truly invigorating.
Quick Links For Our Favorite Vegan Purse Brands
Why Buy Vegan Purses?
Leather production is known for its significant environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation in the Amazon, and water pollution. Leather production is an energy-intensive process primarily due to the various steps involved in transforming raw animal hides into usable leather.
- Tanning Process: The tanning process, which turns raw hides into durable leather, is one of the most energy-consuming stages. Traditional tanning methods use chemicals such as chromium salts, which require substantial energy inputs. Think mineral salts, formaldehyde, coal-tar derivatives, oils, dyes, and finishes (even cyanide-based!). Unfortunately, some of that toxic soup ends up in our freshwater supplies.
- Chemical Treatments: Leather undergoes multiple chemical treatments to remove hair, fat, and flesh. Each of these steps involves energy-intensive processes and often harsh chemicals.
- Water Usage: Leather production requires a considerable amount of water to hydrate raw hides and in the tanning process. The water is treated and heated, contributing to the overall energy consumption.
Vegan leather alternatives use far fewer resources and ultimately avoid the consumptive tanning process. Choosing vegan purses helps reduce the ecological footprint associated with traditional leather goods.
What is Vegan Leather Made Of?
Originally, vegan leather was associated with plastic-based materials such as PVC. Unfortunately, PVC is not a great alternative to leather since it is not biodegradable.
Today there are a lot of incredible vegan leather alternatives including synthetic materials such as vinyl and polyurethane (PU) and organic alternatives like pineapple fibers, cactus leather, apple leather, and corn.
Intensive research has opened up the possibility of some remarkable vegan leather materials like Pinatex, a nonwoven material made of biowaste. Other companies have developed Mycelium, which is a mushroom leather.
Vegan leather is now a harmonious blend of diverse materials, each offering unique textures and crafted through distinct production methods. What unites them? The absence of animal use in their creation. These alternatives go beyond fashion, standing together in a commitment to ecological friendliness and setting an unmatched sustainable standard compared to traditional leather.
Compassion in Fashion: Unveiling Our Go-To Vegan Crossbody Brands
Our favorite vegan purses come from companies devoted to people, the environment, and style. Each company is committed to fair wages, sustainable manufacturing, and vegan materials.
Best For | Colorful crossbody bags
Price Range | $125 – $265
Gunas isn’t just a fashion brand; it’s a vibrant movement with a powerful mission—animals are to be cherished, not exploited in the name of fashion. As a 100% vegan company, Gunas, proudly minority and woman-owned, takes fashion to new heights with a compassionate heart. Leather, silk, fur, wool, bone, horn, and all other animal byproducts are a firm no in their creations.
With a global outlook, Gunas has evolved, expanding its reach across borders. The creation of their bags is a testament to ethical principles, with small manufacturers in India, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil, and Hong Kong ensuring that every piece carries the mark of responsible craftsmanship. It’s not just about fashion; it’s a commitment to a kinder, more conscious world.
Vegan Purse Materials
- Microfiber vegan leather fabrics
- Recycled plastic bottle lining
- Recycled metal
- Mulbtex- A material made of mulberry leaves based on a technique from Korea
- Cactus leather
- OEKO-TEX certified non-toxic dyes
Sustainable Practices
Gunas hang tags are made from recycled paper.
Gunas is in the process of switching its poly bags to corn material by 2025.
Best For | Classic Look
Price Range | $155 – $295
Angela Roi is a testament to the belief that style and ethics do not need to be sacrificed for attainable luxury. Rejecting the use of animal materials, this fashion brand leverages cutting-edge technology to craft meticulously handmade purses in Korea through ethical manufacturing processes. Angela Roi’s collection boasts an impressive array of vegan crossbody purses and totes. Each bag embodies the perfect blend of style, ethics, and affordability. Angela Roi is a revolution in conscious and chic fashion.
Vegan Purse Materials
- Cactus leather
- Mylo- a leather alternative made of mycelium (mushrooms)
- Apple leather
- Organic cotton
- Epul vegan material
Sustainable Practices
The mycelium is grown in a vertical farming facility 100% powered by renewable electricity.
The company uses compostable hemp reusable bags.
All of their handtags are compostable sugarcane.
Angela Roi dust bags are OEKO-TEX certified.
Best For | Vegan designer crossbody totes
Price Range | $475 – $2,650
For over two decades, Stella McCartney has rocked the luxury world sans leather, fur, or any animal byproducts. These handbags boast the glam of leather but are crafted from eco-friendly alternatives and are made in Italy. Decked with the iconic Stella logo these vegan crossbody totes, shoulder bags, and wallets will catch the eye of everyone. While these are the most expensive vegan purses on the list, the purchase is a lifelong luxury statement.
Vegan Purse Materials
- Alter suede lining
- Recycled polyester
- Recycled metal
- Alter Mat vegan alternative leather
- GOTS- certified cotton lacing
Sustainable Practices
Stella McCartney materials are FSC certified.
Many of the vegan handbags are made of recycled materials.
Best For | Stylishly Affordable
Price Range | $60 – $195
Born from passion and admiration for the world, MAT(T)ERIAL and NATURE sprang to life in 1995 in the lively heart of Montreal. The company believes in social responsibility, excellence, inclusiveness, integrity, authenticity, and, of course, love.
They’re dedicated to steering clear of leather and any animal-derived materials in their designs. Each season, Matt & Nat dive into innovative ways to enhance their sustainability without compromising on quality and timeless appeal.
The company has experimented with recycled nylons, cardboard, rubber, cork, and windshield resins –their journey is ever-evolving. Since 2007, their commitment to 100% recycled plastic bottle linings has saved over 9 million bottles annually.
Vegan Purse Materials
- PU (polyurethane) – a synthetic biodegradable material.
- PVB (polyvinyl butyral) is made of 100% recycled windshield glass resin.
- All of their purse linings are made of 100% recycled plastic bottles. Approximately 21 plastic bottles are recycled for every bag they produce.
Sustainable Practices
Matt& Nat continues to test new materials that will help contribute to a more sustainable world. They are currently testing fruit skin fibers, which will help push the boundaries further with their materials.
Best For | Circular vegan crossbody purses
Price Range | $95 – $350
Von Holzhausen is revolutionizing sustainability with cutting-edge plant-based materials to say goodbye to plastic and leather dependency. The purse company strives for innovation that’s durable, performance-driven, and massively scalable. They are taking bold steps towards a greener future by replacing petroleum with plants and creating biodegradable materials that won’t create microplastics. While von Holzhausen bags are made with scientific sustainability at the forefront of their mission, they do not sacrifice luxury or fashion along the way.
Vegan Purse Materials
- Banbū- 83% plant-based material derived from bamboo
- Replant-80% plant-based and revolutionizes plant waste
- Technik- made from recycled plastic water bottles
- Struktur- made from recycled water bottles and is particularly durable
- LiquidPlant- A plastic-free top coat
Sustainable practices
Banbū leather can degrade in 250 days, which is amazing considering it takes plastic 450 Years!
Best For | Trendsetting shapes
Price Range | $80 – $194
Luxury with a purpose. Melie Bianco vegan purses strive to create beautiful designs at an affordable price. The company predominately uses PU (Polyurethane) to create their handbags. This material is made from natural materials that give the look and feel of real leather without the harmful ramifications of plastics (PVC). Melie Bianco’s luxury purses are made in China under a Profit Sharing Model. Not only do they ensure their handbags are made in ethical factories with fair pay, age requirements, gender equality, lunch breaks, and paid vacations, but they also share in the profits as the company’s success grows.
Vegan Purse Materials
- PU (polyurethane)
- Recycled metal
- Chenille
- OEKO-TEX certified lining
Sustainable Practices
Melie Bianco has adopted a Profit Sharing Model for factories that lovingly create their handbags.
Best For | Bright crossbody bags
Price Range | $57 – $107
Ten years into Fenella Smith’s creative journey, they’ve become a British design brand celebrating vibrant self-expression. From unique collaborations to well-crafted pieces, Fenella Smith aims to add joy to the world. With a close-knit studio team and impactful partnerships with WWF and others, they prioritize responsible design and production. As a certified vegan handbag brand, Fenella Smith is committed to being climate-positive through Offset Earth. Their ethos? Follow your dreams, and let their pieces bring joy and color to your world.
Vegan Purse Materials
- Vegan leather- Made of polyurethane
- Recycled vegan leather- Is made from recycled polyurethane (PU) and plastic water bottles previously consumed. Fenella’s recycled vegan leather saves water and energy and helps divert waste heading for landfills.
- Degradable vegan leather- Fenella Smith has created a polyurethane that can degrade in a natural environment.
- Organic cotton
Sustainable Practices
Fenella Smith labels and shipping materials are FSC-certified.
The company uses biodegradable cornstarch bags to protect their purses during shipping and storage. The corn starch bags are biodegradable and renewable.
Fenella Smith has partnered with WWF in which each bag sold from this collection helps support WWF’s exciting Save Our Wild Isles campaign.
The company continues to give back by partnering with Guide Dogs and The Hope Foundation.
Teaming up with Ecologi Offset Earth, Fenella Smith turns every staff member into a climate-positive force. From home emissions to holidays and hobbies, they offset it all, making a meaningful impact. By planting 720 trees annually and cutting 54 tonnes of CO2, their commitment goes beyond business—it’s a pledge to a greener, more sustainable world.
Best For | Small vegan crossbody purse
Price Range | $59 – $140
Doshi delivers smart, fashionable, quality vegan bags and accessories for environmentally conscious individuals. Born in Southern California, but aiming to be a part of lives worldwide, Doshi isn’t just a brand; it’s a global movement for a better world.
Founder Paras isn’t accidentally vegan; he intentionally created Doshi. From design to materials, he oversees every step, ensuring intentional vegan goods for like-minded individuals.
Their commitment goes beyond materials. All partner factories ensure every element, from glue to hardware, is 100% vegan.
Vegan Purse Materials
- Synthetic PU microfibers
- Pinatex-(nonwoven material made from pineapple biowaste
- Kraft paper-organic nonsynthetic material
Sustainable Practices
FIRST FIVE FOR THE WORLD:
Doshi has created a pledge to donate 5% of net sales to non-profits championing animals, people, and the environment. It’s not just a mission; it’s an invitation for other companies to join this clear, open, direct, and measurable impact initiative. Doshi’s chosen non-profits align with their goals, boast high Charity Navigator ratings, and keep executive compensation in check.
Selected non-profits:
- Farm Sanctuary
- Compassion Over Killing
- Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank
- Mercy For Animals
- India Development and Relief Fund
- Brother Wolf Animal Rescue
Best For | Crossbody purses with contemporary lines
Price Range | $115 – $416
Miomojo bags are vegan, innovative, and sustainable. These sustainable handbags are harm-free, from animals to humans to nature. Recycled, organic, biodegradable—each bag is a love letter to the planet. Miomojo bags are timeless style with contemporary lines. Explore their conscious handbags, shoulder bags, crossbodies, clutches, and backpacks made in Bergamo, Italy.
Vegan Purse Materials
- AppleSkin: Discarded parts of an apple are dried, milled, and combined with PU to make a flexible and durable material
- Corn material: Created using biopolyols from non-food and GMO-free grains combined with textiles sourced from natural or recycled materials. The raw materials are FSC-certified
- Cactus leather: Mature cactus leaves are harvested, cleaned, and mashed before a three-day sun-drying stint. Next, a mix of non-toxic chemicals transforms the dried material, shaping it into vibrant, textured wonders. It’s the eco-friendly evolution of cactus magic.
- Recycled Nylon from ghost nets: Ghost nets, lost or abandoned at sea, haunt our oceans as a significant player in the plastic crisis. Crafted from enduring materials like nylon, these abandoned fishing nets endure for centuries. Shockingly, a 2018 Scientific Reports study revealed that ghost nets constitute a staggering 46% of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
- Recycled material from plastic bottles
- Recycled PU
Sustainable Practices
Miomojo gives 10% of the sale price directly to animal welfare causes worldwide for every online purchase.
1% for the planet
DHL GoGreen-Affords carbon-neutral shipping
Best For | Youthful trends
Price Range | $36 – $95
Pixie Mood, a woman-owned gem, crafts handbags that embody style, sustainability, and social responsibility. Since 2010, they’ve been curating functional and fun bags using recycled, solvent-free vegan leather. Hailing from Canada Pixie Mood has gained global acclaim for its standout products. With a myriad of styles and colors as vibrant as the rainbow, these pieces are not just accessories—they’re timeless companions for years to come.
Vegan Purse Materials
- Recycled bottle lining
- Cork fabric- Cork is sustainably harvested from oak trees in rural Portugal. Cork oak trees are the only trees that will continue to grow for over 200 years after removing the bark.
- Recycled vegan leather
- Recycled Canvas
- Recycled vegan shearling
- Recycled vegan wool
- EPE foam- is used to help maintain the shape of handbags during shipping and is 100% recyclable
Sustainable Practices
Biodegradable corn-based packaging
Pixie Mood is climate-positive through its partnership with TerraPass. With every order they ship, they create an environmental benefit by helping remove carbon from our atmosphere.
Best For | Chic everyday crossbody purses
Price Range | $159 – $305
Rooted in nature and empathy for all life, Ashoka Paris is a brand with a mission: a commitment to respect people, animals, and the planet. They make ethical fashion a reality by opting for innovative, eco-friendly, or recycled alternatives. A portion of their profits goes to animal defense associations, ensuring zero animal suffering. The brand’s name pays homage to Ashoka, the greatest emperor of ancient India and the first vegetarian ruler. Motivated by a profound shift in consciousness after the brutalities of war, Ashoka spared the lives of countless animals, marking a transformative commitment to the value of all life. In alignment with this ethos, Ashoka Paris embraces compassion, sparing lives, and redefining fashion with a meaningful purpose. Their vegan crossbody bags are lovingly made in Portugal, France, and Thailand.
Vegan Purse Materials
- Mylo- made of Mycelium (mushrooms)
- Apple Skin
- Bio Nappa- derived from non-GMO corn
- Recycled Faux Suede
- PET lining- derived from recycled plastic water bottles
- Eco Nappa- PU derived material
Sustainable Practices
The mycelium used to make Mylo™️ is grown in less than two weeks inside a vertical farming facility powered by 100% renewable electricity.
ASHOKA Paris donates part of its profits to animal defense associations.
Best For | Mini vegan crossbody bags
Price Range | $69 – $129
Sinbono is your chic, vegan crossbody handbag haven in timeless neutrals, bold jewel tones, and of-the-moment shades. Elevate your style without breaking the bank—modern wearability at prices you’ll adore. Their trendsetting, detail-oriented designs redefine high fashion for eco-conscious trendsetters. More than a brand, it’s a fashion legacy dedicated to those who care about the environment as much as their runway-worthy ensemble. Every piece reflects their commitment to cruelty-free, earth-friendly, and sustainable materials.
Vegan Purse Materials
- Recycled PET bottles
- Apple leather
Sustainable practices
For each product sold, Sinbono plants a tree with the help of OneTreePlanted.
Final Thoughts
In the realm of fashion, choosing vegan crossbody purses isn’t just a style statement; it’s a commitment to compassion and conscious living. These chic accessories not only redefine your wardrobe but also contribute to a kinder, cruelty-free world. As you explore the world of vegan fashion, consider extending this mindful approach to your shoe collection. Opting for vegan shoes aligns seamlessly with your values, ensuring every step you take leaves a compassionate footprint on the planet. Elevate your style with purpose—because fashion should not just look good; it should feel good too.