15 Sustainable Handbag Brands That Are Making a Difference [2024] 👜

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You’re ready to ditch the fast fashion and embrace a more mindful approach to your wardrobe. But how do you find stylish, durable handbags that are also good for the planet? We’ve got you covered! We’ve scoured the market to bring you 15 of the best sustainable handbag brands that are making waves in the fashion world. These brands are committed to using eco-friendly materials, ethical production practices, and timeless designs.

Remember that one time you bought a trendy handbag that fell apart after just a few uses? We’ve all been there! But with sustainable handbags, you can invest in quality pieces that will last for years to come. And the best part? You can feel good about supporting brands that are making a positive impact on the environment and society.

Key Takeaways

  • Sustainable handbags are a growing trend, driven by consumer awareness of environmental and social issues.
  • Top sustainable handbag brands use eco-friendly materials, ethical production practices, and timeless designs.
  • You can find sustainable handbags in a variety of styles and price points.
  • Investing in a sustainable handbag is a conscious choice that supports a better future for fashion.

👉 Shop Sustainable Handbag Brands:

Table of Contents

Quick Tips and Facts

Sustainable handbags are a growing trend, and for good reason! They’re not just good for the planet, but they also often boast high quality, timeless designs, and ethical production practices. If you’re looking to make a conscious choice with your next handbag purchase, you’re in the right place.

Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

  • Look for brands that use eco-friendly materials. This could include vegan leather, recycled materials, organic cotton, or upcycled leather.
  • Choose brands that prioritize ethical production. This means fair wages, safe working conditions, and responsible sourcing.
  • Invest in a durable, well-made bag. A high-quality handbag will last you longer and reduce the need for frequent replacements.
  • Consider the bag’s lifespan. Think about how you’ll use it and how long you want it to last. A durable, well-made bag will be a better investment in the long run.

Did you know? The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, and 20% of wastewater, according to the World Economic Forum. By choosing sustainable handbags, you can help reduce your impact on the environment.

The Rise of Sustainable Handbags: A Fashion Revolution

Video: Sustainable Fashion: The New Luxury | Marina Spadafora | TEDxLaRomana.







The world of fashion is undergoing a major transformation, and sustainable handbags are at the forefront of this revolution. Gone are the days of fast fashion and disposable trends. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental and social impact of their purchases, and they’re demanding more from the brands they support.

This shift towards sustainability is driven by several factors:

  • Growing awareness of environmental issues: Climate change, pollution, and resource depletion are top-of-mind for many consumers.
  • Increased focus on ethical production: Consumers are demanding transparency and accountability from brands regarding their labor practices and sourcing.
  • Desire for quality and longevity: People are tired of buying cheap, poorly made bags that quickly fall apart. They’re looking for durable, timeless pieces that will last for years to come.
  • Rise of conscious consumerism: More and more people are making purchasing decisions based on their values, choosing brands that align with their beliefs.

This trend is not just a passing fad. It’s a fundamental shift in the way we think about fashion. Sustainable handbags are becoming increasingly popular, and they’re a powerful symbol of this change.

Ethical and Sustainable Materials: What to Look For

Video: 12 Ways to Shop Fashion Sustainably.







When it comes to sustainable handbags, the materials used are crucial. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common eco-friendly options:

Vegan Leather

Vegan leather is a great alternative to traditional leather. It’s made from a variety of plant-based materials, such as:

  • Pineapple leather (Piñatex): Made from pineapple leaf fibers, it’s a durable and breathable material.
  • Apple leather (AppleSkin): Made from apple peels, it’s a soft and supple material.
  • Cactus leather (Desserto): Made from cactus leaves, it’s a sustainable and water-resistant material.
  • Cork: A natural, renewable material that’s lightweight and durable.
  • Recycled plastic: Made from recycled plastic bottles, it’s a great way to give waste a second life.

Vegan leather is often more affordable than traditional leather, and it’s cruelty-free. It’s also a good choice for those who are concerned about the environmental impact of leather production.

Upcycled Leather

Upcycled leather is made from leftover leather scraps from other industries. It’s a great way to reduce waste and give these materials a second life. Look for brands that use upcycled leather to create unique and sustainable handbags.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides or herbicides. It’s a more sustainable option than conventional cotton, and it’s also gentler on your skin. Look for handbags made from organic cotton, especially for lining and interior details.

Other Sustainable Materials

  • Hemp: A durable and sustainable material that’s naturally water-resistant.
  • Jute: A strong and versatile material that’s often used for tote bags.
  • Rattan: A natural, renewable material that’s lightweight and durable.
  • Bamboo: A fast-growing, sustainable material that’s often used for handles and accents.

By choosing handbags made from these sustainable materials, you can make a positive impact on the environment and support ethical production practices.

Top 15 Sustainable Handbag Brands: A Guide to Eco-Conscious Style

Video: 12 Affordable Bag Brands You Need to Know.







We’ve scoured the market to bring you 15 of the best sustainable handbag brands that are making waves in the fashion world. These brands are committed to using eco-friendly materials, ethical production practices, and timeless designs.

Here’s a closer look at each brand, along with their key features and benefits:

1. Sézane: Parisian Chic with a Conscience

Sézane is a French brand known for its effortlessly chic and timeless designs. They offer a wide range of handbags, from classic totes to trendy bucket bags.

Sustainability is at the heart of Sézane’s philosophy. They use majority natural and sustainable materials, including raffia, chrome-free leather, and cotton. They also source their materials responsibly and manufacture their products in ethical factories.

Here’s a breakdown of Sézane’s commitment to sustainability:

  • Certified B Corp: This certification recognizes companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
  • Uses majority natural and sustainable materials: They prioritize materials like raffia, chrome-free leather, and cotton, which are more environmentally friendly than traditional materials.
  • Offers personalization: You can personalize your Sézane handbag with monogramming, adding a unique touch to your style.
  • Uses renewable energy: They use renewable energy sources to power their operations, reducing their carbon footprint.
  • Ships internationally: They ship their products worldwide, making it easy to access their sustainable styles.
  • Donates to educational programs: They support educational programs that empower women and girls, giving back to the community.

Sézane is a great choice for those who want to look good and feel good about their purchases. Their handbags are stylish, durable, and ethically made.

👉 Shop Sézane on:

2. Cuyana: Quality Over Quantity, Sustainability First

Cuyana is a brand that believes in quality over quantity. They create timeless, handcrafted leather goods that are designed to last. Their handbags are known for their clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and exceptional craftsmanship.

Cuyana is committed to sustainable practices throughout their supply chain. They use high-quality, responsibly sourced leather and manufacture their products in ethical factories.

Here’s a closer look at Cuyana’s sustainability efforts:

  • Artisan leather bags: Their handbags are handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring exceptional quality and durability.
  • Soft neutral colors: They use soft, neutral colors that are timeless and versatile, making their handbags easy to style.
  • Offers a Lean Closet program: They offer a Lean Closet program with free shipping labels for returns, encouraging mindful consumption and reducing waste.

Cuyana is a great choice for those who value quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Their handbags are an investment that will last for years to come.

👉 Shop Cuyana on:

3. Allégorie: Handcrafted Leather with a Story

Allégorie is a brand that’s making waves with its innovative use of plant-based leather. They use waste from apples, pineapples, and cacti to create durable and stylish handbags.

Allégorie’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond just the materials they use. They also manufacture their products in small batches in their NYC studio and pay their workers fair wages and benefits.

Here’s a closer look at Allégorie’s sustainability practices:

  • Vegan, plant-based leather: They use plant-based leather made from waste materials, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
  • Small batch production: They manufacture their products in small batches, ensuring quality and minimizing waste.
  • Women-owned and operated: They are a women-owned and operated business, supporting female entrepreneurship.
  • Made in NYC: They manufacture their products in their NYC studio, supporting local businesses and reducing their carbon footprint.
  • Fair wages and benefits: They pay their workers fair wages and benefits, ensuring ethical working conditions.

Allégorie is a great choice for those who are looking for stylish and sustainable handbags with a story. Their commitment to ethical production and innovative materials makes them a leader in the sustainable fashion movement.

👉 Shop Allégorie on:

4. Quince: Sustainable Luxury on a Budget

Quince is a brand that believes in making sustainable luxury accessible to everyone. They offer a wide range of high-quality leather goods at affordable prices. Their handbags are made from Italian leather and vegan leather and feature classic and trendy styles.

Quince is committed to sustainable practices throughout their supply chain. They use certified materials and manufacture their products in ethical factories.

Here’s a closer look at Quince’s sustainability efforts:

  • Italian leather and vegan leather: They offer a range of handbags made from both Italian leather and vegan leather, catering to different preferences.
  • Certifications: They use certifications like OEKO-TEX, BSCI, and GOTS to ensure that their materials and production practices meet high standards of sustainability.
  • Affordable prices: They offer high-quality handbags at affordable prices, making sustainable luxury accessible to everyone.

Quince is a great choice for those who are looking for stylish and sustainable handbags without breaking the bank. Their commitment to quality, affordability, and sustainability makes them a standout brand in the sustainable fashion market.

👉 Shop Quince on:

5. Pixie Mood: Vegan Leather with a Touch of Glamour

Pixie Mood is a brand that’s all about vegan leather and glamorous style. They offer a wide range of on-trend handbags, wallets, and accessories that are cruelty-free and eco-conscious.

Pixie Mood is committed to using sustainable materials and ethical production practices. They use recycled and solvent-free vegan leather and manufacture their products in ethical factories.

Here’s a closer look at Pixie Mood’s sustainability efforts:

  • Crafted from recycled and solvent-free vegan leather: They use recycled and solvent-free vegan leather, reducing waste and minimizing their environmental impact.
  • RFID-equipped wallets and cases: They offer RFID-equipped wallets and cases, protecting your personal information from electronic theft.
  • Monogrammed pouches: You can personalize your Pixie Mood handbag with monogrammed pouches, adding a unique touch to your style.
  • Chic crossbodies: They offer a variety of chic crossbody bags, perfect for everyday wear.
  • Ships to Canada and the US: They ship their products to Canada and the US, making it easy to access their sustainable styles.

Pixie Mood is a great choice for those who are looking for stylish and sustainable vegan handbags. Their commitment to cruelty-free fashion and trendy designs makes them a popular choice among conscious consumers.

👉 Shop Pixie Mood on:

6. Baggu: Reusable, Durable, and Stylish

Baggu is a brand that’s all about reusable, durable, and stylish bags. They’re known for their iconic reusable totes that are perfect for everyday use. They also offer a range of other bags, pouches, and accessories that are made from sustainable materials.

Baggu is committed to ethical production and environmental responsibility. They use recycled materials and manufacture their products in factories that are audited for safety and fair working conditions.

Here’s a closer look at Baggu’s sustainability efforts:

  • Reusable totes cut from continuous nylon material: Their totes are made from continuous nylon material, reducing waste and promoting reusability.
  • Waste is used for pouches: They use leftover materials from their tote production to create pouches, minimizing waste.
  • Factories in China are audited for safety and fair working conditions: They ensure that their factories meet high standards of safety and fair working conditions.
  • Bags are recyclable: Their bags are made from recyclable materials, promoting a circular economy.
  • Ships worldwide: They ship their products worldwide, making it easy to access their sustainable styles.

Baggu is a great choice for those who are looking for durable, reusable, and stylish bags. Their commitment to sustainability and ethical production makes them a popular choice among conscious consumers.

👉 Shop Baggu on:

7. ABLE: Empowering Women Through Fashion

ABLE is a brand that’s committed to empowering women through fashion. They create handcrafted leather goods that are made by skilled artisans in Ethiopia. Their handbags are known for their durable construction, timeless designs, and ethical sourcing.

ABLE is committed to sustainable practices throughout their supply chain. They use responsibly sourced leather and pay their artisans fair wages and benefits.

Here’s a closer look at ABLE’s sustainability efforts:

  • Handcrafted with durable leather in Brazil: Their handbags are handcrafted with durable leather in Brazil, ensuring exceptional quality and longevity.
  • Some upcycled leather options: They offer some upcycled leather options, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
  • Available in various sizes and styles with organizational features: They offer a variety of sizes and styles to suit different needs, with organizational features for added functionality.
  • Ships internationally: They ship their products internationally, making it easy to access their sustainable styles.

ABLE is a great choice for those who are looking for stylish and sustainable handbags that make a difference. Their commitment to empowering women and ethical production makes them a standout brand in the sustainable fashion market.

👉 Shop ABLE on:

8. Stella McCartney: Sustainable Luxury at its Finest

Stella McCartney is a brand that’s synonymous with sustainable luxury. They create high-end handbags that are made from innovative, eco-friendly materials. Their handbags are known for their sophisticated designs, luxurious feel, and commitment to ethical practices.

Stella McCartney is a pioneer in sustainable fashion. They never use leather, fur, or animal byproducts and use solvent-free alternatives for their vegan leather. They also prioritize sustainable materials like organic cotton, forest-friendly fibers, recycled polyester, and regenerated cashmere.

Here’s a closer look at Stella McCartney’s sustainability efforts:

  • Never uses leather, fur, or animal byproducts: They are a completely vegan brand, committed to cruelty-free fashion.
  • Uses solvent-free alternatives: They use solvent-free alternatives for their vegan leather, reducing their environmental impact.
  • Some bags are woven from sustainable raffia: They use sustainable raffia for some of their handbags, promoting natural materials.
  • Ships internationally: They ship their products internationally, making it easy to access their sustainable styles.

Stella McCartney is a great choice for those who are looking for luxurious and sustainable handbags. Their commitment to ethical practices and innovative materials makes them a leader in the sustainable fashion movement.

👉 Shop Stella McCartney on:

9. HYER GOODS: Minimalist and Sustainable Designs

HYER GOODS is a brand that’s known for its minimalist and sustainable designs. They create high-quality handbags that are made from upcycled leather and other sustainable materials. Their handbags are known for their clean lines, modern aesthetic, and commitment to ethical production.

HYER GOODS is committed to using sustainable materials and ethical production practices. They use luxury leftovers and waste leather to create their handbags, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. They also manufacture their products in a female-owned factory in India and donate 1% of their monthly profits to charitable organizations.

Here’s a closer look at HYER GOODS’ sustainability efforts:

  • Uses luxury leftovers and waste leather: They use leftover leather scraps from other industries, reducing waste and giving these materials a second life.
  • Made in a female-owned factory in India: They manufacture their products in a female-owned factory in India, supporting female entrepreneurship and ethical working conditions.
  • Limited edition: They offer limited-edition handbags, promoting exclusivity and reducing overproduction.
  • Ships internationally: They ship their products internationally, making it easy to access their sustainable styles.
  • Donates 1% of monthly profits to charitable organizations: They donate 1% of their monthly profits to charitable organizations, giving back to the community.

HYER GOODS is a great choice for those who are looking for stylish and sustainable handbags with a minimalist aesthetic. Their commitment to ethical production and innovative materials makes them a standout brand in the sustainable fashion market.

👉 Shop HYER GOODS on:

10. VIVAIA: Vegan Footwear and Accessories with a Sustainable Edge

VIVAIA is a brand that’s known for its vegan footwear and accessories that are both stylish and sustainable. They offer a wide range of handbags, wallets, and shoes that are made from recycled materials and plant-based leather.

VIVAIA is committed to using sustainable materials and ethical production practices. They use recycled plastic bottles to create their handbags, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. They also minimize waste in their production process and ensure that their factories meet high standards of ethical labor practices.

Here’s a closer look at VIVAIA’s sustainability efforts:

  • Made with recycled plastic bottles: They use recycled plastic bottles to create their handbags, giving waste a second life.
  • Minimizes waste: They minimize waste in their production process, promoting a circular economy.
  • Features organizational design: Their handbags feature organizational design, making them practical and functional.
  • Machine washable: Their handbags are machine washable, making them easy to care for.
  • Ships worldwide: They ship their products worldwide, making it easy to access their sustainable styles.

VIVAIA is a great choice for those who are looking for stylish and sustainable vegan handbags and accessories. Their commitment to ethical production and innovative materials makes them a standout brand in the sustainable fashion market.

👉 Shop VIVAIA on:

11. Matt & Nat: Vegan Leather and Eco-Conscious Materials

Matt & Nat is a brand that’s known for its vegan leather handbags and accessories that are made from eco-conscious materials. They offer a wide range of stylish and durable bags that are perfect for everyday use.

Matt & Nat is committed to using sustainable materials and ethical production practices. They use recycled materials, cork, and rubber to create their handbags, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. They also manufacture their products in ethical factories and donate a portion of their profits to environmental charities.

Here’s a closer look at Matt & Nat’s sustainability efforts:

  • Vegan leather and eco-conscious materials: They use vegan leather and eco-conscious materials like recycled materials, cork, and rubber.
  • Durable and long-lasting: Their handbags are known for their durability and long-lasting quality.
  • Ethical production: They manufacture their products in ethical factories that meet high standards of labor practices.
  • Donates to environmental charities: They donate a portion of their profits to environmental charities, supporting a cause they believe in.

Matt & Nat is a great choice for those who are looking for stylish and sustainable vegan handbags. Their commitment to ethical production and innovative materials makes them a standout brand in the sustainable fashion market.

👉 Shop Matt & Nat on:

12. Veja: Sustainable Sneakers and Accessories

Veja is a brand that’s known for its sustainable sneakers and accessories. They offer a wide range of stylish and comfortable shoes that are made from eco-friendly materials. They also offer a small selection of handbags that are made from recycled materials and organic cotton.

Veja is committed to using sustainable materials and ethical production practices. They use organic cotton, wild rubber, and recycled plastic to create their products, reducing their environmental impact. They also manufacture their products in ethical factories and pay their workers fair wages.

Here’s a closer look at Veja’s sustainability efforts:

  • Organic cotton, wild rubber, and recycled plastic: They use organic cotton, wild rubber, and recycled plastic to create their products, promoting sustainable materials.
  • Ethical production: They manufacture their products in ethical factories that meet high standards of labor practices.
  • Fair wages: They pay their workers fair wages, ensuring ethical working conditions.

Veja is a great choice for those who are looking for sustainable sneakers and accessories. Their commitment to ethical production and innovative materials makes them a standout brand in the sustainable fashion market.

👉 Shop Veja on:

13. Reformation: Sustainable Fashion for the Modern Woman

Reformation is a brand that’s known for its sustainable fashion for the modern woman. They offer a wide range of stylish and sustainable clothing and accessories, including handbags.

Reformation is committed to using sustainable materials and ethical production practices. They use organic cotton, recycled materials, and deadstock fabrics to create their products, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. They also manufacture their products in ethical factories and offset their carbon footprint.

Here’s a closer look at Reformation’s sustainability efforts:

  • Organic cotton, recycled materials, and deadstock fabrics: They use organic cotton, recycled materials, and deadstock fabrics to create their products, promoting sustainable materials.
  • Ethical production: They manufacture their products in ethical factories that meet high standards of labor practices.
  • Offsets their carbon footprint: They offset their carbon footprint, reducing their environmental impact.

Reformation is a great choice for those who are looking for stylish and sustainable fashion. Their commitment to ethical production and innovative materials makes them a standout brand in the sustainable fashion market.

👉 Shop Reformation on:

14. Everlane: Transparent and Sustainable Fashion

Everlane is a brand that’s known for its transparent and sustainable fashion. They offer a wide range of stylish and affordable clothing and accessories, including handbags.

Everlane is committed to using sustainable materials and ethical production practices. They use organic cotton, recycled materials, and leather that’s sourced from tanneries that meet high environmental standards. They also manufacture their products in ethical factories and publish the cost of their products, making their pricing transparent.

Here’s a closer look at Everlane’s sustainability efforts:

  • Organic cotton, recycled materials, and leather sourced from tanneries that meet high environmental standards: They use sustainable materials and prioritize ethical sourcing.
  • Ethical production: They manufacture their products in ethical factories that meet high standards of labor practices.
  • Transparent pricing: They publish the cost of their products, making their pricing transparent.

Everlane is a great choice for those who are looking for stylish, affordable, and sustainable fashion. Their commitment to transparency and ethical production makes them a standout brand in the sustainable fashion market.

👉 Shop Everlane on:

15. Veja: Sustainable Sneakers and Accessories

Veja is a brand that’s known for its sustainable sneakers and accessories.

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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