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 sustainable bags not only make a statement but also promote positive social and environmental impact. With increasing awareness about the harmful effects of fast fashion, more and more people are turning to brands that prioritize sustainability & ethics 🙂 and we thank you for that!
Cover Image: HYER GOODS
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!
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! 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 affordable than others because you don’t have to spend over $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 a better place!
to learn more about sustainable fashion – click here –
What is wrong with the majority of handbags, today?
Most handbags contribute to the fashion industry’s negative environmental impact. Many of them are made from materials like PVC and polyurethane, which are derived from fossil fuels and have a high carbon footprint, or use chrome-based tanning during the leather production. The processes involve high water usage and the release of harmful chemicals into the environment. Also, the fast fashion model encourages the overconsumption and disposal of handbags, leading to significant waste.
Why should I purchase a sustainable handbag?
There are several benefits to choosing a sustainable handbag over a conventional fast fashion one. 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 can be made from natural and renewable plant-based materials (which we prefer if looking for a vegan alternative). Additionally, sustainable handbags are designed to be durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste.
Also important to note – 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, we can 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. HYER GOODS
Categories: Bucket, Shoulder, Crossbody, Fanny & Belt Packs
Price: $125-580
Materials: Upcycled, Deadstock Leathers
HYER GOODS makes beautiful handbags & accessories out of leftover leather and fabric scraps that would otherwise go to waste.
By using these “luxury leftovers” from big fashion brands, they keep extra materials out of landfills and turn them into something amazing! It’s all about giving new life to what others would throw away.
Their collection features a range of materials, including textured pebbled leather, eye-catching Italian croc prints, and other innovative fabrics that make each piece unique.
2. Svala
Categories: Totes, Clutches, Shoulder Bags, Backpack Purses, Crossbody
Materials: Piñatex® (Pineapple leather), MIRUM®, cork, PU, BioVeg
Price: $195-298
Svala makes bags by hand in Los Angeles, using top-quality materials from Europe so they last and look great. They offer lots of vegan leather options that are both cruelty-free and better for the planet. One of their coolest materials is BioVeg, a fabric made from recycled plastic bottles and plant-based ingredients.
In addition to caring about sustainable fashion, Svala donates 10% of its profits to various charities. One group they support is WildAid, which works to stop illegal wildlife trade worldwide.
So, Svala is all about making beautiful, eco-friendly bags while doing good!
3. Poppy Barley
Categories: Tote, Work, Crossbody, Shoulder & Occassion Bags, Backpacks,
Materials: LWG Leather
Price: $235-550
Poppy Barley creates gorgeous, well-made handbags with a focus on doing things the right way. They’re a Canadian brand, and ost of their bags use leather from tanneries that are checked for their environmental practices by the Leather Working Group.
Poppy Barley uses long-lasting materials and classic designs, so your bag will last for years, not just one season. They work directly with their factory partners, checking in often to make sure working conditions are safe and fair.
On top of all that, they try to shrink their environmental footprint by using recycled packaging and adding more eco-friendly materials to their collections (they even have a vegan collection made out of cactus!).
4. O My Bag
Categories: Bum, Crossbody, Shoulder, Work, Mini, Tote, Backpacks, & Men’s Bags
Materials: LWG Leather
Price: $169-559
O My Bag creates beautiful leather handbags with a focus on transparency and quality. They’re based in Amsterdam, and the leather for their bags is carefully sourced & comes from tanneries certified for better environmental practices.
O My Bag teams up with trusted partners in India, where skilled artisans make each bag in factories that focus on safety and fair pay. The brand checks in regularly to make sure everything stays up to standard. By keeping these relationships strong, O My Bag helps support steady jobs and skill-building in small communities.
Their bags are made to last, with classic styles you can use for years, rather than swapping out every season.
5. behno
Categories: Tote Bags, Pouches
Price: $175-625
Materials: LWG full-grain Italian leather
Behno is a conscious luxury handbag brand redefining what ethical fashion looks like. Founded in New York by Shivam Punjya, its name means “sisters” in Hindi, which is a beautiful reflection of the brand’s mission to uplift and empower women throughout its supply chain.
Every Behno bag is crafted under “The Behno Standard,” a framework that ensures fair wages, healthcare access & safe working conditions while prioritizing the planet.
Each design blends modern minimalism with timeless craftsmanship, using premium, responsibly sourced leathers from Italy and low-impact production methods. Behno is committed to transparency & worker well-being, proving that luxury can have heart & humanity. From sleek crossbodies to structured totes, these handbags aren’t just accessories, they’re statements of values!
6. Baggu
Categories: Bowler Bags, Crescent Bags, Shoulder Bags, Sling Bags, Fanny Packs, Tote Bags, Pouches
Price: $30-190
Materials: Recycled Ripstop Nylon, Recycled Polyester, Recycled Leather, Canvas, Cotton
Baggu has really nailed it when it comes to making everyday bags not just functional but also fun! Their reusable totes and pouches are made to last, and I love that they’ve switched to using 100% recycled nylon for their popular shoppers.
Plus, their cotton canvas bags have recycled fibers in them, which is such a cool way to give old materials a new life.
If you are into dopamine dressing or whimsical fashion, you will love some of their quircky designs. They also have modern prints and classic shapes great for everyday use- whether you’re out running errands, heading to the beach, or just wanting a smarter, greener option.
7. The Tote Project
Categories: Tote Bags, Pouches
Price: $45
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!
8. JanSport
Categories: Fanny Packs, Crossbody Bags, Totes, Slings
Price: $22-55
Materials: Recycled Polyester
JanSport, long known for its durable backpacks, has been steadily transforming into a more sustainable brand. The brand now integrates 100% recycled main body fabrics across many of its best-selling packs, including the iconic SuperBreak and Right Pack styles. By using recycled polyester and nylon made from post-consumer waste, JanSport keeps plastic bottles out of landfills and reduces dependence on virgin materials.
Their production partners are held to strict ethical standards, ensuring safe working conditions and responsible manufacturing. JanSport also emphasizes repair over replacement, offering a lifetime warranty to extend product life & minimize waste (which we LOVE in today’s throwaway culture). Even their packaging and shipping practices are shifting toward lower-impact materials!
9. Cotopaxi
Categories: Hip Packs, Crossbody Bags, Tote Bags, Slings
Price: $25-95
Materials: Recycled Polyester, Deadstock
Cotopaxi is one of those rare brands that makes adventure feel both fun and deeply purposeful. Their handbags and totes are crafted from recycled and repurposed materials, giving new life to high-quality fabrics that would otherwise go to waste. Each piece in their colorful Del Día collection is one-of-a-kind & hand-sewn from leftover nylon and polyester, meaning no two bags are ever the same.
The brand also gives a portion of every purchase to fighting poverty and supporting sustainable livelihoods through the Cotopaxi Foundation. Also, their factories meet rigorous standards for fair labor and environmental care. With practical designs that transition easily from travel to everyday life, Cotopaxi proves that sustainability doesn’t have to be neutral or boring…it can be bold, colorful, and full of adventure!
10. Terra Thread
Categories: Crossbody & Sling Bags, Tote Bags
Price: $40-50
Materials: Fairtrade Organic Cotton Canvas
Terra Thread is one of those brands that gets everything right through beautiful design, lasting quality & true sustainability. Each of their handbags and totes is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton canvas, grown without GMOs or harmful pesticides. The result is a sturdy, breathable fabric that feels natural yet incredibly durable.
Every piece is crafted in Fair Trade Certified™ factories, ensuring fair wages & safe working conditions for the people behind the product. Their minimalist totes and crossbodies are perfect for daily errands, travel, or work. Plus, each purchase helps provide meals to families in need through Feeding America.
