Top Vegan Bag Brands You Need to Know About in 2024

The rise of vegan bags has been dramatic, and for good reason. Consumers today are more conscious than ever about the impact of their choices—whether it's regarding what they eat, wear, or how they live. Vegan bags fit right into this eco-conscious lifestyle by providing alternatives to leather that do not involve any animal cruelty, use fewer resources, and often have smaller carbon footprints than traditional leather production. The materials used in vegan bags, such as recycled plastics, cork, and innovative plant-based leathers, are paving the way for a future of ethical fashion. But among the many brands that offer such products, which ones truly shine?

1. Matt & Nat: The Pioneer of Eco-Friendly Vegan Fashion

One of the pioneers in the vegan fashion space, Matt & Nat, short for "Material and Nature," is a brand that has been committed to sustainability since its inception in 1995. Based in Canada, this brand has grown into one of the most recognized vegan bag makers in the world, known for its stylish designs and ethical approach.

Matt & Nat focuses on creating bags that use sustainable materials such as recycled nylon, rubber, and cork, along with PU (polyurethane) leather, which is more eco-friendly than traditional PVC. But that’s not all—inside every Matt & Nat bag is a lining made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. In 2024, they continue to innovate with designs that feel luxurious yet remain accessible. Their bags often feature sleek, minimalist designs, making them suitable for both everyday use and special occasions.

2. Stella McCartney: The Luxury Vegan Bag Queen

When it comes to high fashion and vegan ethics, no one does it better than Stella McCartney. The British designer has been a trailblazer in cruelty-free fashion since launching her namesake label in 2001. McCartney’s vegan bags are made from a variety of sustainable materials like recycled polyester, ECONYL (regenerated nylon), and innovative alternatives like Mylo, a mushroom-based leather alternative.

Stella McCartney's bags are synonymous with luxury, combining high-quality craftsmanship with avant-garde designs. While her brand is not 100% vegan (she does use wool and silk in other product lines), her handbag collections are completely free from animal-derived materials. In 2024, her iconic Falabella collection, with its distinctive chain detail, remains a favorite among the fashion elite. Her commitment to sustainability is not just a marketing tactic; it’s woven into the very fabric of her business, influencing other designers to follow suit.

3. JW Pei: Affordable and Trendy Vegan Bags

If you’ve been on Instagram or TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen influencers showing off bags from JW Pei. This LA-based brand has become a social media sensation for its trendy, minimalist designs at accessible price points. But JW Pei is not just about affordability; it’s also about sustainability.

The brand uses high-quality vegan leather made from polyurethane and post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. JW Pei is proof that vegan fashion doesn’t have to be expensive to be stylish. Their bags, especially the Gabbi and Maze collections, have been seen on the arms of celebrities and influencers alike, further cementing their status as a go-to for anyone looking for fashionable yet ethical accessories.

4. Sans Beast: For the Bold and the Brave

Australia’s Sans Beast is not for the faint-hearted. This brand’s designs are bold, daring, and unapologetically statement-making. Founded in 2018 by Cathryn Wills, a former creative director of leather handbag company Mimco, Sans Beast was born out of a desire to create cruelty-free accessories that still carried the same sense of luxury and design.

Sans Beast uses vegan leathers made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, and eco-friendly textiles such as eco PU and non-toxic, solvent-free materials. Their bags often feature edgy, architectural shapes with plenty of hardware, making them perfect for those who love standing out in a crowd. The brand’s ethos revolves around reducing waste, with a strong focus on creating durable, timeless pieces that can be loved for years. In 2024, Sans Beast continues to push the boundaries of what vegan fashion can look like.

5. Von Holzhausen: Innovation Meets Minimalism

Los Angeles-based Von Holzhausen is known for its innovation in the materials space. The brand’s founder, former car designer Vicki von Holzhausen, has brought her expertise in technology and design to the fashion world, creating bags that are both beautiful and sustainable. The brand uses its proprietary Technik-Leather, a 100% animal-free material made from recycled plastic, which looks and feels like traditional leather but with a much smaller environmental impact.

Von Holzhausen bags are sleek, minimalist, and durable. They focus on timeless designs, and the brand has carved out a niche for itself among eco-conscious professionals who want luxury without the guilt. The Technik-Leather material is also biodegradable, making these bags not only an investment in style but also in sustainability.

6. Melie Bianco: Chic, Vegan, and Affordable

Founded in 2003, Melie Bianco offers a wide range of vegan leather handbags that are both stylish and budget-friendly. The brand has won numerous awards for its ethical fashion and is known for its commitment to fair trade practices. Melie Bianco bags are crafted using premium vegan leathers that look and feel luxurious but come without the hefty price tag of high-end designer brands.

Melie Bianco bags are perfect for fashion-conscious consumers who want to look good without compromising their values. Their designs range from trendy crossbody bags to classic totes, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. In 2024, Melie Bianco continues to stand out as a leader in affordable vegan fashion, offering both style and substance.

7. Luxtra: Combining Luxury and Sustainability

London-based Luxtra is a brand dedicated to creating luxury products without the environmental and ethical downsides of traditional leather. Luxtra's vegan bags are made from sustainable materials like Pinatex (derived from pineapple leaves), apple leather, and mushroom leather. These materials are not only environmentally friendly but also offer a unique texture and feel, making Luxtra's bags stand out in a crowded marketplace.

The brand is all about minimalism and understated elegance. Luxtra believes in slow fashion, producing timeless designs that can be worn year after year. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond their products; they are also a certified B-Corp, meaning they meet high social and environmental performance standards. In 2024, Luxtra remains a top choice for consumers who want eco-conscious luxury without compromising on style.

Why Vegan Bags Matter More Than Ever

As we look toward 2024 and beyond, it’s clear that vegan bags are not just a passing trend. They represent a shift in the way we think about fashion and its impact on the world. With more consumers demanding transparency and sustainability from brands, vegan bags offer a solution that is both ethical and fashionable.

Furthermore, the advancements in materials science—such as mushroom leather, apple leather, and other plant-based alternatives—are making it easier for brands to create bags that are not only cruelty-free but also environmentally sustainable. These materials use fewer resources, produce less waste, and often biodegrade, making them a far better option than traditional leather.

A Future of Conscious Fashion

The future of fashion is one where consumers no longer have to choose between style and ethics. The rise of vegan bags from brands like Matt & Nat, Stella McCartney, JW Pei, and others proves that it is possible to have both. As technology advances and more innovative materials are developed, we can expect to see even more brands join the vegan revolution.

2024 is set to be a landmark year for vegan bags, with more consumers becoming aware of the importance of their purchasing decisions. Whether you’re looking for high fashion, affordability, or something bold and daring, there’s a vegan bag brand out there for you.