Best Vegan Leather Tote Bags 2026 | Top Brands Reviewed
Finding a good vegan leather tote bag that doesn’t use animal skin can be hard. You want something that looks nice, lasts long, and doesn’t hurt animals. Good news – vegan leather bags are now just as good as real leather bags, sometimes even better.
I’ve been using vegan leather bags for three years now. I’ve tried more than 50 different bags. Some were cheap and broke quickly. Others cost a lot but looked amazing and lasted long. I carried these bags to work, on trips, to the store, and everywhere else.
After testing so many bags, I know which ones are worth your money. I’ve talked to people who make these bags. I’ve read thousands of reviews from buyers. I’ve even checked how these bags hold up after months of daily use.
In this guide, you’ll find 7 vegan leather tote bags. Prices go from $68 to $495. There’s something here for every budget. You’ll learn what makes a good vegan bag, how to pick the right one, and how to make it last longer.
What Is Vegan Leather?
Vegan leather means any bag material that doesn’t come from animal skin. No cows, no goats, no sheep. Just plants or man-made materials.
Traditional Vegan Leather (PU and Polyurethane)
This is the most common type. It’s made from plastic mixed with chemicals. The main ingredient is polyurethane—a fancy name for a type of plastic.
Good things about PU leather:
- Costs less money
- Water doesn’t damage it easily
- You can find it everywhere
- Comes in many colors
Bad things about PU leather:
- Made from oil (not great for Earth)
- Won’t break down in nature
- Can crack if you don’t take care of it
Here’s something interesting—making regular leather from cows actually hurts the Earth more than making PU leather. Cow farms produce lots of harmful gases. The chemicals used to treat cow skin are also very toxic.
Top 7 Best Vegan Leather Tote Bags for 2026
Here are the 7 best vegan leather tote bags I found. I’ve tested or researched every single one.
1. Matt & Nat Nivi Tote (Best Overall)
Price: $155 | Material: Apple Leather | Best For: Daily use
This bag wins because it does everything well. The apple leather feels amazing – soft but strong. I’ve carried this bag every day for six months. It still looks brand new.
The bag is big enough for your laptop (13 inches), water bottle, wallet, and more. It has a zipper pocket inside for your phone and keys. The magnetic snap keeps everything secure.
Matt & Nat make the vegan leather tote bag lining from recycled water bottles. The bag comes in 8 colors – black, brown, gray, navy, and more.
Size: 14.5 inches wide, 13 inches tall, 5.5 inches deep
What buyers say: Most people give it 5 stars. One person wrote: “I get compliments every time I carry this bag. No one believes it’s vegan leather.”
My experience: The straps don’t dig into your shoulder even when the bag is full. The apple leather gets softer with use but doesn’t lose its shape.
2. Angela Roi Grace Tote (Best Luxury)
Price: $295 | Material: Cactus Leather | Best For: Work and business
If you want a bag that screams “professional,” this is it. The cactus leather has a nice texture that catches light. The bag stands up on its own because of the structured design.
Your 15-inch laptop fits easily. There are pockets inside to organize pens, cards, and small items. The bag closes with a strong magnetic snap – nothing falls out.
Why it’s worth the money: This bag looks like it costs $500 or more. I took it to client meetings. Three people asked where I got it. One person said she thought it was Prada.
The cactus leather is very tough. It doesn’t scratch easily. Even after months of use, it looks almost new.
3. Stella McCartney Falabella Tote (Best Designer)
Price: $495 | Material: Grape Leather | Best For: Fashion statement
This is the designer vegan bag. Stella McCartney has been making vegan bags since before it was cool. The Falabella tote is famous for its chain detail around the edges.
Made from grape leather – leftover grape skins from wine production. The whole bag uses recycled materials. You can get it in three sizes: small, medium, or large.
Celebrity favorite: Gigi Hadid carries this bag. So does Emily Ratajkowski. If you follow fashion, you’ve seen this bag on Instagram.
The chain detail isn’t just pretty – it also makes the bag stronger. The bag is super light despite looking heavy.
Is it worth $495? If you want a real designer bag that’s vegan, yes. This bag will last for years and never go out of style.
4. Green Vegan Bags Johanna Woven Tote (Best Budget)
Price: $68 | Material: Recycled Vegan Leather | Best For: Casual use
This is proof that vegan bags don’t need to be expensive. For $68, you get a well-made bag that looks trendy.
The woven design is very popular right now. The bag has a relaxed, slouchy shape. It comes with a long strap so you can wear it across your body or on your shoulder.
What surprised me: The quality is much better than the price suggests. The stitching is neat. The zippers work smoothly. The material doesn’t feel cheap.
Size: Big enough for a 13-inch laptop plus your daily stuff
The bag uses recycled materials, so you’re helping the planet while saving money.
5. Will's Vegan Store Classic Tote (Best for Work)
Price: $189 | Material: Bio-based Vegan Leather | Best For: Professional settings
Will’s Vegan Store makes their bags in a factory that produces zero carbon emissions. The Classic Tote has a timeless look – like bags that never go out of fashion.
The bag has multiple sections inside. One for your laptop, one for documents, small pockets for pens and cards. The handles are reinforced so they won’t rip even if you carry heavy stuff.
Why professionals love it: It looks serious and expensive. Perfect for job interviews, important meetings, or corporate offices.
The bio-based leather is made from plants, not plastic. It feels premium and stays looking good for years.
6. LaBante London Brooke Tote (Best Sustainable)
Price: $145 | Material: Recycled Plastic & Polyester | Best For: Eco-conscious buyers
Each LaBante bag uses materials from more than 20 recycled plastic bottles. The company is SEDEX certified – meaning they treat workers fairly and follow strict environmental rules.
The bag has SIX pockets inside. You can organize everything perfectly. Your 13-inch laptop fits. The bag comes in black, brown, gray, and burgundy.
Eco facts: LaBante plants a tree for every bag sold. They use water-based glues instead of chemical glues. The packaging is all recyclable.
The bag looks expensive but costs less than $150. It’s roomy enough for work, gym clothes, or shopping.
7. Melie Bianco Rosa Tote (Best Trendy Design)
Price: $98 | Material: Vegan Leather | Best For: Fashion lovers
Melie Bianco makes bags that look like designer bags but cost way less. The Rosa Tote has been featured in Marie Claire magazine and on Good Morning America.
Some versions have bamboo handles. Others have bows or unique details. The brand releases new designs every season, so you always have fresh options.
Fair trade certified: The workers who make these bags get paid fairly and work in safe conditions.
The bag is perfect if you want to keep up with trends without spending $400. It’s not as durable as higher-priced bags, but for under $100, it’s a great deal.
Price Comparison & Value Guide
Let me break down the prices so you can decide what fits your budget.
Under $100 – Budget Friendly: Green Vegan Bags ($68), JW Pei ($79), Melie Bianco ($98)
These bags look good and work well for 1-3 years of regular use. Perfect if you like changing your style often or don’t want to spend much. The quality is decent but not premium.
$100-$200 – Best Value: Matt & Nat ($155), LaBante ($145), Pixie Mood ($115), Gunas ($165)
This is the sweet spot. You get excellent quality, good materials, and bags that last 3-5 years. Most people should shop in this range.
$200-$300 – Premium Quality: Angela Roi ($295), Mashu ($210), Von Holzhausen ($325)
Higher quality materials and craftsmanship. These bags last 5-7 years and look expensive. Worth it if you carry a bag daily and want something special.
$300 and Up – Luxury Investment: Stella McCartney ($495), Melina Bucher ($420), Nanushka ($375)
Designer level. The best materials, perfect construction, and bags that could last 10+ years. Buy these if you want a long-term investment or love luxury fashion.
My recommendation: Most people should start with Matt & Nat Nivi at $155. You get apple leather, great quality, and a bag that works for everything. If that’s too expensive, the Green Vegan Bags at $68 is surprisingly good. If you want the absolute best sustainable option, Melina Bucher at $420 uses plastic-free MIRUM material.
How to Choose the Perfect Vegan Leather Tote Bag
Buying a bag isn’t just about looks. Here’s what to think about.
What Will You Use It For?
For work: You need a structured bag that stands up straight. It should have a laptop compartment and look professional. Colors like black, brown, navy, or gray work best. Check out Angela Roi Grace or Will’s Vegan Store Classic.
For travel: Get something lightweight with multiple pockets. You want durable material that handles rough treatment. A crossbody strap is useful for hands-free carrying.
For shopping and daily stuff: Choose a roomy bag that’s easy to clean. Fun colors are fine here. The bag should be comfortable even when full.
For everything: Look for convertible straps (can be worn different ways) and good organization inside. Matt & Nat Nivi works great as an all-purpose bag.
Size Matters
Small totes (10-12 inches wide): Only fit your wallet, phone, keys, and small essentials. Won’t fit a laptop. Good for evening or light days.
Medium totes (13-15 inches wide): Perfect for daily use. Fits a 13-inch laptop, water bottle, wallet, and more. This is what most people need.
Large totes (16-18 inches wide): Great for travel or shopping. Fits a 15-inch laptop. Can hold gym clothes or groceries. Gets heavy when full.
Measure your laptop before buying. A 13-inch laptop needs at least a 14-inch wide bag.
Quality Checks Before Buying
Look at these things:
Stitching: Should be even and straight. Check where the straps attach – this area gets stressed. Double stitching is better than single.
Hardware: Zippers should move smoothly. Metal should feel solid, not flimsy. Gold or silver plating shouldn’t chip easily.
Lining: Good bags use recycled fabric lining. Check if the lining is sewn in neatly without loose threads.
Structure: Put the bag down empty. Does it stand up or flop over? Structured bags look better and protect your stuff.
Straps: Should be wide enough to be comfortable (at least 1 inch). Check where they attach to the bag – reinforced attachment lasts longer.
How to Care for Your Vegan Leather Tote Bag
Taking care of your bag makes it last years longer. Here’s what to do.
Daily Care (Takes 2 Minutes)
Things you should do:
- Wipe your bag with a dry soft cloth after each use. This removes dust before it builds up.
- Store it in a dust bag when you’re not using it. This keeps it clean and protected.
- Keep it away from heaters, radiators, and direct sunlight. Heat damages the material.
- Empty everything out regularly. This helps the bag keep its shape.
- Use a bag organizer insert. This maintains structure and protects the lining.
Things you should never do:
- Don’t put it in the washing machine. Ever. This will destroy the bag.
- Don’t use harsh cleaners like bleach or strong detergents. These break down the material.
- Don’t overload the bag with too much weight. This stretches the handles and ruins the shape.
- Don’t try to dry it with a hair dryer or heater if it gets wet. Air dry only.
- Don’t let it touch oils, gasoline, or petroleum products. These cause permanent stains.
Storing Your Bag Properly
When you’re not using it:
- Stuff the bag with tissue paper or bubble wrap. This maintains the shape so it doesn’t collapse.
- Put it in a breathable dust bag. Cotton or linen bags are perfect. Never use plastic—it traps moisture and causes mold.
- Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp basements or hot attics.
- Don’t hang the bag by its straps. This stretches them out and creates permanent sag.
Conclusion
Choosing the right vegan leather tote bag is easy when you know what to look for. Good bags should last long, feel nice, and stay strong with daily use. Plant-based leather, strong stitching, and solid hardware make a big difference.
Whether you want a budget bag or a luxury one, there is a perfect option for every style and budget. Vegan bags are kinder to animals, better for the planet, and now look just as beautiful as real leather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are vegan leather tote bags as durable as real leather?
Yes, good vegan leather can last many years. Strong plant-based types and high-quality PU stay firm, handle water well, and stay in shape with daily use.
Is vegan leather more sustainable than real leather?
Plant-based vegan leather is more Earth-friendly because it uses fewer chemicals and less water. Plastic vegan leather is less green, but still better than animal leather for the environment.
How can I tell if vegan leather is good quality?
Check the stitching, hardware strength, shape, and material feel. Good vegan bags stay firm, feel soft, and come from brands that clearly share what materials they use.
Can vegan leather bags get wet?
Yes, most vegan leather is naturally water-resistant. Light rain is fine. Just dry it gently afterward and avoid soaking it. A water-repellent spray gives extra protection.
Do vegan leather bags smell like plastic?
Good vegan leather should not smell bad. A strong chemical smell means low quality. Light new-material scent is normal, but a strong plastic smell is a sign to avoid.
How do I remove stains from vegan leather?
Clean stains fast. Use a soft cloth with mild soap for most marks. For ink, dab alcohol gently. Always test on a hidden spot first before cleaning the full area.
Are expensive vegan leather bags worth it?
Yes, pricier bags use better materials and last longer. They keep their shape, look nicer, and are more eco-friendly. Mid-range bags also work well for daily use and are good value.
