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  • Writer's pictureBeth Hudson

The Ultimate List of Ethical Handbags

Updated: Oct 13, 2021

The phrase "ethical handbags" likely means something different to everyone. In this list, you will find a variety of handbag brands, products, suppliers, resellers, etc. that fall somewhere in the following categories:

  1. Vegan

  2. Cruelty-free

  3. Ethical labor practices

  4. Charitable

  5. Eco-friendly

  6. Sustainable

  7. Recycled

  8. Recyclable

  9. Fair-trade

  10. Ethically-sourced products

This is by no means an exhaustive list, BUT it will be as comprehensive as possible! If we find another ethical handbag brand, we will try to list it ASAP. Please leave your suggestions in the comments! Pricing is accurate at the time of posting. Always check website details before purchase.


Each listed item will have info (*if not listed, it will be soon!*) to reflect the brand's ethical stance. Again, always check the website for details! For instance, a brand may have vegan bags but not be clear on their environmental impact or labor practices. They will still be included on this list, but will only be marked as vegan. Let's get to the cute purses and handbags!


Svala

Svala Natural Vegan Cork Crossbody - $245

Designed and manufactured in Los Angeles, Svala bags are unique AND vegan! They use natural materials (like the cork bag pictured) to create stunning styles. Plus, they come in an organic cotton dust bag.


Type: Retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Vegan; Cruelty-free; Environmentally conscious; Ethical labor practices; Water conserving; Eluxe Awards Vegan Brand of the Year 2020





Pixie Mood


Pixie Mood Phoebe Crossbody - $65

I was first introduced to this brand through a FabFitFun box ad on Instagram, I believe! I was enamored with the classic designs and creamy, pastel colors. They come in all shapes and sizes and are ETHICAL AND VEGAN! What more could you want?


Type: Retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Vegan; cruelty-free; charitable; sustainable





FiveloveTwo



Not only is it hard to find vegan leather brands out there, it's hard to find FASHIONABLE, edgy vegan handbag brands! This one from FiveloveTwo on Amazon is one that I've personally purchased, and it is GORGEOUS. It is well-made and much bigger than you would expect (take a look at the extra pictures!).


Type: Amazon retailer

Ethical Appeal: Vegan



Matt & Nat



These luxury vegan bags often go on sale up to 50%! They're vegan, sleek, stylish, and affordable enough to rock every day. Learn more about their ethics and sustainability on the site!


Type: Retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Vegan; recycled lining (plastic bottles); ethical materials; cruelty-free; ethical labor practices










Charles & Keith





Get 15% off your full-priced purchase with code LUNAR15 (available Feb 5 - Feb 13, 2021)

Read more about their efforts toward sustainability on the site!



Type: Retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Vegan; recycled materials; ethical labor practices; sustainability; environmentally-conscious










Sakroots


The Sak created Sakroots: eco-conscious, really nice-looking bags! They even have an eco-friendly section on their site, featuring the "Ecotwill" material. They also have vegan leather options for a more streamlined look.


Type: Retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Vegan; eco-friendly









Buckle-Down

This super cute Mandalorian 'The Child' crossbody is vegan leather, made in the US, and officially licensed! Buckle-Down has several licensed products, from horror and bands (our favs) to pop culture icons and Mickey Mouse. Known for their belt buckles, they also have some really cute, casual, vegan leather bags.



Type: Retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Vegan (certain products); US-based factories





Ash & Rose




When browsing Ash & Rose accessories, you can even "shop by impact"! It's a filter system that allows you to narrow your search down by terms like "vegan", "fair trade", "cruelty free" and more. How cool is that?


Type: Boutique

Ethical Appeal: Sourced from ethical, sustainable brands; Vegan (varies by product)










Adorn

This clutch is 100% cotton and 100% cute! Not all of the bags on the Adorn boutique are vegan, but take a look at the cute styles, and you'll be sure to find something that matches your style.




Type: Boutique

Ethical Appeal: Vegan (varies by product); Sources ethical brands






Zatchels



Zatchels has been in the leather business a long time. While we don't personally love real leather, if that's your top choice, Zatchels is the way to go! They source high-quality leather for their stunning, vintage-inspired satchel bags.



Type: Retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Handmade in England; ethically-sourced leather from Clyde Leather






Lux Lair





The Lux Lair selection of designer handbags comes at a cheaper price due to stocking unsold inventory. This cool, graffiti-style New York City Erin Medium Backpack is made of vegan faux leather!


Type: Reseller of new goods

Ethical Appeal: Less landfill waste





U.S. Polo Assn.



This name is probably familiar to you, and they are also at a nice price point! But did you know that U.S. Polo Association bags are made of faux leather? They look and feel luxurious, but are animal-free.


*Fun fact: I (Beth) used to think that U.S. Polo Assn. stood for U.S. Polo Assassin. I still say it in my head.*



Type: Retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Vegan







Kipling



If you've seen the bags with the little monkey charms hanging off the side, you've seen Kipling! They're iconic. You can even customize some of their bags! And keep an eye out for cool collabs, like the one pictured with Coca-Cola.


Type: Retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Made of recycled polyester






Dallas Designer Handbags


Dallas Designer Handbags stocks authenticated, pre-loved/used luxury handbags! While not vegan, per se, these are a nod to the impact of upcycling and reusing older goods (rather than purchasing new ones or throwing these away).



Type: Reseller/consignment

Ethical Appeal: Less landfill waste; upcycling encouraged






Rebag


Rebag is another reseller with pre-loved bags, keeping bags out of landfills and in loving hands! Also not vegan (most mainstream luxury handbags aren't), but at least they are being reused. All bags are authenticated by the Rebag experts.


Type: Reseller/consignment

Ethical Appeal: Less landfill waste; upcycling encouraged







Rice Love



"Buy a bag... feed a family! Every item purchased feeds a family in need." Rice Love produces ethical bags that go to an ethical cause. You can even see the families that you have helped right on the website! Rice Love is an obvious choice for the eco-conscious.


Type: Charity retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Charitable donations for each purchase; Eco-friendly materials (jute/burlap); Vegan; Cruelty-free; Ethical labor practices











Accessorize London




Accessorize ships to the US. They also run their own charitable organization, the Monsoon Accessorize Trust. You can see the impact on the sustainability of communities on their website! Their prices are also extra-affordable.


Type: Charitable retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Vegan (varies by product); Company runs a charity, the Monsoon Accessorize Trust; Furthers sustainability in communities








Current Boutique



We may be a bit biased, but we love their name. Not affiliated with Currant, but ultra-current, is the Current Boutique. It runs as a reseller/consignment store. Pre-loved bags save the environment!


Type: Reseller/Consignment of used goods

Ethical Appeal: Less landfill waste; Encourages upcycling









The Luxury Closet


In their own words, "Be a re-fashion hero one bag at a time... Shop pre-loved." Some of the bags on The Luxury Closet (or TLC for short) have never even been used! Watch for the "Never Used" flag above a product.


Type: Reseller/consignment of new and used goods

Ethical Appeal: Less landfill waste; Encourages upcycling


The Sis Kiss



The Sis Kiss boutique curates their products, so you know you're getting something chic and unique. Check the product to make sure it's made from vegan materials (if that's what you're into), like the trendy, tie-dye, nylon weekender bag shown on the left.


Type: Boutique

Ethical Appeal: Vegan (varies by product)




Susan Tancer Studios


"One-of-a-kind bags for a one-of-a-kind woman." Just like the site says, each bag from Susan Tancer Studios is unique! That's pretty cool. It's also hand-crafted in the US and signed by the artist, herself. The bags are made of eco-friendly canvas that is sealed with layers of paint to look and feel like leather (and last a long time!). Each bag has a story, so read up and get inspired.


Type: Studio/artist/retailer

Ethical Appeal: Handmade/hand-painted in a single studio in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; Eco-friendly canvas; Long-lasting


Joanna Maxham



Designed in New York and produced in small batches in a family-run factory in Poland, Joanna Maxham bags are classic and chic without the (super) high price-tag. While they are made of leather, it's ethically-sourced (if that's your thing).



Type: Designer/retailer

Ethical Appeal: Ethically sourced hardware and leather; ethical labor practices






Radley (UK)

Shop Radley purses by leather and non-leather! That's super-convenient if you are looking for a vegan bag. Their "Radley Responsible range is crafted with sustainable materials, including recycled nylon (made from plastic bottles!) and water-based PU"! Plus, they have a cute little Scottie dog mascot that you can see dangling from somewhere on each bag.


Type: Designer/retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Vegan (varies by product); recycled nylon material; non-toxic PU




Carmen Sol


Carmen Sol has the cutest jelly bags! Be Jelly! Shop their selection of handbags today. "Chic, eco-conscious, and affordable, Carmen Sol is reinventing the jelly as a lifestyle brand.


Designed in New York City and made in Italy, all accessories are made of pure jelly material [and] rose scented. The collection includes shoes, handbags and accessories in 15 vivid colors with eco-friendly packaging."


Type: Retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Vegan; ethical labor practices; eco-friendly



Lillian Vernon



Lillian Vernon has a plethora of products to choose from, but their bag selection is vegan and able to be personalized! Say no more.


Type: Retailer

Ethical Appeal: Vegan









Anna Virgili

Anna Virgili Eva Leather Handbag - $319

Anna Virgili bags are designed, sourced, and produced in Italy. They are made of genuine leather, if that's your thing. The style is impeccable, and the quality matches.


Type: Designer/retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Ethically-sourced leather; ethical labor practices








Mirta

Mirta is another high-quality Italian leather brand. They have bags and other leather goods. According to their site:


"In order to offer high quality products, we recognize our obligation to ensure that all suppliers are operating ethically. We expect all suppliers to consistently provide an environment which protects their employees' health and safety and basic human and environmental rights. If you want to know more about our ethical sourcing policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions."


Not to mention, the bags are just beautiful. If you're into real leather, they can't be beat!


Type: Designer/retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Ethically-sourced leather, products, and materials; ethical labor practices; environmentally-conscious

Nuuwai


nuuwaï Vivica bag - $169

APPLE LEATHER. Enough said.


Okay, there's a little more to be said. nuuwaï is a German brand revolutionizing vegan leather by using APPLE PEELS. Trademarked as AppleSkin, it sounds like it could be the next iPhone cover. Instead, it's the material used to make these gorgeous handbags! Learn more on the Nuuwai website.


Type: Retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Vegan; cruelty-free (PETA-approved); eco-friendly; re- and upcycled materials; ethical labor practices




Vuch


Okay, okay - hear me out. The website is in Slovak BUT you can use Google translate or the language selection on their website to change it to English if need be! Trust me, these bags are worth the extra click. Vuch makes other accessories, but their bags are so unique! *Note: They don't deliver to the United States, but they do deliver to the UK and other European countries. Vuch, if you're reading this, we want your bags in the US!!!!


Type: Retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Vegan; charitable



The Vegan Warehouse


Mersi - Ellie Crossbody - $59

The Vegan Warehouse stocks vegan brands of handbags! They do the work for you and find the gorgeous bags. This one on the left by Mersi is one of our favorites (but they also have a convincing Stella McCartney dupe!)


Type: Retailer/boutique

Ethical Appeal: Vegan; Ethical suppliers






Maniere De Voir


Maniere De Voir Corset Bag - $42

Yes, that's a bag! And it's a faux, vegan leather bag, at that. If you're looking for edgy pieces, look no further than Maniere De Voir. (Psst, they're affordable and ship internationally, too!)


Type: Retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Vegan







BuildABagg



Have you ever wanted to build your own beach bag? Well, BuildABagg makes that possible. AND it's eco-friendly, durable, lightweight, and waterproof.


Type: Retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Eco-friendly; vegan; cruelty-free; EVA material






Lovevook



Looking for trendy, faux leather, affordable bags? Lovevook is for you. Their labor practices and such are not explicit, but the bags are all vegan (always check first, but as far as I can tell, they are!). They're also available on Amazon - yay for 2-day shipping!


Type: Retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Vegan






CHIKO


CHIKO, while known for its leather shoes, also has a wide selection of unique handbags. Most are made of actual leather, which the site describes as responsibly-sourced. The bags and shoes are handmade. There are a couple vegan synthetic options, like the rainbow watercolor bag pictured to the left!


Type: Retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Environmentally-friendly packaging; responsibly-sourced leather (non-vegan); A few vegan options



BAGINC



"Top trends at wholesale price". BAGINC is based in Paris, but they outsource their manufacturing to factories in Asia that can replicate "Hollywood" trends at low prices. This probably means that they don't have ethical labor practices. However, there are some vegan options on the site if you look under "faux leather" in their drop-down search function.


Type: Retailer/manufacturer/fast fashion

Ethical Appeal: Some vegan options










dr. Liza


Bubblegum Shoulder Bag - $199

While these bags are genuine leather, if you're okay with that, they're gorg! Especially the pink with the gold "L" on the front. The leather is high-quality and responsibly-sourced. Plus, they're ergonomic and good for your posture! That's an added bonus to the sleek style.


Type: Retailer/manufacturer of ergonomic bags

Ethical Appeal: High-quality leather; ethically manufactured in Brazil



Hyer Goods


Urban Planet


Faux Leather D-Shape Chain Bag - $24.99 CAD

If you live in Canada, Urban Planet is worth a look (or five!). They only ship to Canada (for now). However, their selection is on-trend and with prices that are hard to beat. They are not super transparent on their website about manufacturing, so keep that in mind.


Type: Retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Vegan






Cultural Elements




















KkCo


KkCo is an unconventional fashion brand focused on community. They don't just make bags, but the bags they do make are quality! The bag on the left is made from 100% heavy cotton canvas, and it was sewn and hand-dyed in Los Angeles, California. Plus, it's tie-dye, and I hope that trend stays here forever.


Type: Retailer/manufacturer

Ethical Appeal: Community-based (recognizes different artists/creators); Ethically made in the US; Vegan (always check specific products); Cruelty-free








Alexandra K


Robert Matthew


Pop Fashion


Stella McCartney


GUNAS


Ten Thousand Villages


Baggallini


ANDI


ShopWorn


zipit


Cartwright Bags


Catrinka by Ocelot Market


Krochet Kids intl.


Urban Originals


Maison Hēroïne


Mulberry and Grand


Hobo Bags