More and more people are making the switch to veganism for a variety of reasons, be it ethical, environmental, or health-related. And as veganism gains in popularity, an increasing number of companies are catering to this market by offering vegan-friendly products.

Vegan tote bags are one such product. But what exactly are vegan totes? How are they made? And what are their benefits and disadvantages? Keep reading to find out!

What are vegan tote bags?

Tote bags are such a versatile and handy accessory. You can use them for shopping, as a beach bag, for carrying your laptop or books, or even as an overnight bag. And a vegan tote bag is simply a tote bag that is made without any animal-based materials.

Vegan bags are typically made from vegan leather, recycled plastic bottles, or even natural fibers like hemp or jute.

These eco-friendly bags are a great alternative to traditional leather bags, which are often made from the skin of cows. Vegan leather, for instance, is just as durable and long-lasting as regular leather, but without animal cruelty.

Plus, there are tons of stylish vegan tote handbags that are just as chic as their leather counterparts!

Benefits of Vegan Tote Bags

Using vegan leather tote bags has numerous benefits, both for you and for the environment. We’ve listed some of the top benefits below:

Cruelty-free and vegan

While leather totes have been a popular fashion choice for many years, they come with a number of ethical and environmental concerns.

Leather is typically made from the skin of cows, which are raised in crowded, stressful conditions and often treated with antibiotics and other chemicals.

Furthermore, the leather tanning process is highly toxic, releasing harmful pollutants into the air and water.

In contrast, vegan leather totes are made from sustainable materials such as cork or pineapple leaf fibers, which have a much lower environmental impact. They are also cruelty-free, meaning that no animals were harmed in the production of the bag.

For fashion-conscious consumers who are looking for a more ethically sound option, vegan leather totes are the way to go.

Comes in a variety of styles and colors

Vegan leather totes are available in a wide range of styles and colors, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.

Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated work bag or a casual weekend bag, there’s a vegan tote out there for you. And because vegan leather is such a versatile material, vegan leather bags are definitely a fashion-forward choice.

Plus, vegan leather totes are often more affordable than their leather counterparts, so you can save money while still looking chic!

Disadvantages of Vegan Tote Bags

While vegan tote bags offer a number of benefits, there are also some disadvantages to consider:

They’re not waterproof

While many vegans appreciate the fact that vegan leather is a cruelty-free alternative to regular leather, it’s important to be aware of its limitations.

One downside of vegan leather is that it’s not as waterproof as regular leather. This means that if you use a vegan tote bag in rainy weather, your belongings are more likely to get wet. In addition, vegan leather is more susceptible to scratches and scuffs than regular leather.

So if you’re looking for a bag that will withstand heavy use, vegan leather may not be the best choice.

They’re not as durable as the real leather

Vegan leather tote bags are also not as durable as their regular leather counterparts. Vegan leather is made from synthetic materials that are designed to mimic the look and feel of real leather, but it’s not as tough or resilient.

For instance, apple leather, which is one of the most popular vegan leathers, is made from apple waste and is only 50% as durable as regular leather.

Some vegan leathers are not eco-friendly

While a vegan leather tote bag is a more environmentally friendly choice than a regular leather bag, not all vegan leathers are created equal.

Some vegan leathers, such as PVC and PU, are made from petroleum-based plastics that can release harmful toxins into the environment.

In contrast, eco-friendly vegan leathers such as cork, grape leather, or pineapple leaf fibers are a much more sustainable choice.

5 Vegan Brands That Carry The Best Vegan Leather Bags

The best vegan totes are made with high-quality vegan leather and recycled materials that looks and feels like the real thing. Here are five of our favorite brands that offer vegan tote bags:

GUNAS

The Gunas brand is very passionate about creating vegan and cruelty-free fashion bags that don’t sacrifice style. The company has been creating vegan bags since 2009 and all of their products are made in an ethical and sustainable way.

The vegan leather used for Gunas bags is made from 100% Vegan Textured Eco Polyurethane, and the company uses recycled materials such as plastic bottles and metals whenever possible.

We particularly love their Tippi Vegan Leather Tote which can also serve as a vegan laptop tote due to its spacious interior and size. It comes in various colors that will perfectly match any outfit.

Matt & Nat

From vegan handbags to vegan wallets and everything in between, Matt &

Nat is a vegan brand that offers a wide range of vegan leather products. The Canadian-based company was founded in 1995 with the mission to create beautiful vegan products that are kind to the planet and its animals.

All of Matt & Nat’s vegan leather is made from polyurethane, and the company uses a variety of sustainable materials such as recycled nylons and rubbers.

The Curb Vegan Tote Bag is our top pick from Matt & Nat. This large vegan tote bag can fit a 13″ laptop which means it’s perfect for work or travel. It also has an adjustable shoulder strap that allows you to wear it as a crossbody bag.

Rothy’s

Ocean waste is a huge problem, and Rothy’s is doing its part to help reduce plastic pollution in our oceans. The company makes all of its vegan products such as shoes and bags from recycled plastic bottles that have been collected from the oceans.

In addition to being vegan and eco-friendly, Rothy’s vegan shoes are also extremely comfortable due to their padded insoles and flexible construction.

The Lightweight Tote, which is knitted using a thread from marine plastic, can fit almost anything you need for a busy day. It is rigorously tested to ensure that it can hold up to 150 pounds – an amazing feat for a bag made from recycled materials.

Luxtra

Made from cactus leather and apple leather, Luxtra vegan bags are some of the most sustainable vegan bags on the market. Cactus leather is a type of vegan leather that is made from the fibers of the prickly pear cactus, and it’s one of the most environmentally friendly vegan leathers available.

Apple leather is another sustainable vegan leather that is made from the waste generated by the apple industry.

Luxtra offers a wide range of vegan bags such as backpacks, wallets, and phone cases. They even have corn and pineapple leather collection that is made from sustainable vegan leathers.

Their vegan leather tote bag has a classic design that will never go out of style. It’s perfect for work, travel, or everyday use.

Stella McCartney

Last but certainly not least, Stella McCartney is a vegetarian fashion brand that offers a wide range of vegan bags, shoes, and clothing. The British vegetarian designer founded her eponymous label in 2001 with the mission to create sustainable vegan fashion that is chic and stylish.

However, the brand uses wool and silk in some of their products, so it’s not 100% vegan.

The Falabella Tote is one of our favorite vegan bags from Stella McCartney. This sophisticated tote bag has a press stud fastening that gives it an edgy and modern look. It’s also made from vegan Shaggy Deer fabric  which is a type of vegan leather made from polyester.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, there are many vegan tote bag options available on the market that are eco-friendly, sustainable, and stylish.

Whether you’re looking for a vegan work tote or a classic vegan leather handbags, there’s sure to be a vegan bag that meets your needs. Do your research and invest in a high-quality vegan tote bag that will last you for years to come.

What are your thoughts on vegan tote bags? Let us know in the comments below!