Handbags have long been the wardrobe workhorses, the one item we wear every day and tend to invest in. Finding a bag to suit your lifestyles is often hard enough, then you have to think about finding one that meets your values as well.
Fortunately, the ethical handbag space is growing with plenty of fashion-forward designs for us discerning eco-conscious fashionistas to choose from.
From vegan-friendly offerings to beautifully crafted leather pieces, we’ve rounded up the best ethical and sustainable handbag brands you’ll want to wear and love forever.
Able
The makers of Able bags are women who have overcome extraordinary circumstances and have been empowered to work in a job with dignity. Able hold transparency with utmost importance and share the true impact of each purchase. Their bags are perfect staples for all types of occasions. Left and below right.
Raven & Lily
Rich brown and dark black leather staples, Raven & Lily offer a range of beautiful designs. Every bag they sell helps to support microloans for female entrepreneurs, whilst growing a thriving ecosystem of fair wages, health care, sustainable incomes, and tools to thrive. Below left.
Gunas
Gunas care about people just as much as the planet. Gunas bags are ethically made and 100% free of animal products, and have won several global awards. Whilst PVC is a common material for vegan bags, Gunas boycott it in their production, knowing the damage it does to the environment.
Parker Clay
Designed in California, made in Ethiopia. Parker Clay works with traditional tanneries that source leather as a by-product of the livestock industry and recycles all the water used in the tanning process. You’ll find bags for both men and women, of all shapes, sizes, and colours. Below right.
Kayu
Kayu eschews the mass-produced, and focus on utilising the skills of independent artisans so the bags bear a personality and mark of the maker. Fair wages and safe working environments are important to Kayu, and the bags are mostly all biodegradable (apart from the hardware and lining). Right.
Mar Y Sol
Mar Y Sol enables traditional craft to be preserved by makers in Madagascar. The handbags are cute and quirky, offering pops of colour, and even pompoms to brighten up your wardrobe. The natural and sustainable materials emote a summery vibe, perfect for those wanting something more playful. Below left.
Nisolo
Nisolo’s mission is to change the fashion industry into one that respects and uplifts people and the planet. They offer side bags, pouches, weekender bags, and totes, made ethically from the highest quality leathers and canvas. Nisolo keeps a close relationship with their partners in Peru, Mexico, and locations throughout Africa where their independent artisans are based. Left and below right.
Angela Roi
“The goodness of people has the caliber to alter the globe for the better.” Angela Roi is a luxury designer brand based in New York. The bags are made with the highest quality materials to allow for durability and wear. The factories in Korea, where the bags are made, are visited regularly to ensure they are always upholding the fair work standards which Angela Roi values. Below left.
Eba Tote
The EBA tote is designed for the conscious, practical, and stylish lifestyle. This handbag is the Mary Poppins of all ethical handbags. The waterproof lining extends its lifetime, and the functionality of the compartments means it has multiple uses: baby bag, a day at the office, out with friends, and even a carry bag on during a flight.
Everlane
Your favourite ethical basics and wardrobe staples brand also do handbags. Everlane is transparent in their costs, supply chain and partners with ethical factories which are given compliance audits ensure fair and safe working conditions. Much like their apparel Everlane’s bags are well made, stylish and functional. Below left.
Duffle & Co.
Duffle & Co. use small local suppliers, to help them expand their workshops and create more fair, safe, jobs in the community. The handbags are handmade, and the team is always looking out to improve their products and reduce their impact on the planet. Duffle & Co. also give back to two charities with each sale made. Right.
Ahimsa Collective
“For those who are trendy AF, but also don’t want the world to blow up.” Ahimsa Collective have crafted your daily companion, made from Pinatex; pineapple leather. The bags are made in Australia by a skilled master leather-maker. As well as pinatex, the bag is made up of recycled materials that would have otherwise ended up in landfill. Below right.
Melie Bianco
Cruelty free, animal friendly, and fair wages are the key values of Melie Bianco. A handbag is more than just a tool, but a form of self-expression; Melie Bianco understand this and use creativity to design unique shapes and styles. Below left.
Cuyana
Totes, cross bodies, saddlebags, and even backpacks. Cuyana works with artisans in both Italy and the USA to create the highest quality bags that will last you a lifetime. Cuyana’s lean closet program also encourages customers to buy less, but better items. Left.
The Loyal Workshop
The Loyal Workshop is a team working to stop sex trafficking. They rescue women from the sex trade and employ them to make beautiful leather satchels, and join a community who support them. The founders are New Zealanders with a passion for justice. Below right.
