The Vegan Database

Vegan alternatives to leather

Leather is commonly used in shoes, bags, belts, furniture, and jackets for durability and appearance. Vegans typically replace leather with plant-based or synthetic materials that provide a similar look and performance without using animal hides.

“Vegan leather” is a broad label — materials vary widely in durability and feel.

Some products use mixed materials (for example, leather trims or linings).

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Why vegans avoid leather

Leather is made from animal skin and is not vegan. Even when leather is described as a “byproduct,” it is still an animal-derived material and is tied to animal agriculture and exploitation.

What leather is used for

Leather is valued for abrasion resistance, structure, and the way it ages over time. It’s commonly used in footwear uppers, bags, belts, gloves, and upholstery where durability and appearance are priorities.

Common vegan alternatives (by use case)

Synthetic leather (PU)

Polyurethane-based materials are widely used as “vegan leather.” They can mimic leather’s look closely and are common in shoes, bags, and jackets.

Synthetic leather (PVC)

Another common leather-like material used in accessories and upholstery. It is often more rigid and less breathable than PU.

Plant-based leathers

Some products use plant fibers or agricultural waste as part of the material. These can vary greatly depending on construction and backing layers.

Textiles and canvas

For many use cases, durable fabrics (canvas, nylon, polyester) replace leather well, especially for bags, casual shoes, and everyday items.

What to watch for when choosing an alternative

Many “vegan leather” items use layered construction (outer material + backing + coatings), which affects durability, flexibility, and how the item ages. Stitching, glue, and trim materials can also matter in products like shoes and bags.

Labels like “genuine leather,” “leather upper,” “suede,” or “nubuck” indicate animal leather. “Leather trim” and “leather lining” are common in products that otherwise appear synthetic.

Some example products are shown below. These links may lead to Amazon.