Table of Contents
1. What Most Vegan Leather Is Made Of
2. So… Is Vegan Leather Just Plastic?
3. When Real Leather Is the Better Option
4. So What Should You Look For Instead?
5. FAQ
6. Final Note

We’ve all seen it: brands proudly label their bags or shoes as “vegan leather” and expect applause. But here’s the uncomfortable truth, most vegan leather is just plastic with good PR.

So let’s break down what’s actually going on, what’s worth your money, and what you should be looking for instead.

What Most Vegan Leather Is Made Of

Let’s start with the reality.

Despite the word vegan, most of the so-called leather alternatives on the market are made from polyurethane (PU) or polyamide. These are oil-based plastics, yes, the same stuff used in synthetic clothing, upholstery, and even faux wood coatings.

Brands love using them because they’re cheap, flexible, and look like leather at first glance. But under the surface?

They don’t last nearly as long
They often shed microplastics with wear
And they’re anything but biodegradable

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So… Is Vegan Leather Just Plastic?

Short answer: Yes, unless it’s made from next-gen plant materials.

This is where things get interesting. A small group of companies are actually working on real alternatives using apple waste, grape skins, cactus leaves, and even pineapple fibers.

Some examples include:

Vegea (grape-based leather)
Desserto (cactus leather from Mexico)
Piñatex (pineapple leaf fibers)

These are legit innovations. They feel great, hold up well, and don’t rely on fossil fuels.

The problem? They’re expensive to make. Which means most brands don’t use them, especially in the lower or mid-price ranges.

When Real Leather Is the Better Option

If the choice is between plastic-coated vegan leather and responsibly sourced animal leather, you might be better off with the real thing.

Here’s why:

It lasts much longer
It doesn’t release microplastics
Tanned under EU laws, it can have a lower overall impact

Look for terms like:

Vegetable-tanned leather
Chrome-free tanning
Upcycled leather or deadstock from luxury houses

This means the leather is being reused rather than newly produced, often using leftovers from major designer productions.

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So What Should You Look For Instead?

If you want real innovation:
Look for plant-based leather made from verified sources like Vegea, Piñatex, or Desserto.

If you’re okay with animal products:
Choose responsibly tanned leather from Europe. Bonus if it’s upcycled.

And always check:

What is it dyed with?
Are the finishes water-based or petroleum-based?
Does the brand share exact material sourcing?

Inside My Private Club: Honest Slow Fashion Advice

This is exactly the kind of breakdown I share inside my private ethical fashion club.

I help you find the pieces that actually align with your values without greenwashing, without endless scrolling, and without second-guessing what’s really in your cart.

Want a leather bag made from apple skin or deadstock leather?
Need a new pair of boots but don’t trust “vegan” labels?
Looking for a gift that’s sustainable and beautiful?

Inside the club, I send you product links, outfit ideas, and honest reviews—based on what you actually need. We also do monthly personal shopping requests and 1:1 styling calls if you want to go deeper.