Fashion & materials
Vegan alternative to leather
Short answer
Cactus leather (Desserto) is the best all-round replacement for leather — bags and jackets. N/A — buy by product.
Why leather isn't vegan
Animal hide.
Best vegan substitutes
| Substitute | Best for |
|---|---|
| Cactus leather (Desserto) | Bags and jackets |
| Apple and grape leather | Wallets and shoes |
| Recycled PU on a plant base | Budget option |
| Cork | Vegan accessories |
Conversion ratio
N/A — buy by product.
Pro tip
Look past 'vegan leather': ask what the backing is. Recycled or bio-based backings age far better than cheap PVC.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best vegan alternative to leather?
- Cactus leather (Desserto) is the closest all-round swap — bags and jackets. N/A — buy by product.
- Why isn't leather vegan?
- Animal hide.
- How much do I use instead of leather?
- N/A — buy by product.
- Any tips for getting it right?
- Look past 'vegan leather': ask what the backing is. Recycled or bio-based backings age far better than cheap PVC.
Not sure if a product contains leather?
Scan any barcode with VeggieOS for an instant vegan verdict and better swaps — 100% free, no paid plans.
Try VeggieOS free — no paid plans