Posts by Sarah King

10 Best Vegan Leather Handbag Brands To Elevate Your Style

A hand holding three vegan leather handbags in cream, tan and black

Our fashion priorities are shifting as we become more conscious of how our choices affect the planet and the people living on it. We’ve all been there - buying the trendiest accessories without a second thought about where they came from. But now, we’re all about making choices that really reflect our values. In this blog post, we’ll dive into vegan leather handbags, which are not just beautiful but also ethical. If you’re curious about what goes into a vegan handbag, this guide will help you make a thoughtful decision for your next purchase!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us!

Join us as we explore the spectrum of vegan leather alternatives, dissecting which ones align best with sustainability goals. Durability is often a concern on many people's minds when choosing their next handbag, so we'll be taking a look at how you can tell if a bag will stand the test of time.

Why Should You Shop Vegan Handbags?

There are a number of reasons why more people are choosing a vegan alternative when shopping for handbags now. The main reason is usually surrounding ethics and how people feel about using animals for fashion. More people are becoming aware of the realities of animal agriculture, and the fact that those same animals are suffering for fashion too. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian or simply an animal lover, you may feel that using an animal's skin, wool or fur doesn't align with your ethics and so you'll be opting for animal-free materials when you shop. There is also an ethical factor in regards to the humans who have to work with animal leather. The chemicals used in tanning animal leather are extremely toxic, and tannery workers suffer from high rates of cancer due to their exposure to these known carcinogens.

Another big reason people are increasingly switching to vegan leather handbags is for environmental reasons. While not all vegan leather alternatives are 100% sustainable themselves, we do know more about the true impact of using animal leather and how they compare against synthetic alternatives. A recent study by Collective Fashion Justice found that making cow skin leather is nearly seven times more climate impactful than synthetic leather by the square meter. The damage caused by animal leather on the environment includes toxic chemicals used for the tanning process, polluting waterways with factory wastewater, carbon emissions, plus excessive land and water use. We must absolutely factor in all the environmental impacts of animal agriculture before the material is produced, as this cannot be ignored in the process.

By choosing vegan handbags, we can actively reduce our environmental impact and reduce the number of animals killed for fashion.

What types of materials are used for vegan handbags?

There are more sustainable vegan alternatives to leather than ever before. Some are still in development and not widely available, but here are some that you can find on the market today:

Mirum - made of a blend of FSC certified natural rubber, natural colorants like charcoal, natural fillers like clays, plant-based oils and waxes.
Cork - made from the bark of cork trees (without the trees being cut down) and is completely biodegradable.
Mycelium - bio-based and produced from mycelium - the branching, root-like vegetation part of fungi.
Fruit leather (including orange, mango, pineapple, apple and grape) - 45% of all fruits and vegetables grown globally are discarded between the field and the plate. Fruit leather makes use of the waste of these different fruits and creates partly bio-based materials.
Cactus leather - made up of dried cactus powder backed on woven material.
Treekind - made from sustainably sourced wood, Treekind is completely free from plastic and recyclable, and estimated to use less than 1% of the water cow skin leather production does.
Washable paper - FSC trees can be used to create washable paper, a recyclable and biodegradable alternative to leather.

The most commonly used (and less sustainable) alternatives to leather include PVC and PU. These materials are not ideal because, although they impact the environment less than animal-derived materials, they still rely on fossil fuels and do not biodegrade.. However, you can get recycled PU leather which doesn't require extracting new fossil fuels, hugely reducing its environmental impact.

Are Vegan Leather Handbags Durable?

Many people worry about how long vegan leather goods will last. They think these items might not hold up or could peel because vegan leather is often thinner than animal leather. However, when you look at vintage shops, you can find animal leather jackets and bags that have also peeled or cracked. This happens because animal leather needs a lot of care to stay soft, and not everyone is willing to put in that effort.

Durability is fundamentally linked to how well you care for a product, especially with handbags. You have the power to control the wear and tear by ensuring proper storage and minimizing exposure to damage. Not all materials are equal; the quality of the vegan alternative used to make the bag plays a significant role. Follow the care instructions for your vegan handbag to ensure its longevity.

Our Top Picks for Vegan Leather Handbags:

1. Pixie Mood

Materials: Recycled vegan leather, cork

Price: $26 - 118

Pixie Mood specializes in crafting sustainable handbags using recycled vegan leather, cork and recycled rPET for the lining material.

With a wide range of different bag styles including weekender, bucket, waist, shoulder, tote and crossbody, you’ll have no problem finding something to suit your style.

They also offset their carbon emissions and use biodegradable packaging.

Pixie Mood is a member of 1% for the Planet and Terrapass and partners with One Tree Planted and Humane Society to drive positive change for our planet.

Shop Pixie Mood Vegan Leather Handbags

2. Sans Beast

Materials: AppleSkin™, MIRUM®, recycled PU

Price: $50 - 285

Discover the avant-garde world of Sans Beast.

This brand specializes in creating remarkable and eye-catching bags crafted from high-quality vegan leather, ensuring that their products are not only fashionable but also cruelty-free.

By prioritizing ethical and transparent sourcing practices, Sans Beast upholds a strong commitment to sustainability and accountability in the fashion industry. Their dedication to animal-friendly materials sets a new benchmark for accessories, appealing to conscious consumers who value both design and moral responsibility in their choices.

Shop Sans Beast Vegan Leather Handbags

3. Svala

Materials: Piñatex® (Pineapple leather), MIRUM®, cork, PU, BioVeg

Price: $220 - 298

Svala handbags are crafted in LA with materials sourced from Europe. The brand stands out by offering a diverse selection of vegan leather alternatives for its handbags, integrating innovative materials such as Piñatex®, a sustainable textile made from pineapple leaf fibers, and MIRUM®, a plant-based alternative to synthetic leather. Additionally, Svala incorporates eco-friendly options like cork, known for its renewable properties, and BioVeg, which is created from recycled polyester derived from plastic bottles, combined with bio polyols for a reduced environmental footprint.

Svala donates 10% of profits to various charities and organizations, including Wild Aid, whose mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade.

Shop Svala Vegan Leather Handbags

4. Will’s Vegan Store

Materials: Bio-based vegan leather

Price: $52 - 170

Find satchels, briefcases, duffel bags and backpacks at Will’s Vegan Store.

Classic designs and high-quality craftsmanship give these bags such a timeless feel.

Their bags are handmade with Italian vegan leather made with plants created with bio oil sourced from organic cereal crops grown in Northern Europe in a carbon neutral process.

Will’s Vegan Store produces their bags in Portugal under European Union employment, discrimination and health & safety law.

Shop Will's Vegan Store Handbags

5. Poppy Barley PLNT Collection

Materials: Cactus Vegan Leather

Price: $137 - 332

Poppy Barley's PLNT collection features luxury vegan handbags made from Desserto®, an innovative leather alternative derived from nopal cactus. This plant-based material is cruelty-free and requires minimal water for production. The collection includes a variety of styles such as the Multitasker Backpack, 3-in-1 Wristlet, Card Holder, and Right Size Tote, all designed for durability and water resistance. The cactus is sustainably harvested in Mexico, and the bags are assembled in solar-powered, family-owned factories, ensuring ethical production practices. Poppy Barley's commitment to sustainability and ethical craftsmanship is evident in this innovative line of accessories.

*please note: only the handbags from the PLNT collection are vegan

Shop Poppy Barley Vegan PLNT Handbags

6. Von Holzhausen

Materials: Technik-Leather

Price: $295 - 495

Von Holzhausen creates minimalist bags known for their timeless appeal and sustainable construction.

Find shoppers, totes, crossbodies and more in their collection.

These bags are made from animal-friendly Technik-Leather, a material free of PVC and other harmful substances, embodying their dedication to luxury with an eco-friendly approach.

You can even send your bag back if it’s reached the end of its lifespan and Von Holzhausen will recycle it for you.

Shop Von Holzhausen Vegan Leather Handbags

7. LaBante London

Materials: PU, recycled polyester

Price: $125 - 540

LaBante London specializes in vegan leather handbags made from ethically sourced materials, including recycled plastic bottles and vegetable-derived polyurethane (PU).

They offer a stylish range of products, including totes, crossbody bags, and backpacks.

LaBante is dedicated to ethical production practices and only partners with factories that hold SEDEX Certification. This certification ensures transparency in business practices and guarantees that workers are treated with respect.

Shop LaBante Vegan Leather Handbags

8. Mashu

Materials: Piñatex®, Frumat (apple leather), VEGEA, BioVeg

Price: $259 - 596

Founded in 2017 by Greek designer Ioanna Topouzoglou, Mashu combines style and consciousness to create luxury pieces from eco-friendly materials.

Their handbags are designed with Art Deco and Cycladic architecture serving as inspiration, with incredible use of different materials and asymmetric silhouettes.

The gold plated hardware and organic shapes of the handles really make these bags stand out in a crowd and proves you don’t need animal leather to achieve high-quality, fashion-forward products.

Shop Mashu Vegan Leather Handbags

9. Stella McCartney

Materials: VEGEA, Mylo™, MIRUM®, Alter Nappa (PU leather)

Price: $425 - 2,650

British designer brand, Stella McCartney, is renowned for its luxurious vegan handbags made from innovative leather alternatives such as VEGEA (grape-based leather), Mylo™ (mushroom leather) and MIRUM.

The brand is committed to sustainability and ethical practices throughout its supply chain and is constantly exploring new technologies and processes to improve environmental practices and make sustainable vegan alternatives more accessible.

Stella McCartney’s most famous handbag is the Falabella, but they make crossbody bags, totes, shoulder bags and backpacks.

Shop Stella McCartney Vegan Leather Handbags

10. Gunas

Materials: PU coated canvas, recycled rPET

Price: $156 - 299

Founded in 2009, Gunas promotes conscious consumerism by offering cruelty-free, PETA-approved vegan leather handbags made from recycled materials.

The term "Gunas" comes from Sanskrit and translates to "quality, peculiarity, attribute, or tendency."

Their collection features a variety of styles, including clutches, totes, crossbody bags, and backpacks.

Additionally, Gunas is both women and minority-owned.

Shop Gunas Vegan Leather Handbags

best vegan leather handbags pinterest image

About the Author

Sarah King is a freelance writer with a focus on vegan fashion, sustainability and ethically made clothes. She campaigns for change in the fashion industry through her blog and on her Instagram page.

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Why is it good to support B Corp brands?

B Corp certification helps identify brands committed to environmental protection and social responsibility. According to the B Corp website, B Corp certified companies are "legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community and the environment".

With just 100 companies being responsible for 71% of global emissions, we know that climate action is largely dependent on the actions of big businesses, along with our governments. While personal actions can help reduce your carbon footprint, the primary responsibility rests with businesses.

B Corps are driving a cultural shift towards sustainable and inclusive practices. Supporting B Corp brands means voting with your wallet for a better world.

Critiques of B Corp Brands Today

B Corp Certification is a recognized indicator of social and environmental responsibility, but its effectiveness is increasingly questioned. Critics argue that the standards lack rigor, particularly when large multinationals with controversial practices gain certification.

As more brands challenge its credibility, is B Corp still the gold standard for sustainability?

Dr. Bronner's, a leading natural soap brand, has decided not to renew its B Corp Certification, citing concerns over the certification's integrity. The company argues that B Lab, the organization behind the certification, has compromised its standards by accrediting large multinational corporations with histories of ecological and labor issues, such as Unilever Australia and Nespresso. Dr. Bronner's contends that these companies lack comprehensive eco-social certifications for their supply chains, leading to potential consumer misinformation. Despite efforts to advocate for stricter standards, Dr. Bronner's perceives insufficient action from B Lab and hopes its departure will prompt necessary reforms.

Here are 10 (more sustainable) B Corp Brands:

1. tentree

Certified since: 2016
Overall B Impact Score: 136.2
Known for: sustainable women’s and men’s clothing, activewear

tentree designs its sustainable essentials to minimize environmental impact by using eco-friendly materials like TENCEL, organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester. When you buy an item, you directly contribute to planting 10 trees, supporting tentree's goal to plant 1 billion trees by 2030. The brand actively audits its partner factories to ensure compliance with its Code of Conduct and international labor standards.

Shop B Corp Certified Brand Organic Basics

2. PAKA

Certified since: 2020
Overall B Impact Score: 105
Known for: basics & outdoor alpaca clothing for men and women

Founded in Peru, PAKA has created a natural, sustainable clothing line for those who love the outdoors. They believe using eco-friendly materials like their super soft Royal Alpaca that can connect consumers more to nature and sustainably support small communities. Their products are fully traceable from the fiber source, each product features a QR that shows the consumer the farm where the fiber was harvested.

Shop B Corp Certified Brand PAKA

3. Nisolo

Certified since: 2017
Overall B Impact Score: 115.4
Known for: ethically made shoes and accessories

Nisolo believes in a circular approach to environmental responsibility and implements this from the materials they pick to the design elements of their shoes.

Offering both women’s and men’s footwear, Nisolo has everything from sandals and sneakers to heels and boots, all made using Leather Working Group certified leather.

Shop B Corp Certified Brand Nisolo

4. Poppy Barley

Certified since: 2019
Overall B Impact Score: 92.8
Known for: shoes, handbags, accessories

Poppy Barley is a Canadian brand and B-Corporation founded by two sisters in Edmonton, AB. Their company is committed to rethinking every step to create sustainably made, fairly-priced products designed to be worn on repeat. They make insanely comfortable footwear and well-designed accessories with inclusive sizing 5-12 and in medium and wide widths.

Shop B Corp Certified Brand Poppy Barley

5. Kotn

Certified since: 2017
Overall B Impact Score: 121.3
Known for: organic cotton clothing

Canadian-based clothing brand Kotn create timeless essentials made from Egyptian cotton at affordable prices. They work with family-run farms in Portugal and Egypt, ensuring direct-trade practices, fair pay, and safe working conditions for the people involved in their supply chain. From jumpsuits and dresses to everyday basics, Kotn creates simply designed, made-to-last clothes for women & men you can be proud to wear.

Shop B Corp Certified Brand Kotn

6. Eileen Fisher

Certified since: 2015
Overall B Impact Score: 109.4
Known for: sustainable women’s wear

Eileen Fisher is a womenswear brand committed to doing things differently in the fashion industry. Building circular design into all their products, their clothes are not only made to last but their simple, versatile silhouettes work together effortlessly, remaining timeless so you can wear the same pieces year after year. They aim to save their products from landfills when the customer no longer wants the item, reselling gently used garments and upcycling the imperfect ones.

Shop B Corp Certified Brand Eileen Fisher

7. Patagonia

Certified since: 2011
Overall B Impact Score: 151.4
Known for: outdoor apparel, adventure gear

Patagonia recognizes that everything we make has an impact on the planet. 64% of the materials they’re currently using are recycled, and 100% of the virgin cotton they use is grown organically. Patagonia is transparent about its owned facilities and suppliers across the supply chain, so you know where and how the clothes you buy are made.

Shop B Corp Certified Brand Patagonia

8. Boody

Certified since: 2021
Overall B Impact Score: 101.6
Known for: activewear, underwear, loungewear, socks

Boody is a brand that offers comfortable, sustainable apparel for men, women and babies. They use bamboo fabric that is sustainably produced in a closed-loop system (meaning water and solvents are continuously recycled to avoid unnecessary waste). Boody's product line includes a wide variety of basics, loungewear, underwear, bras, and socks. All of Boody's products are made with bamboo that is grown without fertilizers, pesticides, or artificial irrigation, and it comes from FSC-certified forests. The bamboo is grown using recycled rainwater, which is reused in the production process.

Shop B Corp Certified Brand Boody

9. MATE the Label

Certified since: 2023
Overall B Impact Score: 84.4
Known for: comfy loungewear, activewear and basics

MATE is a sustainable brand that was established by a group of women with the aim of producing "Clean Essentials" through sustainable methods in Los Angeles. Their product line consists of items crafted from non-toxic, natural, and organic materials, including various types of organic cotton such as thermal, terry, jersey, and stretch. This wide array of materials enables them to create a diverse range of products suitable for various activities and climates. Furthermore, MATE has strategically localized its entire supply chain within a ten-mile radius, managing all stages from cutting and sewing to dyeing, packaging, and shipping within their Los Angeles facility.

Shop B Corp Certified Brand MATE the Label

10. All the Wild Roses

Certified since: 2019
Overall B Impact Score: 130.8
Known for: boho style dresses

All The Wild Roses is a certified B-Corp brand from Australia that specializes in timeless Bohemian-style clothing made from vintage fabrics. Their small team of women is dedicated to creating sustainable designs that connect and empower women, while also creating opportunities for people to thrive. The brand's journey is an evolution that stems from the founder's life as an Australian refugee and her family connections to her native Vietnam. Up to 90% of their designs are made from upcycled fabrics, which are also called deadstock, surplus, or remnant fabrics. The team curates biodegradable fabrics from excess and leftover fabric from other designers and fabric warehouses to use in their collections.

Shop B Corp Certified Brand All the Wild Roses

Conclusion

It can be difficult to sort through all of the information out there to determine which brands are on the path toward more responsible and ethical production when it comes to people and planet. The B Corp certification provides a great resource to help consumers identify the brands that are doing better.

About the Author:

Sarah is a freelance writer with a focus on vegan fashion, sustainability and ethically made clothes. She campaigns for change in the fashion industry through her blog and on her Instagram page.

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Why Purchase Used & Secondhand Clothing?

The average American throws away around 81 pounds of clothing each year, so it’s clear there are already more than enough clothes out there in circulation.

Shopping second-hand could mean visiting your local thrift store or vintage shop, but why not enjoy the great deals from the comfort of your own home?

Used clothing apps are the perfect way to shop second-hand, and we’ve handpicked our favorites to share with you!

Best Clothing Selling Apps & Places to Shop for Secondhand Clothes:

A hand holding an iPhone with a secondhand clothing app call Flyp

1. Flyp

Shipping: U.S.

Ideal for those of us who don’t have as much time to sell clothes, Flyp connects you to a network of independent “Pro Sellers” who will sell your clothes for you.

It's a great app to start your second-hand journey with everything from clothes and shoes to bags and accessories.

Flyp takes great care in selecting the clothes accepted on the app, ensuring that you’ll discover only high-quality items from desirable brands like Nike, Lululemon, and Urban Outfitters.

If you’re selling on the app, Pro sellers have a vested interest in selling your clothes, and it’s more likely that they will sell to someone who genuinely wants them – an added sustainability benefit. You do have to pay a commission to the person who sells your clothes for you, but this is a similar amount to other apps costs.

Con: Sellers have less control over pricing and profits, as they must work with a "Pro Seller" for listings. This can lead to lower earnings compared to directly selling on platforms like Poshmark or Depop, where sellers set their own prices. Additionally, the process may take longer since sellers must wait for Pro Sellers to accept, list, and sell their items.

Download Flyp Secondhand Clothing App

A secondhand clothing app talking about how circular fashion is the future

2. Closest Closet

Disruptor and up-and-comer closestcloset.com is changing the secondhand marketplace by allowing paid members to use their own items as currency. Members pay $20 per month or can save 33% with an annual plan for $160 per year. They can post gently used, high-quality items from their physical closet to their virtual closet and earn instant hanger credits. You can use these hanger credits to shop for free among other members' items. Non-members can buy items older than 30 days with credits at checkout.

Pros: Closest Closet members save significantly through their monthly membership and get first access to items after they are posted. Members should maintain their clothing in good condition, making it easy to repost and earn credits with just one click. They also receive an Individualized Environmental Impact Score to learn how their Closest Closet membership impacts the planet.

Cons: Closest Closet members do not earn cash for the items they post.

Shop Secondhand Clothing at Closest Closet

An iPhone with a secondhand clothing app featuring people selling used clothes

3. Lucky Sweater

Lucky Sweater is the go-to app for swapping your favorite vintage clothing, handmade pieces, and curated sustainable brands in welcoming and fun community clothing swap spaces! Imagine trading for AGOLDE jeans, an Ilana Kohn skort, Girlfriend Collective leggings, or a Mara Hoffman maxi dress.

Swap items and explore the app's community space to catalog your favorite outfits. Share how you style your received pieces, find fashion inspiration, and get sustainable fashion tips from fellow secondhand enthusiasts.

With over 10,000 items available for swapping, there's always something new to discover! The community often gifts items to one another, making Lucky Sweater the ideal place to find unique, curated, secondhand items for yourself, family, or friends this holiday season. It's also a great way to kickstart a new year of embracing more secondhand fashion this year!

Cons: Its swapping model may not suit users wanting to profit from their clothes. The community-based exchanges can make it time-consuming to find suitable swap matches, and users might not receive items of equal value or quality. Additionally, availability is limited to what others offer, making it harder to find specific brands or styles compared to traditional resale platforms.

Download Lucky Sweater Clothing Swap App

An iPhone with a secondhand clothing app called Vestiaire that features used clothes from designer brands

4. Vestiaire Collective

Shipping: worldwide

A global marketplace of pre-owned luxury fashion, Vestiaire is the top destination for discounted designer pieces and vintage clothing.

Clothing, bags, shoes and jewelry from hundreds of brands, with thousands of new items, added every day.

It’s definitely a fashion lover’s paradise.

Pros: Vestiaire has an optional authentication feature that checks and approves items before shipping. You can ‘like’ items to add them to your favorites, making it easy to view your wish list.

Cons: Nearly everything on the app is expensive, so not accessible for most people. They lack a good range of sizes, mostly offering small to petite. Most items contain animal materials like silk, leather, and wool, making them unsuitable for vegan shoppers. The authentication feature incurs extra costs, so it might not be worth it depending on the item's value.

Shop Vestiaire Collective Secondhand Luxury Fashion

An mens urban shirt and hoodie from a secondhand clothing app called Grailed

5. Grailed

Shipping: worldwide

One for the boys! Grailed is the one-stop destination for buying, selling and exploring menswear, although they do also offer womenswear now. Grailed is the top menswear resale marketplace, offering both new and used clothing. It's the ideal spot to find that coveted item you missed out on. Grailed is filled with streetwear brands, vintage pieces and independent designers, and their team makes sure everything is authenticated.

Pros: Grailed provides men a platform to explore sustainable fashion inclusively, filling a crucial gap in the industry. You have buyer protection as PayPal is the app’s payment method, so your transactions are eligible for refunds. You can also shop at Grailed through your desktop.

Cons: Grailed has been criticised for their high international seller fees; for domestic (American) sellers, the fee has risen to 9% per sale, on top of the mandatory 2.9% (plus 30 cents) PayPal fee.

Shop Grailed Secondhand Clothing

A pile of clothes from cool brands like Reformation you can find at secondhand clothing shop ThredUp

6. ThredUP

Shipping: U.S., Canada

Offering a huge range of brands, ThredUP is available as an app on your phone or through your desktop if that’s what you prefer.

When you’ve selected which clothes you’re ready to part ways with, you send them off to ThredUP, who sell them for you, keeping some commission and paying you a percentage.

This would be great for anyone who has a lot of clothes to get rid of and not much time to do it themselves.

Pros: The filter options make shopping on the app a painless experience, refining your search and saving you time. Plus, the “Buy & Bundle” shipping option combines items from multiple orders into a single package and ships everything together.

Cons: ThredUP is allowed to offer discounts on all clothing, meaning you may lose some profit from your sales. The payouts for your sold clothes are considerably lower than other second-hand clothing apps, so you could make less money selling on ThredUP.

Shop ThredUP Secondhand Clothing

A woman wearing a secondhand outfit from used clothing site Depop

7. Depop

Shipping: worldwide

Originally a social network, Depop is a fun, interactive second-hand shopping experience that replicates a lot of what we like about online shopping.

With a mix of fast fashion brands, vintage pieces and independent sellers, Depop offers a huge variety of different styles all under one (digital) roof.

Pros: Depop is a great place to find quirky, unique clothing items no one else would have. You can tailor the search criteria and save your preferred sizes, making it easier when you go back on the app and continue shopping.

Cons: Sellers can contact you through direct messages if they feel you’ve shown interest in their item, and it can get slightly intrusive. Be aware that fast fashion resellers operate heavily on Depop, buying up large volumes of the same piece of clothing and selling it on for a profit. They can also trick you into thinking you’re buying from an independent designer when it’s, in fact, cheap, imported fast fashion – lookout for sellers with multiple sizes of the same item. While you aren’t charged for listing items, there is a 10% fee to pay when it sells.

Shop Depop Secondhand Clothing

A pretty secondhand blouse from used online site eBay

8. eBay

Shipping: worldwide

Not just for online auctions anymore, the eBay app offers some brilliant bargains on anything from designer bags to activewear.

There are also many independent businesses on the app to support, plus a lot of vintage clothing—an excellent place to start if you are testing the waters of second-hand fashion.

Pros: With 185 million active buyers by the end of 2020, eBay has an enormous built-in base of shoppers who are ready to buy your unwanted clothes, making selling them a lot easier. For buying on the app, you can set up alerts for keywords so you get notified when a new item is listed that you might be interested in.

Cons: On the flip side, there is a lot of competition for sellers on the app, which could make it harder for your clothes to get noticed. When searching for clothes to buy, it can feel quite daunting with the number of items available; it may take you some time to track down what you’re looking for.

Shop eBay Secondhand Clothing

A young woman striking a pose in her secondhand clothing that she is uploading to the Vinted app to sell

9. Vinted

Shipping: worldwide

Vinted sells a wide range of low-cost second-hand clothing, with a focus on high street brands like Free People, Forever21, Gap and Anthropologie.

Vinted also offers buyers and sellers the option to swap clothes, with a ‘swap’ filter option so you can search for items that people are willing to swap with you.

Pros: There are zero listing or selling fees, so what you earn is yours to keep. Your orders are protected when you pay through Vinted, and you’re entitled to refunds, which is not always an option with second-hand apps. Vinted has forums on the app so you can engage with other buyers and sellers for support and advice.

Cons: Buyers are charged a service fee that covers the payment method's cost, which can vary in price. You will have to check if the seller has been active recently as you may be buying from someone who is no longer active on the app.

Shop Vinted Secondhand Clothing

A young woman who sells her old clothing on Poshmark and is holding a package to send to a customer

10. Poshmark

Shipping: U.S., Canada

Offering up to 70% off prices on thousands of popular brands, Poshmark is an ideal app for bargain shoppers.

From clothing to homeware and even pet accessories, it’s a treasure chest of second-hand goodies.

Pros: Poshmark offers protected payments, so if it’s not what you thought you were buying. you can get a refund. The app is often referred to as a community, with 70 million ‘Poshers’ and ‘Posh Party’ selling events. Poshmark makes it easy to haggle a price with the “offer” button.

Cons: For items over $15, Poshmark takes a 20% commission from your sale; for more expensive items this could see you potentially losing a lot of money. When searching on Poshmark, they don’t indicate how many listings there are available, leading to endless scrolling trying to find the item you want.

Download Poshmark Secondhand Clothing App

a woman holding a pile of secondhand sweaters from ASOS Marketplace

11. Asos Marketplace

Shipping: worldwide

Marketplace launched in 2010 with just 20 sellers and has grown to become the leading online platform for independent brands and vintage boutiques, with over 800 boutiques from around the world.

Offering a unique range of clothing, footwear and accessories, Marketplace is the ultimate location for finding that one-of-a-kind item that you’ve been looking for.

Pros: By shopping with Marketplace, you are supporting independent retailers and designers, which helps support the sustainable fashion industry and gives you an added connection to your clothes that you just don’t get with big fashion brands. All transactions are protected, and they have a great customer service system in place to support you.

Cons: If you are an overseas buyer, you may be subject to import duties and taxes, which are levied once the package reaches your country. You will have to communicate with each boutique or brand for your purchase, so your experience can depend on their customer service skills.

Shop ASOS Secondhand Marketplace

A woman holding her baby and a pile of secondhand clothing from Mercari

12. Mercari

Shipping: U.S.

The go-to second-hand clothes destination for true bargain hunters, Mercari offers up to 70% off retail prices on thousands of popular brands. With 350,000 new items listed daily, there is always a huge selection of clothing, footwear and accessories.

Essentially a thrift store in an app, Mercari will definitely have something for you if you have the time to search!

Pros: You will definitely be able to save money on your clothes shopping when you buy from Mercari, and with buyer protection and easy returns, this app offers a safe and fun way to shop second-hand fashion. You can also set up email alerts to be notified when an item you’ve been hunting for is added to the app.

Cons: The app has been known to accept very used items to be sold, so watch out for transparency on sellers’ descriptions. Some sellers can be difficult to reach or slow to respond, making the buying process frustrating.

Shop Mercari Secondhand Clothing

About the Author

Sarah King is a freelance writer with a focus on vegan fashion, sustainability and ethically made clothes. She campaigns for change in the fashion industry through her blog and on her Instagram page.

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What is Cupro Fabric?

Cupro – the versatile and luxurious fabric that's making waves in the sustainable fashion world! If you're curious about what cupro is, how it's made, and its impact on the environment, you've come to the right place.

So what exactly is cupro? Well, think of it as a cousin to rayon and silk, known for its silky texture and ability to drape nicely. But what sets cupro apart is its unique production process, which involves recycling cotton linter – a byproduct of the cotton industry.

We’ll dive deeper into the history and manufacturing process of cupro in this blog, and uncover some of the sustainability challenges associated with cupro production and why it might not always be the most eco-friendly choice.

A brief history of cupro

Cupro has a foggy history with lots of different claims as to where and when it was first created. Many people claim that production of cuprammonium rayon for textiles started in 1899 in the Vereinigte Glanzstoff Fabriken AG in Oberbruch, Germany, but that it was an improvement by J. P. Bemberg AG in 1904 that made the artificial silk a product comparable to real silk.

Initially used for industrial purposes such as electrical insulation, cupro found its way into the fashion industry during World War I when silk supplies were scarce. Its luxurious feel and silk-like drape made it a popular choice for clothing, particularly in the production of linings, lingerie, and lightweight garments.

Throughout the 20th century, cupro became a staple in fashion, valued for its versatility and comfort. As it is derived from a natural fiber, similar to TENCEL Lyocell and viscose, it has been widely adopted by sustainable fashion brands.

The science behind the material

Cupro, short for cuprammonium rayon, is derived from natural cellulose fibers found in cotton linter, a byproduct of the cotton industry. The process of creating cupro involves several chemical treatments to transform these cellulose fibers into a textile.

First, the cotton linter is dissolved in a cuprammonium solution, typically composed of copper oxide and ammonia. This solution breaks down the cellulose fibers, forming a viscous liquid known as viscose.

Next, the viscose solution is extruded through spinnerets into a coagulating bath, usually containing sulfuric acid or a similar acidic solution. This bath solidifies the viscose into continuous filaments, which are then washed to remove any residual chemicals.

Finally, the filaments are stretched, dried, and processed into fibers, which can be spun into yarns and woven or knitted into fabric. The resulting cupro fabric is a popular choice for clothing that needs to drape like dresses, skirts and blouses.

Is cupro sustainable?

While it is derived from natural cellulose fibers, cupro's sustainability is a topic of debate due to its manufacturing process and the concerns associated with the environmental impacts.

On the one hand, cupro utilizes a waste product of cotton production and therefore helps to reduce the overall waste of the cotton industry. It is also a good alternative to silk for vegans as silk requires the breeding and killing of silkworms.

However, the chemicals used to create cupro include copper oxide, ammonia, and caustic soda. These can be harmful to the textile workers who handle the production and also pose a threat to the environment as they can pollute waterways if the wastewater from production is not responsibly managed. Additionally, the coagulating bath often contains sulfuric acid, a highly corrosive substance that poses risks to both human health and ecosystems.

Cupro production involves significant water usage and energy consumption, which contributes to its overall carbon footprint. While cupro is biodegradable and can be considered a renewable resource, its sustainability is undermined by the chemical-intensive production process and the resulting environmental impacts. As a result, there is growing interest in developing more eco-friendly methods to cupro production.

Cupro is now solely manufactured in Japan by Bemberg, who have since developed a closed-loop system for the material, meaning that any chemicals are extracted and reused multiple times. Bemberg has said “We strictly control the chemical substances used in the manufacturing process and have introduced a closed-loop production system that recovers and reuses copper and ammonia,”. This is a good step forward and you can find out more information on how they make cupro on Bemberg’s information page.

If you’re considering buying clothing made with cupro, it’s worth checking out where they get their cupro from and what it’s blended with. You can also find similar materials like TENCEL Lyocell and recycled satin that make great alternatives to silk.

Five sustainable fashion brands using cupro

Amour Vert

Amour Vert offers sustainable fashion with a chic flair. Their clothing line includes timeless pieces made from eco-friendly materials, ranging from classic tees to elegant dresses. Known for their commitment to sustainability, each piece is designed to be both stylish and environmentally conscious, appealing to the modern, eco-conscious consumer. Amour Vert offers a range of clothing made with cottonseed cupro, including blouses, jackets and dresses.

Whimsy + Row

Whimsy + Row embodies effortless California cool with their collection of laid-back yet modern clothing. From breezy dresses to versatile jumpsuits, their designs are characterized by their relaxed silhouettes and sustainable fabrics. Known for their commitment to ethical production, they offer fashion-forward pieces perfect for everyday wear. Whimsy + Row use a Tencel-cupro blend in a range of dresses, skirts and pants.

Anemos

Anemos specializes in luxurious resort wear that exudes elegance and sophistication. Their collection features flowy maxi dresses, tailored separates, and chic swimwear, all crafted from high-quality fabrics. Known for their attention to detail and minimalist designs, Anemos offers the epitome of refined vacation attire for the modern eco-traveller. Anemos source their cupro from Japan and their linen and stretch cupro from Turkey, and have a range of cupro-based clothing including dresses, shorts and tops.

Altar

Altar is synonymous with edgy, alternative fashion that pushes boundaries. Their clothing line includes statement-making pieces such as graphic tees, bold prints, and avant-garde accessories. Known for their rebellious spirit and unique aesthetic, Altar caters to those who dare to stand out and express themselves through their style. From kaftans and jumpsuits to their basic cropped tees, Altar uses their deadstock cupro to create bold yet simple pieces that will last a lifetime.

LA Relaxed

LA Relaxed captures the essence of laid-back Los Angeles style with their collection of effortlessly cool clothing. From cozy loungewear to versatile basics, their designs prioritize comfort without compromising on style. Known for their soft, sustainable fabrics and relaxed fits, LA Relaxed offers wardrobe staples perfect for the modern urban dweller. They use a Lyocell (eucalyptus) based cupro weave in a couple of their dresses that are perfect for warm summer evenings.

Caring for your clothes

Maintaining and caring for your cupro clothing can help extend the life cycle of your item and avoid it having to be thrown away. There are a few things you can do to look after your clothes made with cupro that can help keep them as smooth and silky as the day you found it!

It’s worth thinking of caring for cupro in a similar way that you would if it were made of silk, as it’s a very similar fabric and requires a certain level of gentle care that other materials don’t always call for. When washing your cupro items, if you can hand wash in cold water with a gentle soap, that works best for this material, and avoid rubbing or wringing out the item. Then you can lay the item flat to dry and reshape while still damp if needed. You can also air dry outside or on a drying rack. You can iron cupro at a low or medium temperature but make sure you iron on the reverse side to avoid the material becoming shiny.

If your item is particularly delicate, such as dresses or blouses, you may opt for eco-friendly dry cleaners that can help the item keep its shape and avoid damage during the cleaning process.

Looking after your clothes in general is a great way to avoid wear and tear and help your items last as long as possible. Here are some other tips to keep your garments fresher for longer:

Read the care labels: Always check the care labels on your clothing for specific washing instructions. Different fabrics require different treatments.
Sort clothes before washing: Separate darks from lights and delicate fabrics from sturdier ones to prevent color bleeding and damage.
Wash in cold water: Using cold water helps preserve colors and prevents shrinkage, especially for delicate garments.
Use gentle detergents: Opt for mild, eco-friendly detergents to prevent harsh chemicals from damaging fabrics.
Turn clothes inside out: This protects the outer surface of clothes from friction and fading during washing.
Air dry when possible: Hang clothes to air dry instead of using the dryer, which can cause shrinkage and damage fibers.
Store clothes properly: Fold knitwear and delicate items instead of hanging them to maintain their shape. Use padded hangers for structured garments.
Avoid overwashing: Washing clothes too frequently can cause them to wear out faster. Spot clean when possible and air out clothes between wears.
Mend and repair: Fix small tears, loose buttons, and loose threads promptly to prevent further damage.

About the Author

Sarah King is a freelance writer with a focus on vegan fashion, sustainability and ethically made clothes. She campaigns for change in the fashion industry through her blog and on her Instagram page.

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A Guide to Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Baby Showers

Awaiting the arrival of your new bundle of joy is a magical time for parents, filled with excitement and anticipation. But, if you’re considering planning a baby shower to celebrate you as soon-to-be-parents, you might wonder if it’s possible to make this a sustainable event. The good news is there are countless ways to ensure a sustainable baby shower is everything you want it to be for both mother-to-be and Mother Nature.

From the invitations to the decorations, so many elements of your baby shower can be made sustainable with just a bit of planning and some eco-alternatives. As more people have become aware of the environmental impacts of events like baby showers, the market for sustainable party supplies has grown to keep up with demand. You’ll now find great alternatives and sustainable solutions to help you plan a party you can be proud of, and that will inspire your guests to take notes for their future events!

Why make your baby shower sustainable?

Baby showers are now big business, with the average cost of hosting one anywhere between $100 and $1000. Unfortunately, along with the cost, a lot of waste happens from celebratory events, including baby showers. From food waste and single-use plastics to non-biodegradable confetti and unwanted party favors, many elements of a baby shower can be unsustainable and wasteful.

As with all events, you'll want to make this day memorable and enjoyable for you and your guests, but you'll feel even better if you know you've done your bit for the planet simultaneously. It can seem daunting to plan a sustainable event, often with many factors to consider. But don't worry; we've come up with a list of top tips to help you plan the perfect baby shower and keep things as eco-friendly as possible!

our top tips for hosting an eco-friendly baby shower:

1. Eco-friendly invitations

One of the ways you can start off on the right foot with your sustainable shower planning is to think about the invitations you'll be making for the event. While it's common to have printed invitations sent out for a baby shower, unless you're family or close friends, these usually get thrown away. And unless the invites are fully recyclable (and your guests actually do recycle!), they will likely end up in landfill.

Why not opt for digital invites rather than printed ones? These can be found for free online, or you could design your own with free tools like Canva and then email them out. You can even use online evite sites that allow you to track invite responses, dietary requirements, and more - making your life even easier.

If you do go for print, try to use FSC-certified paper or recycled paper, and avoid foiled lettering or glitter, as these make the invites unrecyclable. You could even get invitations made on wildflower seed paper and encourage your guests to plant their invitations after the event. We have a post - here - that offers you some wonderful options.

2. Sustainable food and beverage options

If you're providing food and drink at the baby shower, there are several ways you can choose more sustainable options. If you're using a caterer, search for one who uses organic, locally sourced produce and provides the food in zero-waste packaging.

Whenever possible, choose locally sourced and organic food and beverages. Locally sourced produce reduces carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation, while organic options support sustainable farming practices and avoid harmful pesticides.

Plan the menu around seasonal ingredients. Seasonal produce is often fresher, tastier, and more affordable. It also helps reduce your event's environmental impact by minimizing the need for energy-intensive storage and transportation.

Also consider opting for a plant-based menu to satisfy most dietary requirements and reduce your carbon footprint (maybe you can find some inspiration from some of our favorite vegan food bloggers). Make sure the plates, cutlery and cups you get are reusable too! You could even rent the things you need from a party rental company. They provide everything from tableware and linen to chairs and tables.

If you still need to opt for a few disposable items, we suggest checking out Repurpose for those! They have a lot of compostable options for cutlery, bowls, plates, cups and drinkware.

To minimize food waste, estimate the number of guests accurately. Consider serving food in smaller portions or offering a buffet-style meal where guests can choose what they want. Encourage guests to bring their reusable containers to take home any leftovers.

3. Eco-friendly decorations

First and foremost, go plastic-free! This will reduce the amount of single-use items you have at the baby shower and allow you to reuse the decorations again. Decorations are often available to rent too, which could be perfect for any big decorations you had in mind. You can also ask your family and friends if they have anything you can borrow from their past celebrations.

To tie in with the eco-friendly theme of the shower, use natural elements to decorate the space to really connect people to nature and create a calm, peaceful atmosphere. Potted plants make great centerpieces, and small trees could help fill any space you have.

Consider taking the party outside if you can, as beautiful natural landscapes make the best decorations for a party. What could be better than being surrounded by tall trees or hearing the sound of the ocean at your baby shower?

4. Games and activities with an environmental twist

We've all been to a baby shower that had loads of games with printed bingo cards, pens, paint, and even cheap onesies. Unfortunately, what doesn't get thrown in the trash usually gets forgotten or donated a few months later. Instead, think of games or activities that don't involve anything you won't use again.

Guess the baby is a popular game that can be easily made more eco-friendly. Simply ask your guests to bring along a photo of themselves as a baby and use wooden pegs on a line to hang them up - then record everyone's guesses digitally on your phone or tablet.

Another fun activity (not necessarily a game) would be to plant a tree. Set up a station where guests can contribute to planting a tree to honor the new baby. This activity not only encourages sustainability but also creates a lasting memory for the parents and their child.

5. Eco-friendly party favors for guests

It can be hard to come up with party favors to give to your guests that they will all want, especially when sticking to a budget. However, things like mini beeswax candles, homemade soaps and bath salts are usually crowd pleasers and can be pretty cheap if you can make them yourself or get them from a thrift store (psst..you can find lots of ribbon there).

You can also give your guests the gift of greenery by offering seed packets as party favors. Choose seeds of plants or flowers that are native to your region or support local wildlife. Encourage your guests to plant and watch them grow as a reminder of the baby shower. Another great idea would be to prepare homemade treats such as cookies, jams, or granola bars using organic and locally sourced ingredients. Package them in reusable glass jars or fabric bags, and attach a personalized note expressing your gratitude. This not only reduces waste but also shows your guests how much you value their presence.

You could even tie the party favors into the games or activities of your baby shower. For example, have people decorate mini potted succulents to take home with them or make their own candles or soap at an activity station during the baby shower.

By opting for eco-friendly party favors, you not only reduce waste but also inspire your guests to make sustainable choices in their everyday lives.

6. Sustainable gifts

If your guests are keen to offer gifts at your shower, think about what you really need for the new baby. Unwanted or duplicate gifts can be an annoyance and even wasteful. Why not set up a sustainable gift registry and let people know they can select something from the list?

Struggling to come up with gift ideas? Check out our list of the best sustainable baby gifts, eco-friendly baby clothes brands, and don't forget our guide to creating a sustainable baby registry.

Not interested in gifts? Why not ask for donations to a local animal sanctuary or environmental charity you support?

7. The outfit

Don't forget about your outfit for the big day! You've been planning this party for weeks, so you'll want a special ensemble to feel good in on the day. But this doesn't have to mean going out and buying a brand new item of clothing! For the mom-to-be, if you don't have a maternity dress that will work for the event, why not rent one? There are loads of maternity wear rental websites that have dresses, skirts or jumpsuits to wear for your baby shower. Try Motherhood Rental or Rent The Runway Maternity for some inspiration! You could also find something second-hand or vintage that is often cheaper than buying brand new. You may even already have a flowy dress in your closet that has just the right amount of room for your growing belly :)

Conclusion: Celebrating the arrival of your little one while being kind to the planet

Hosting an eco-friendly baby shower doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. By following these seven tips, you can create a memorable and sustainable event that will positively impact the Earth and your little one.

From choosing eco-friendly games and activities to providing sustainable party favors, there are many ways to incorporate sustainability into every aspect of your baby shower. You can reduce waste and promote a green lifestyle by making conscious choices, such as using recycled materials, serving organic food, and opting for digital invitations.

Remember, the baby shower is not just about celebrating the new arrival but also about shaping a better future for them. By hosting an eco-friendly baby shower, you teach your little one the importance of caring for the environment and making sustainable choices from the beginning.

So, gather your loved ones, embrace the beauty of nature, and celebrate the joyous occasion while leaving a minimal environmental footprint. Let's raise our glasses to a greener and brighter future for your little one and the planet!

About the Author

Sarah King is a freelance writer with a focus on vegan fashion, sustainability and ethically made clothes. She campaigns for change in the fashion industry through her blog and on her Instagram page.