Vegan leather is a collective term for materials that look and feel like leather but are produced without any animal-derived components. The base materials range from polyurethane (PU) to plant-based raw materials such as apple scraps, cactus, and cork, all the way to recycled plastics. So the term doesn’t refer to any single material—it refers to what is NOT in it: animal skin. In this article, you’ll get an overview of the different materials available, how durable they are, and how to recognize good quality.
What types of vegan leather are there?
PU leather (polyurethane)
The standard for high-quality vegan bags. A polyurethane coating on a textile base creates a material that feels soft, remains flexible, and can be produced in virtually any texture and color—from a smooth leather look to crocodile embossing. Modern PU materials are abrasion-resistant, water-repellent, and significantly more durable than their reputation suggests; recycled components are increasingly being used. Material thickness is key: thin, low-cost film materials tear along edges and seams, while high-quality smooth PU leather lasts for years.
Apple leather
It is made from pomace left over from juice production, which is processed into a powder and bound with PU. Depending on the manufacturer, the plant-based content ranges from about 20 to 30 percent. It has an attractive, slightly textured appearance—and is priced higher than classic PU.
Cactus leather
Made from the leaves of the nopal cactus, which grows without irrigation—hence its excellent water balance. Soft to the touch, currently available in limited quantities, and at higher prices.
Cork and other plant-based materials
Cork is harvested from the cork oak without cutting down the tree and is naturally water-repellent—though it is clearly recognizable as cork, making it a matter of personal preference. There are also newcomers such as pineapple fiber (Piñatex) and mushroom-based materials, which are still in the early stages of scaling up.
How durable is vegan leather, really?
The honest answer: It comes down to quality, not the brand. High-quality vegan smooth leather withstands years of daily use, is resistant to rain, and doesn’t get water stains—a real everyday advantage over animal leather. Cheap film materials, on the other hand, can become brittle after just a few months. There are three quality features you can check right away: the thickness of the material (does it feel substantial or like plastic?), the edges (neatly sealed instead of open), and the seams (straight, tightly stitched, with no loose threads).
A Comparison of Vegan Leather and Animal Leather in Everyday Use
- Water and Stains: Vegan leather is water-repellent and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Animal leather requires waterproofing and conditioning.
- Weight: Vegan bags are usually noticeably lighter.
- Care instructions: Use a damp cloth instead of leather conditioner—you'll find the instructions in the care guide.
- Patina: Animal leather visibly ages and changes color. Vegan leather retains its appearance—whether that's an advantage or a disadvantage is a matter of personal taste.
- Ethics and the Environment: No animal suffering, no tanning chemicals, lower emissions during production.
What materials does MAKANI use?
Our bags are made of high-quality vegan smooth leather designed for durability—with substantial thickness, sealed edges, and metal hardware. You can read why we deliberately avoid calling it an “alternative” in our article “Vegan Leather: Alternative or Better Choice? ”—and our comprehensive handbag guide will help you find the bag that’s right for you.