Opinion What is vegan leather? Top leather alternatives to add to your wardrobe

If you care about what you wear, it makes sense to care what it’s made from, too! If you’re ready to build a wardrobe that matches your style and your values, check out these innovative vegan leather alternatives & must-try products…

Most of us probably have a leather item or two hanging in our closets, without even thinking twice about it. But once you pay attention to what leather is and where it really comes from, it suddenly doesn’t seem so chic…

Animal leather comes from animal skin, which means there’s a life (and a death) behind every piece of clothing. It’s also closely tied to the meat industry, and while it’s often framed as a by-product of meat production, in reality, leather is actually a ‘co-product’ — one that drives demand for more animals to be raised and killed.

The process of turning animal skin into wearable clothing also uses an excess of water and chemical treatments, both of which actively harm animals and the environment.

But, on the bright side, moving away from leather doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your fashion sense. If anything, it actually opens things up!

Forget the days when plastic-based leather alternatives (like PVC or PU) were the only option — now, there’s a whole new, ever-expanding world of vegan leather products available, made from everything from naturally occurring plant-based materials to repurposed waste.

And honestly, some of these innovations are so unexpected you’ll find yourself thinking: “Wait… that’s made from what?”

So, what is vegan leather?

Vegan leather are materials designed to look and wear like leather, without using animal skin.

That can mean a few different things. Some options are still synthetic, while others are made from plants or leftover materials from other industries. The differences are worth pointing out — but from a style perspective, what matters most is how they wear, feel, and fit into your everyday outfits.

From cactus and pineapple to grape and mushroom (yes, really!), here are some of the most innovative and stylish vegan leather alternatives and plant-based leather products trending right now…

1. Pineapple leather (Piñatex)

Turns out pineapples aren’t just for pina coladas — their leaves can also be turned into leather, too! Piñatex is made from the fibres of those leaves, which are usually discarded after harvest.

The result is a slightly textured material that feels relaxed but still put-together — the kind of piece that works just as well with denim as it does with a more dressed-up fit.

Top picks:

• Evelin Fink — Silver Metallic Piñatex Vest
• NAE — Tanna Black Piñatex Sandals
• Sevigne — Piñatex Crossbody Vegan Bag

2. Apple leather

Apple leather is made using leftover skins and cores from juice production — so, your bag could technically have started as someone’s morning apple juice!

It has a smooth, structured feel that leans a little more polished, which makes it an easy swap if you like pieces that look clean and sleek.

Top picks:

• Sans Beast — Apple Leather Gemini Handbag
• Angela Roi X Luca Nichetto — Malala Medium Apple Leather Tote
• Paz — Apple Leather Crossbody Vegan Bag

3. Mushroom leather (mycelium)

That’s right — not only are they delish in a risotto, but mushrooms are also making their way into fashion. Mycelium (the root structure of mushrooms) is a flexible and versatile material that can be grown and shaped into a leather-like product.

It’s still early days, but it’s already showing up in smaller accessories — and feels like an option we’ll be seeing everywhere before long.

Top picks:

• Mushmycel — Mushroom Biobased Travel Wallet
• Angela Roi – Lynne Mushroom Leather Card Holder
• Make Good — The Derby Mushroom Leather Shoes

4. Cactus leather

Cactus leather is made from nopal cactus — a plant that thrives on very little water — which already gives it a solid edge over traditional leather.

It has a smooth, matte finish that’s timeless and easy to style, whether you’re going for something minimal or making a bit more of a statement.

Top picks:

• Vegan Leather Co — Tokyo Rose Cactus Leather Wallet
• Fossil— Joshua Cactus Leather Card Case
• Bohema — Swan No 1. Cactus Leather Boots

6. Cork leather

Cork leather is a luxe vegan leather alternative that produces soft, suede-like textures as well as classic, firmer leather styles. Harvested from the bark of cork trees (which grow back), it’s then turned into a soft, flexible material with a natural grain.

It’s lightweight, long-lasting, and one of those options that looks great without trying.

Top picks:

• Corkor — Cork Leather Belt
• Corkor — Cork Leather Briefcase

7. Grape leather

If you like a good glass of wine, you might appreciate this one — grape leather is made from the leftover waste of winemaking, including skins, seeds, and stems.

It has a smooth finish that feels similar to traditional leather, just without the animal suffering. A solid example of waste being turned into something genuinely wearable, you can feel good about what you’re wearing and look good while you do it.

Top picks:

• Bohema — Grape Leather Combat Boots
• Bohema – Grape Leather Ballerina Mary Janes

8. Leaf leather

Leaf leather uses real fallen leaves, which are dried, treated, and layered onto fabric. You can usually see the veins running through each piece, which gives it a gorgeous texture and means no two pieces are alike.

It leans a little more artisanal, but in a way that is still super wearable day-to-day.

Top picks:

• Karuna Dawn — Leaf Leather Cross-Body Bag
• Karuna Dawn — Leaf Leather Notebook/Journal
• Karuna Dawn — Leaf Leather Purse

9. Seaweed leather

Yes, seriously — leather can be made from seaweed! Seaweed leather is still emerging, but it’s one of the most exciting vegan leather materials currently in development. Using marine biomass instead of animal or plastic-based inputs, it’s set to become one of the most sustainable vegan leather options on the market.

There isn’t a huge range of finished products available just yet, but we’d recommend keeping an eye out!

10. Boutique & brand-crafted vegan leather

Some brands are now even developing their own vegan leathers in-house — playing with texture, finish, and structure to create something that feels more designer and less “leather alternative.” The result is often super stylish pieces that are clearly a cohesive addition to a collection or label, not just a sustainable swap.

You’ll often see these described as “premium vegan leather,” sitting somewhere between everyday practicality and fashion-led design.

It’s worth noting that some of these brand-crafted vegan leathers are still synthetic-based. If investing in sustainable materials matters to you, it’s always worth checking what’s actually behind the label before you buy.

Top picks:

• Zette — Jacqui Vegan Leather Ankle Boots
• Nõskin — Studio Chelsea Boots
• Matt & Nat — Draden Vegan Leather Jacket
• Noirvere — Scarlett Distressed Leather Tote
• Nõskin — Eyelet Belt

So, is vegan leather worth it?

Short answer: heck yeah, it is! But, like most things, investing in vegan leather doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

Some vegan leathers are still synthetic or plastic-based, while others are made from plants or waste materials that are kinder to our environment. But this space is changing quickly, and the options are improving by the day. Leathers made from corn, olives, and blueberries are all gaining traction, while coffee and tomato leathers are still in their early stages of research and development.

It’s also worth noting that not all synthetic materials are created equal — certain microfibres are made without petrochemicals, offering a lower-impact option without the same environmental downsides. Moral of the story? Simply do your research before you buy!

The key to building a kinder, more sustainable wardrobe is this: You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. A bag you wear every day, a pair of shoes you actually reach for — just make slow, gradual swaps that make sense, and before you know it, your wardrobe and your values will be totally aligned.

In need of some fashionable footwear? Check out our special brand offers to get 20% off storewide at Nõskin here.