Home > Styling > Top 10 Leather Alternatives You Need to Know in Eco Fashion

Top 10 Leather Alternatives You Need to Know in Eco Fashion

Discover the top 10 leather alternatives that are revolutionizing eco-fashion, from cactus and mushroom leather to innovative materials like cork and coffee.

Leather has been an essential material since the dawn of humanity, serving as protection from the elements and creating long-lasting garments. Today, the fashion world still relies heavily on leather, with 50% of leather production used for shoes, 25% for clothing, and 15% for upholstery. However, leather production is not without its environmental consequences. Fortunately, there are innovative, eco-friendly alternatives made from plants and recycled materials, allowing us to embrace a more sustainable future in fashion. 

 

Why Leather Is a Problem

The United Nations has reported that livestock farming, essential for leather production, generates more greenhouse gases than the entire transportation sector. Additionally, methane from livestock is 86 times more harmful to the environment than the carbon dioxide emitted by cars. On top of that, most leather is treated with hazardous chemicals like chromium during tanning, making it non-biodegradable and creating toxic waste.
 

Video сredit: COWSPIRACY

But don’t despair—there are at least ten exciting leather alternatives, made from materials like cactus, mushrooms, cork, apples, and even coffee! These sustainable options are revolutionizing the fashion world and helping to reduce our carbon footprint.

Disclaimer: Sparkpick has affiliate partnerships and may receive a share of the revenue from your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work and sustainable fashion.

1. Vegan Leather

Most traditional vegan leather is made from PVC and polyurethane (PU), which are plastic-based. While they avoid animal harm, they’re still not the most eco-friendly due to their slow degradation. However, newer technologies allow PU to be more sustainable and recyclable, giving traditional vegan leather a greener edge.
 
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    sparkpick features will's vegan store chelsea boots in sustainable fashionView
    Will’s Vegan Store
    Chelsea boots
    $212.00
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    sparkpick features nae vegan shoes chunky derby shoes in sustainable fashionView
    NAE Vegan Shoes
    Derby shoes
    $67.00 (On sale)
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    sparkpick features votch immaculate vegan petite watch in sustainable fashionView
    Votch | Immaculate Vegan
    Elegant watch
    $160.00
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    Sparkpick features Nicholas Kirkwood pre-loved nude pumps in sustainable fashion on Poshmark posted by SparkpickView
    Nicholas Kirkwood | Poshmark
    Pre-loved nude pumps (38)
    $250.00
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    sparkpick features gunas quilted purse in sustainable fashionView
    GUNAS
    Quilted purse
    $249.00
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    sparkpick features sans beast sanctuary handbag in sustainable fashionView
    Sans Beast
    Sanctuary handbag
    $329.00
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    Sparkpick features SPARK + REBEL modular eco fashion brand Upcycled harness belt casual street style in sustainable fashion on EtsyView
    SPARK + REBEL | Etsy
    Upcycled harness belt
    $199.00
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    sparkpick features will's vegan store jeans belt in sustainable fashionView
    Will’s Vegan Store
    Vegan belt
    $52.00
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    sparkpick features sans beast vegan card holder in sustainable fashionView
    Sans Beast
    Vegan card holder
    $99.00
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    sparkpick features gunas vegan crossbody bag in sustainable fashionView
    GUNAS
    Vegan crossbody bag
    $199.00
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    GUNAS
    Vegan laptop bag
    $275.00
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    NAE Vegan Shoes
    Vegan leather belt
    $51.00
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    Sparkpick features GUNAS vegan leather satchel in sustainable fashionView
    GUNAS
    Vegan leather satchel
    $275.00
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    Sparkpick features NOAH vegan loafers classic in sustainable fashionView
    NOAH
    Vegan loafers
    $100.00 (On sale)
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    sparkpick features blackcherrykiss on etsy vegan print boots in sustainable fashionView
    BlackCherryKiss | Etsy
    Vegan print boots
    $97.00
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    sparkpick features sans beast vegan handbag in sustainable fashionView
    Sans Beast
    Vegan satchel
    $229.00
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    V.GAN | Immaculate Vegan
    Vegan slippers
    $65.00
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    Will’s Vegan Store
    Vegan sneakers
    $104.00
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    Vegan tote bag
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    Zip wallet
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2. Pineapple Leather (Piñatex)

Piñatex is a durable and flexible leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fibers in the Philippines. Developed by Ananas Anam, it’s already being used by eco-conscious brands like Nae and Bohema Clothing to create stunning shoes and accessories. It’s not only 100% eco-friendly but also supports local farming communities by repurposing agricultural waste. 

Dr. Carmen Hijosa, founder of Pinatex, pineapple leather
Dr. Carmen Hijosa, the founder of Pinatex, is holding a pineapple / Photo by David Stewart for Wired
 
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    NAE Vegan Shoes
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    Sparkpick features Svala Pinatex leather clutch in sustainable fashionView
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    Sparkpick features PlantBasedBoutiqueCo on Etsy Pinatex leather pouch in sustainable fashionView
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    Piñatex pouch
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3. MuSkin Mushroom Leather

MuSkin is made from the caps of mushrooms and is biodegradable, waterproof, and non-toxic. This vegan leather is already being used by designers like Nat2, who have launched a Fungi sneaker line. Although production is still limited, MuSkin shows immense potential for future fashion. 

Video credit: CNA Insider
 
 

4. Corn Leather

Corn leather combines organic plant material with PU, creating a smooth material perfect for small accessories and handbags. It’s made from non-food-grade crops, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with food supply chains. The result? A stylish, bio-based material that feels like traditional leather but with a lower environmental impact.
 
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    sparkpick features watson and wolfe immaculate card wallet in sustainable fashionView
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    Card wallet
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    sparkpick features corn leather bag from mashu in sustainable fashionView
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    Corn bag
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    sparkpick features corn leather bag from mashu in sustainable fashionView
    Mashu
    Corn bucket bag
    $373.00 (On sale)
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    sparkpick features solari milano immaculate vegan oxford shoes in sustainable fashionView
    Solari Milano | Immaculate Vegan
    Vegan Oxford shoes
    $211.00
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    sparkpick features flamingos life vegan sneakers in sustainable fashionView
    Flamingos’ Life
    Vegan sneakers
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5. Apple and Grape Leather

Apple and grape leather are made from fruit waste, offering a unique texture and feel that is both eco-friendly and versatile. Companies like Happy Genie and Nuuwai are pioneering apple leather bags, while others are exploring grape leather for different products. These materials provide a sustainable alternative with a fresh, modern twist.

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    sparkpick features apple leather bag from mashu in sustainable fashionView
    Mashu
    Apple leather bag
    $355.00 (On sale)
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    sparkpick features sans beast apple leather bag in sustainable fashionView
    Sans Beast
    Apple leather bag
    $199.00
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    sparkpick features nae vegan shoes belt manresa in sustainable fashionView
    NAE Vegan Shoes
    Apple leather belt
    $65.00 (On sale)
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    sparkpick features bohema urbankissed loafer in sustainable fashionView
    BOHEMA | Urbankissed
    Classic loafers
    $170.00
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    sparkpick features o my bag urbankissed structured crossbody bag in sustainable fashionView
    O My Bag | Urbankissed
    Crossbody bag
    $235.00
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    Gemini handbag
    $260.00
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    sparkpick features pangaia grape leather sneakers in sustainable fashionView
    PANGAIA
    Grape leather sneakers
    $55.00
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    Sparkpick features NAE Vegan Shoes classic tall boots from apple leather in sustainable fashionView
    NAE Vegan Shoes
    Vegan boots
    $175.00
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    BLOOM | Immaculate Vegan
    Vegan heeled boots
    $334.00
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    NAE Vegan Shoes
    Vegan sandals
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6. Coffee Leather

Yes, coffee can be more than just your morning fix! German brand Nat2 creates sneakers made from recycled coffee, with 50% of the shoe composed of coffee beans and plants. With a sustainable design and the added bonus of a coffee scent, coffee leather is a fun, eco-conscious option.

vegan shoes, recycled coffee, coffee sneakers
These 100% vegan unisex sneakers from Nat-2 are partially made from real sustainable recycled coffee / Image by: by Nat-2

7. Cactus Leather (Desserto)

Desserto is a vegan leather made from cactus plants, known for its flexibility, breathability, and partially biodegradable nature. The material was created by two Mexican innovators, Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez, and is already being used in fashion and accessories like handbags and shoes.

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    spark and rebel features modular red flower vest from desserto cactus leatherView
    SPARK + REBEL | Etsy
    Art vest
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    BOHEMA | Immaculate Vegan
    Cactus leather sandals
    $199.00
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    sparkpick features urbankissed cactus leather stilettos in sustainable fashionView
    BOHEMA | Urbankissed
    Cactus leather stilettos
    $165.00
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    sparkpick features sans beast recycled leather bag in sustainable fashionView
    Sans Beast
    Recycled leather bag
    $269.00
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    Sparkpick features SPARK + REBEL modular eco fashion brand vegan hand-painted belt in sustainable fashion on EtsyView
    SPARK + REBEL | Etsy
    Unique vegan belt
    $150.00
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    spark and rebel features upcycled leather earrings unique evil eye in eco fashionView
    SPARK + REBEL | Etsy
    Upcycled earrings
    $59.00
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    Sparkpick features SPARK + REBEL modular eco fashion brand Upcycled shoe accessory cactus leather casual street style in sustainable fashion on EtsyView
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    Upcycled shoe accessory
    $110.00
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    Vegan ankle boots
    $262.00
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    Vegan floral corset
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8. Recycled Rubber

Rubber, especially recycled rubber, can be an excellent alternative to leather. Brands like Laura Zabo use old tires to create chic accessories, while companies like Elvis & Kresse repurpose decommissioned fire hoses for stylish bags. Though not biodegradable, these materials give new life to existing products.
 
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    Sparkpick features PaguroUpcycle on Etsy recycled rubber necklace in sustainable fashionView
    PaguroUpcycle | Etsy
    Rubber necklace
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9. Waxed Cotton

Waxed cotton, a waterproof fabric once popular among sailors, is now a sustainable alternative to leather. Easy to wash and durable, it’s been used for years by brands like G-Star Raw and 7 for All Mankind. Waxed cotton is perfect for outerwear, offering both style and practicality.
 
waxed denim
High waist ankle jeans from 7 For All Mankind made from waxed denim / Image credit: 7 For All Mankind 
 

10. Cork

Cork has been used for centuries, and it’s still a sustainable and renewable alternative today. Lightweight, water-resistant, and durable, cork is harvested without harming the tree. It’s now being used to create shoes, bags, and belts, offering an eco-friendly material with a timeless look. 
 
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    Cork backpack
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    GrowFromNature | Etsy
    Cork bracelet
    $20.00
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    YOKCORK | Etsy
    Cork bracelet
    $36.00
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    Corkor | Etsy
    Cork briefcase
    $194.00
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    GrowFromNature | Etsy
    Cork cap
    $40.00
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    Cork clutch
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    Sparkpick features EatingTheGoober on Etsy Upcycled versatile sandals in sustainable fashionView
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    Upcycled sandals
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Bonus: Zoa Leather

Modern Meadow’s Zoa leather is a bio-fabricated leather made from lab-grown collagen. Although not yet widely available, it’s an exciting development that could reshape the leather industry by eliminating the need for animals entirely. This liquid leather can take on any shape and is compatible with a wide range of materials.

Video credit: Fast Company
 
 
These are just some of the innovative leather alternatives that have emerged in recent years, showing that sustainable fashion is both fun and forward-thinking. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll find yourself carrying an apple leather bag or walking in mushroom sneakers!

 

Need Help Curating Your Sustainable Wardrobe?

If you’re curious about how to incorporate these eco-friendly alternatives into your wardrobe, Sparkpick’s personal stylists are here to help. Our stylists can guide you in finding the perfect sustainable pieces to fit your personal style while ensuring you’re making eco-conscious choices. 

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