Bags are among our most significant items in the wardrobe. They are pretty and sometimes stay with us a lifetime. We walk hand in hand with them on diverse occasions and sometimes travel around the world with them. Bags should be robust and beautiful and at the same match our outfit. We think the best way to fulfill all of this is to go for a timeless and traditionally handcrafted leather bag that is made of the highest quality. In this case, leather is the most durable material. It is also biodegradable as it comes from a natural source. We made sure that all these 16 leather bag designers use leather that has been produced using the most sustainable tanning methods possible.

Silent Goods

silent goods ethical leather bag

Choose between 8 timeless, elegant and simple models. Imagine, each of them comes with a lifetime warranty! We highly appreciate the provided repair service and their free care service once a year. Which basically means that you can send your bag to Silent Goods for free once a year. They will then professionally clean your bag and take care of it before they send it right back to you. This way, it will even last longer. Silent Goods only uses organically farmed, vegetable-tanned leather and Cradle-to-Cradle certified textiles. Trace the full supply chain simply by scanning the digital tag on each bag!

Website:  silentgoods.com
Instagram: @silentgoodsofficial

Kmana

imke disselhoff ethical leather bag

Do you believe that we are creating the world we live in? The ethical, family-run design company Kmana believes so. For this reason, Kmana designs simple, timeless and gender-neutral bags for the wanderers, makers, and shakers. All their travel bags are fairly handcrafted in Bali and Jogjakarta using 100% ethically sourced vegetable-tanned leather. An extra special: they incorporate traditional textiles such as Rang Rang from Nusa Penida and Lombok or Ikat from Cambodia into every design. We are in love with Kmana’s practical and beautiful Oversize Tote Bag.

Website: kmanaconcept.com
Instagram: @kmana_travelbags

IMAGO-A

ethical leather bag imago a

We can’t stop scrolling through the IMAGO-A collection. The bags in geometric and sculptural shapes are just too original. They will deffo make you look like a true fashionista while accompanying you. Inspired by modern art & architecture, each piece is designed in their NYC studio and then carefully handcrafted using premium leathers and textiles. We had such a hard time picking one. Because we love them all.

Website: imago-a.com
Instagram: @imago_a

Lahara

lahara ethical leather bag

A bag should last a lifetime. Munich-born designer Laura von Hagen believes in premium quality, timeless design, and traditional craftsmanship. And stories: each bag tells an individual story and combines playful colors and abstract shapes which are inspired by a journey from the south of France to Morocco. Lahara ethically handcrafts its bags in small family businesses in Italy using leather from free-range cows that are vegetable-tanned in Tuscany’s most renowned and quality certified tanneries, near Florence.

Website: laharadesign.com
Instagram: @lahara_accessories

Are Studio

are studio ethical leather bag

Are Studio offers minimal & timeless leather bags designed by Cecilia Bordarampé. Each of them is made by hand in Los Angeles, CA. The brand sources 3 different leather types from local family-owned manufacturers and businesses. Naked finish aniline & Latigo cow leather which are both vegetable-tanned and semi-aniline cow leather. All of them develop a patina over time which makes them look unique. Minimal waste is key in their production. Our top choice: the Tube bag.

Website: are-studio.com
Instagram: @are_studio

Berdine

Minimal, more minimal, Berdine. The Dutch brand creates very few timeless, genderless and ageless leather bags. So that everyone can find one fashionable companion they love. If you are looking for something unique, you can also customize your own bag together with the designer. Aaand: Berdine bags last you a lifetime. They may even outlive you!

Website: berdine.shop
Instagram: @berdine.shop

Building Block

building block ethical leather bag

Shop by color, materials or style. The Los Angeles-based design studio Building Block creates distinctive accessories using various leathers. Vegetable-tanned leather and rubber, acrylic, wood and more materials for details. Each bag looks like an art piece. We mean, look at the Lady Purse in Tomato.

Website: building–block.com
Instagram: @buildingblock

Crescioni

Designed by Andria Crescioni, these bags are inspired by the American West. Traditional craft techniques and modern designs give these bags a contemporary touch. Skilled artisans ethically manufacture all bags in the Los Angeles area. Yeehaw! P.S. They have really nice brass jewelry too ?.

Website: crescionicollection.com
Instagram: @crescioni_ca

moimoi

Make the world a little bit better by owning a bag. Founders Raquel and Kalle design the bags in Helsinki and work with vegetable-tanned leather from France to produce them in small businesses in Spain and Finland. Their clean and modern lines are totally timeless so you can take your momoi bag to any occasion.

Website: moimoi-accessories.com
Instagram: @moimoiaccessories

Couper et Coudre

couper et coudre ethical leather bag

Couper et Coudre designs, cuts, and sews each of their leather accessories in their studio in Bristol. The carefully selected remnant leather and vegetable-tanned leather comes from the heart of England. Check out their collection of made-to-order and one-off items, each with their own story and thoughtful, expert craftsmanship.

Website: couperetcoudre.com
Instagram: @couperetcoudre

Détail

These bags deserve to be loved. As the name already suggests, Détail pays attention to every detail. Each bag supports the talented Indian artisans who handcraft them. 100 % natural, 100% fair fashion and 100% stylish. They also work with recycled leather!

Website: detail-collection.be
Instagram: @detail_collection

fin

fin ethical leather bag

Nina, Anna, and Janine from Switzerland are the girl squad behind fin. Together, they develop minimal handbags considering sustainability, traditional craftsmanship, and traceability. The leather comes from organic, animal-friendly agriculture and is vegetable-tanned & manufactured in a small family business in Italy. Amazing: the threads are made from rPET. What do you think about their Tote bag.

Website: shop-en.fin-projects.ch
Instagram: @fin_sustainabledesignprojects

LUMI Accessories

lumi ethical leather bag

LUMI is Finland’s leading leather accessories brand that conquers the world. Committed to sustainability, equality, and new beginnings, the brand associates itself with the color white which conveys all these things (lumi means white in Finnish). Their bags are manufactured in Portugal, Spain, and India. Among other leathers, they use certified vegetable-tanned, chrome-free leather.

Website: lumiaccessories.com
Instagram: @lumifinland

Melete Studio

melete ethical leather bag

If you like minimal, elegant pieces with a special touch, you should definitely have a look at Melete’s collections. Founded by South Korean designer Ji Lee, the bags are developed in their design studio in Philadelphia, USA. They are made by hand, using top-quality vegetable-tanned leathers. Some of them have custom bronze details which are cast in New Mexico.

Website: meletedesign.com
Instagram: @melete_studio

Maravillas Bags

maravillas bags ethical leather bag

Christina Bussmann designs handcrafted bags and accessories in her studio in the heart of Palma de Mallorca where each item is made under fair conditions and with love. Her timeless bags are all made from vegetable-tanned leathers, but she recently also presents a vegan collection made from an innovative alternative material to leather called Piñatex.

Website: maravillas-bags.com
Instagram: @maravillasbags

Viva’s

vivas ethical leather bag

Simple and meaningful are the bags from the Slovenian leather brand Viva’s. Each bag is handcrafted in Europe using vegetable-tanned premium leather from Italy. Made to love for many years to come. We see ourselves wearing the Cognac Crossbody bag.

Website: vivasproject.com
Instagram: @vivasproject


SPONSORED CONTENT  – This article features brands that support us with a budget. This way we give them the opportunity to be seen by our readers and potential customers. We believe in supporting brands that are moving towards a more sustainable future.