Did you know the modern meaning of the term “wallet” (a flat case for carrying paper money) was first used in 1834? For nearly 200 years, they’ve been the dependable go-to for everything we need in our day-to-day lives, from ID cards and licenses to credit cards and business cards. Throughout those centuries, the most durable wallets have been made with leather—until now.
In more recent years, manufacturers have looked into vegan alternatives to leather. Ranging from recycled canvas and even recycled windshield glass to certified organic cactus and pineapple leather, there are now plenty of durable materials that don’t involve animal byproducts or animal cruelty.
We’ve rounded up a few brands offering vegan wallets as of summer 2024, sourcing all kinds of styles and sizes like mini coin purses, card holders, and larger zippered wallets. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find an animal-friendly option here.
1. Pixie Mood
Vegan Materials | Recycled bottles, recycled vegan leather, cork, recycled canvas
Price | $22–$100
Since its inception in 2010, Pixie Mood has been consciously leather-free—and the brand’s sustainable practices and ethics have only evolved over time. Today, the team uses all sorts of recycled materials, biodegradable packaging, eco-friendly foam, and even offsets its carbon footprint while also keeping workers’ rights top of mind. We swoon over PM’s wallets, card holders and cases, and purses; they’re timeless, gorgeously designed, and available in just about every color. Choose from 10 different styles and rest assured that they’re all cruelty- and carbon-free—and they’re equipped with RFID-blocking technology for privacy, too.
2. Monos
Vegan Materials | Microfibre vegan leather
Price | $60
For travel goods that are stylish as they are durable, we like Monos—and the Folio Kit is our preference when we’re roaming the world. Made from ultra-microfiber vegan leather (from a mix of microfiber and polyurethane resin) in nine colors, this water-resistant kit fits everything you need…and we mean everything. In addition to carrying your credit cards, the folio also includes pockets for a mini-tablet, passport and travel docs, holders for pens, and more, while still fitting easily into your hands. Enjoy the two-year limited warranty, free shipping across the contiguous US and Canada, and the affordable price tag. (Oh, and happy exploring!)
3. Hozen
Vegan Materials | Water-based PU vegan leather, recycled hemp label, vegan adhesive, recycled plastic thread
Price | $108
Hozen (which means “conservation” in Japanese) is where luxury meets sustainability. Goods here are made locally in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, where makers receive fair wages and safe working conditions. Plus, they’re made with vegan and recycled materials to avoid any animal byproducts whatsoever. (In fact, the brand is so dedicated to a cruelty-free world that they donate 10 percent of profits to Mercy for Animals!) Hozen’s bags are perfect for carrying on the go, and you can pick from a Card Sling or a Card Holder which combines the simplicity of a card sleeve with the space of a wallet—and you can simply “sling” it on cross-body or add it to your belt loops. It’s the perfect balance of form and function.
4. Black Nopal
Vegan Materials | Certified organic cactus leather
Price | $49–$89
Black Nopal leverages the use of cactus for its vegan leather, and here’s how: Mature cactus leaves are cut off, mashed, and air-dried into a leather-like texture. It’s sustainable, fully organic, and durable—and better yet, it’s UV- and cold-resistant, easy to clean, and free of any plastic or PVC. The end products are beautiful vegan leather wallets, from cardholders to zippered wallets to bi-folds all under $100. Depending on your needs, you can keep things easy peasy with a six-slot cardholder or try a zippered wallet made with a carrying strap, cash slot, and eight card slots. It’s the ideal leather alternative that’s sure to last—without any negative impact.
5. Matt & Nat
Vegan Materials | Recycled windshield glass, recycled water bottles, AppleSkin
Price | $28–$110
Canadian brand Matt & Nat has long been a leader in vegan handbags, which is probably why you can find nearly 60 different styles to choose from here! From vintage-style vegan wallets to vegan coin purses, every design is made with myriad materials, like natural fruit waste, recycled windshield glass and water bottles, and canvas. And they’re all PETA approved as well, so you can check “entirely vegan” and “cruelty-free” off your list. Our votes are for the Small Vegan Wallet for the stylish silhouette or the OLIV Vegan Crossbody Wallet for its versatility. There are hundreds of stockists around the world, so if you prefer to see them in person, check out Matt & Nat’s Store Locator.
Featured image is from Pixie Mood
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