Short answer: PU vegan leather is an animal-free, leather-look material that wipes clean and needs no conditioning. Wipe it with a damp cloth, keep it away from heat and store it stuffed in its dust bag, and it will look its best for longer. Below we explain what vegan leather is, how it wears and how to look after it.
Vegan leather vs cotton canvas at a glance
| Material | What it is | Best for | Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| PU vegan leather | Fabric backing with a smooth polyurethane surface - not genuine leather | Shoulder bags, crossbody bags, wallets | Wipe with a damp cloth, no solvents or conditioners |
| Cotton canvas | Heavyweight woven cotton | Large totes and weekend bags | Spot clean with mild soap, do not machine wash |
What is vegan leather?
Vegan leather is an animal-free material made to look and feel like leather. Our leather-look bags, wallets, card holders and coin purses use polyurethane (PU) vegan leather: a fabric backing with a smooth polyurethane surface. It is not genuine leather, and we always name it as PU vegan leather on the product page.
Is vegan leather durable?
Good PU vegan leather copes well with everyday use - commuting, shopping and evenings out. It is lighter than hide and needs no conditioning. Like any coated material it can show light creasing where it folds or rubs most, so it lasts longest when it is not overloaded, kept away from heat and stored in its dust bag.
How do I clean a vegan leather bag?
Wipe it with a soft cloth dampened with plain water, then let it air-dry at room temperature, away from radiators. For marks, add a drop of mild soap to the water and wipe gently. Do not use solvents, alcohol wipes or leather conditioners, which can damage the surface.
Can vegan leather bags get wet?
A light shower is fine if you wipe the bag dry afterwards, but none of our bags is waterproof. Do not leave a bag in the rain or submerge it, and let it dry naturally if it gets damp.
How should I store my bag?
Empty it, stuff it lightly with tissue so it keeps its shape, and keep it in its cotton dust bag away from direct sun. Hang it by its handles only for short periods, as long-term hanging can stretch straps.
Canvas or vegan leather - which should I choose?
Choose cotton canvas for a roomy, relaxed everyday tote that can take a laptop and a jumper, and vegan leather for a smarter, structured look that wipes clean. Many people use both: a canvas tote for big days and a smaller vegan leather bag for work and evenings.
Where to start
Browse our Bags edit for shoulder bags, totes and crossbody bags, and Small Accessories for wallets, card holders and scarves. Answers on delivery and returns are in our FAQ. Every order ships free across the UK with Royal Mail, and you have 30 days from delivery to return anything unused.