Yes, It's Possible to Carry a Functional and Beautiful Vegan Travel Bag
Packing the right plant-based protein bars and travel beauty kit can make or break a journey. But just because what’s inside that vegan luggage is healthy, sustainable goodness doesn’t mean that what's on the outside can’t be plant-powered, too.
There are now so many chic alternatives to luxury leather travel bags, and we’ve rounded up the best of the cruelty-free bunch to elevate your airport style game.
Updated 01/2022
It’s not the lightest of the bunch, but Stella McCartney Luggage ($2,060) + Travel Bag ($1,400) are still the most beautiful and blue-chip carry-ons that happen to be vegan. These companion travel bags are structured and sturdy, and the gold chain detail on black non-leather will make any airport getup look polished, even if you packed the whole thing in the 10 minutes before your Uber arrived.
Woman holds Svala’s convertible vegan-python clutch and shoulder bag
Didi Clutch in Cream Python ($220) - Lightweight and with a secure, magnetic closure, Svala’s convertible clutch and shoulder bag comes with a long, chain strap that can be used cross-body or over the shoulder when juggling passports, boarding passes and lattes. Perfect for urban or outdoor escapes, this bag works during the daytime over your shoulder for essentials and with the chain detached at night for a dinner-time clutch. Like all of Svala’s bags, Didi is made with made with sustainable fabrics. The exterior is made from an Italian animal-free leather called Piñatex® (made from pineapple leaf fiber), and other bags in the line are made from cork and recycled plastic bottles.
Jill Milan Wianno Tote ($400): West coast vegan handbag designer Jill Milan is a celeb fave, best known for her red carpet ‘you’d never know it’s faux’ clutches. But her glam, winter white Italian faux leather weekender is a W+A fave. Yes, I understand that wearing a white tote to schlep through an airport may be a reach. But this is a luxury airport bag roundup after-all, so if you’re flying in such a way that you don’t have to subject a bag to TSA conveyor belts or can trust the inflight storage to not make a scuff, then this might be the bag for you. It also comes in gold and black for those of us whose bags might actually need to disguise a scuff or two. All colorways in the Wianno contain plenty of interior pockets for devices and organization.
Wilby Clutch Primrose Chain Rucksack ($144): For hands-free travel, the UK’s Wilby Clutch line makes a too-cool-for-a-tote rucksack that’s made from sustainable cork leather. A magnetic closure is helpful for quickly snapping your bag shut to keep its content safe. They also do make a lovely more traditional travel bag if you so fancy.
Rimowa Topas Multiwheel 32” ($980): The ultimate carry-on, once you go Rimowa it’s really, really hard to go back. The interior pockets and packing tools are super helpful for fitting everything you need (because obviously that includes spin shoes, heels, sneakers and flats) and keeping it all safe within a nearly indestructible shell. And the extra glide-y wheels make for effortless running between terminals.
Do you have a favorite travel bag? Tell us why you love it.