Leather outerwear is a perennial staple, adapted each season in line with the latest trends.
From racer jackets to the revival of Nineties leather trenches, a statement, sleek and shiny overcoat has proven to be a wardrobe essential for 2023. But to tap into the style, you need not be confined to the realms of real leather.
With so many alternative options available, those following a plant-based lifestyle or who want to counteract the less than sustainable way that livestock are raised, there is a solution. Vegan and faux leather.
What is vegan leather and how is it made?
Vegan leather mimics the look and feel of genuine leather through the use of plant-based and artificial alternative materials. Bio-based faux leathers can be produced from a range of eco-friendly materials including coffee grounds, cork, mushrooms, pineapple, cactus leaves, corn and so much more. Helping to combat agricultural waste with a lower carbon impact than both synthetic and genuine leather and looking good at the same time? It’s a win-win for us.
Yet this kind of bio-alternative can be pricey. A similar, ethical alternative and the most common faux leather material is polyurethane.
What is polyurethane and is it vegan?
Polyurethane is a vegan, synthetic alternative to real leather as its production process does not involve products derived from animals. Also known as PU, it is a petroleum-based polymer which, according to PETA, is incredibly versatile and cruelty-free.
However, polyurethane is essentially a plastic which – although brilliant for combatting the leather trade – isn’t always the most eco-conscious choice. Though unlike PVC, PU doesn’t release harmful substances when produced or disposed of, which makes it the best of the artificial bunch.
When purchasing clothing made from PU, if you’re able to do some further digging, double check whether it’s water or petroleum based. Water-based PU is pollution-free, non-toxic, and void of any harmful chemicals.
Additionally, sometimes the materials that the PU has been bonded to in order to create a garment are not vegan. These non-vegan bonding materials include wool, silk, fur or down – so it’s worth keeping an eye out for them.
Will my vegan leather jacket last?
Just like any fashion investment, if you take the time to properly care for your garment, it will go the distance.
For bio and synthetic leather alternatives, simply check the labels to figure out the best way to clean and refresh your outerwear.
Keep scrolling for our round-up of the best vegan leather jackets on the market.
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Draden Vegan Leather Jacket
Matt & Nat is a PETA-approved vegan brand which craft their garments with 100 per cent sustainable materials and ethical practices. Founded in Montreal, Matt & Nat is committed to not using leather or any other animal-based materials in their designs.
This classic long-sleeved motorcycle jacket features a zip-front closure, pill snaps, a buckle belt at the hem and zippered sleeve cuffs. It truly looks as though it’s been taken directly from our 2014 grunge-themed Tumblr moodboard. The jacket is made from 100 per cent polyurethane, while the lining is made from 100 per cent recycled polyester, so you can tick the eco-conscious box on this one.
Buy now £150.00, Matt & Nat
Bailey Coat Black And Green
This dreamy vegan leather jacket by Jakke takes the biscuit. Made from wonderfully supple vegan leather, this oversized silhouette and green faux fur trim makes this jacket a true investment piece. It is made from 100 per cent recycled polyester with a polyurethane coating, and the recycled polyester faux fur collar is removable.
The brand has been on the hunt for an alternative plant-based and biodegradable PU that you can find on their upcoming collections. Their spanking new fabric is 30 per cent bio-based and made from waste coffee grounds, as opposed to the standard 100 per cent petrochemical-based PU. Keep an eye out for their next drop if the sound of this bio-alternative material tickles your fancy.
Buy now £249.00, Jakke
Kaja Vegan Bonded Peacoat
We adore this oversized, faux fur and entirely vegan peacoat from Free People’s in-house brand, We The Free. Stocked in a wide range of sizes, this jacket is made from 100 per cent viscose, with a 100 per cent PU lining and a 100 per cent polyester trim. No hidden bonding materials here.
In case you weren’t sure, viscose is a semi-synthetic type of fabric made from wood pulp which is often referred to as artificial silk. If you read our little preamble, you know all about PU – and polyester is also entirely vegan. Plus, this heritage-inspired piece is machine washable. Suck on that, leather.
Buy now £228.00, Free People
Baum Und Pferdgarten Bronwen Faux Leather and Fleece Coat
Make a statement and demonstrate your commitment to going green with this delightfully bright lime-hued faux leather jacket from Danish design house Baum Und Pferdgarten. Featuring an array of dramatically oversized elements – collar, pockets and fleece-trimmed cuffs included – this wide-cut, boxy vegan jacket belongs in your wardrobe ASAP.
The shell is made from 40 per cent polyester, and 30 per cent polyurethane, while the lining is 55 per cent polyester and 45 per cent viscose. It’s 100 per cent vegan, confirmed.
Buy now £290.00, Coggles
Topshop faux leather cropped bomber jacket in black
Bomber jackets are all the rage right now, and this faux leather option gives us the industrial, utilitarian and grunge vibes we so desire – without the animal cruelty. On the slightly more wallet-friendly side, this oversized jacket is made from polyester, PU and absolutely nothing else. The matte finish makes this alternative vegan leather jacket extra unique in our eyes.
Buy now £60.00, ASOS
Vegan Leather Blazer
Embody the iconic style of Buffy the Vampire Slayer but make it cruelty-free. That’s right, put those wooden stakes away. This vegan leather blazer by Oak + Fort is made from – you guessed it – polyester with a PU coating for that shiny finish.
It is cut with a relaxed fit and has that buttery soft feel you could only previously get with genuine pricey leather.
Buy now £108.18, Oak + Fort
Silver Vegan Leather Jacket
Never Fully Dressed has done it again - this crackle-effect silver and vegan leather jacket is futuristic chic. Pair it with your favourite blue jeans to dress-up a causal look, or scoop up the matching vegan leather mini skirt for a fully coordinated ensemble.
Buy now £129.00, Never Fully Dressed
iets frans... Faux Leather Cropped Motocross Jacket
Want to jump on the biker jacket trend but can’t wrap your head around purchasing real leather? Urban Outfitters’ iets frans… has got you covered. Stocked in sizes XXS-XL, this 100 per cent polyurethane jacket certainly looks like the real deal. You’ll be pulling up receipts in an attempt to convince your pals that – yes, you’re still a vegan and nope, there’s not a scrap of leather here.
Buy now £79.00, Urban Outfitters
Diego Vegan Leather Jacket
Desperate for a suede-style jacket for the autumn, but refuse to budge on your ethics? Look no further than the Diego Jacket by Sisters and Seekers. The vintage-style, collared bomber silhouette and the coffee-brown hue makes this jacket feel straight out of the Seventies. The perfect purchase if you’ve just binged Daisy Jones & The Six – minus the fringe detailing.
Buy now £76.99, Sisters and Seekers
