Are you looking for a new handbag that is stylish while also being durable and functional? Perhaps you want a bag that not only looks good and functions perfectly but is also ethical and environmentally friendly, as well. Remember that the chosen fabric is vital when looking for the perfect handbag. Each fabric offers a variety of benefits, from the luxurious feel of premium leather to the sturdiness and reliability of nylon. To find out what type of handbag will suit your needs best, here are some of the most frequently used materials to consider.
Luxurious Leather
Perhaps the most common fabric used in creating handbags, premium leather is prized for its luxurious look and feel. In addition, leather is highly durable and can last for decades when appropriately maintained. Leather is often made from rugged and robust cowskin, such as the calfskin used in the Celine Triomphe collection of handbags, or lambskin, which offers a softer and more lightweight alternative. Leather can be costly to produce but can last a lifetime and will never go out of fashion. A leather handbag will also protect your belongings from light rain. It also wears very well, developing an attractive patina over time. Leather bags are very comfortable as the leather becomes more soft and pliable after use. Furthermore, a leather bag can be dressed up or down for various occasions. While natural leather is sourced from animals, sustainable and vegan alternatives are available.
Casual Canvas
While not as luxurious as premium leather, canvas is an attractive-looking fabric that is highly durable. Although canvas bags are commonly made from hemp, other varieties include cotton, linen, or a blend of materials. It is a more environmentally friendly fabric than leather and, in many cases, is much more water-resistant. In addition, canvas is much less expensive than leather, and you can find attractive luxury canvas bags in various prints and colours. While canvas tends to stain easily, it is not difficult to maintain, as any stains can easily be removed with soap and water. In addition, canvas does not carry the formal appearance that materials like leather do, which may help influence your decision.
Neat Nylon
Much like canvas, nylon is a synthetic fabric that is both durable and practical. It is more lightweight than canvas or leather, resilient to daily wear and tear, and easy to maintain, as any stains can be wiped away with soap and water. It is a long-lasting fabric, surviving for years without losing its shape or structural integrity, and is resistant to water damage. In addition, nylon is less expensive than leather while offering a touch of luxury and sophistication. The main disadvantage of nylon is that it is less environmentally friendly compared to other materials and is non-biodegradable. However, you can find recycled nylon bags, a more sustainable alternative.
Pretty Polyester
As an alternative synthetic fabric to nylon, polyester offers many of the same advantages. It is a versatile and lightweight fabric with a high resistance to abrasions. Not only is it highly water-resistant, but it is also resistant to UV damage, helping it retain its colour for longer. In addition, polyester is a cheaper alternative to nylon, offering many of the same benefits regarding structural integrity and versatility. The main disadvantage of polyester is that, like nylon, it is not biodegradable and, therefore, less environmentally friendly than other materials. In addition, the fabric often has less breathability than other natural materials.
Practical Polypropylene Non-Woven
This fabric, also known as PP Non-Woven, is used in bags to make them more lightweight and resilient. As the name suggests, this fabric is not woven but made from bonded or interlocked fibres, giving it its unique texture. This fabric is less expensive to produce than nylon or polyester, making it even more cost-effective as a material in bags. It is resistant to both water and chemicals and is an incredibly versatile material. However, like nylon and polyester, it is non-biodegradable and, therefore, not environmentally friendly. It is also more challenging to clean deep stains in PP Non-Woven bags than with other materials listed.
Presented by APG
