Let’s cut to the chase: one of the most common questions we get is “Can vegan leather get wet?” And the short answer is yes—but there’s a difference. Whether you’re carrying a vegan leather crossbody bag through a light drizzle or wondering if your cork leather wallet will survive a tropical downpour, we’ve got the answers (and stylish solutions) right here.
Vegan leather has evolved far beyond basic plastic alternatives. Today’s cruelty-free handbags are not only fashion-forward but also functional, offering impressive water-resistant—and in some cases, waterproof—features. So, let’s unpack what this really means for your favorite vegan bags and purses.
What Exactly Is Vegan Leather?
Before getting into water resistance, it’s worth knowing what we mean by vegan leather and what are vegan handbags made of? Unlike traditional leather, which comes from animal skin, vegan leather is made from a materials that are NOT made from animals including:
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Cork leather – harvested from cork oak trees
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Appleskin – apple waste from the food industry
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Pinatex – made from pineapple leaf fibers
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Recycled PU and upcycled materials – often from used materials that would otherwise be waste
Each material has its own vibe, texture, durability level—and water resistance.
Cork Leather: The Rain Queen of Vegan Materials
Let’s start with the amazing cork fabric. Many people wonder, "Is cork leather waterproof?" and the answer is YES! If you’re looking for something truly waterproof, cork is where it’s at.
Cork leather comes from the bark of cork oak trees, which naturally repel water. This makes cork leather bags an all-season ideal—perfect for beach trips, festivals, and spontaneous walks in the rain. Because of cork's natural structure, water doesn’t seep in. Instead, it falls off, just like on a rain jacket.
Cork leather isn’t just waterproof—it’s also:
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Naturally antimicrobial
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Lightweight yet incredibly durable
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Scratch-resistant
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Zero-waste to harvest
- Regenerative
That makes it a triple win: eco-friendly, resilient, and ridiculously stylish. If you're looking for vegan wallets or cruelty-free handbags that can truly handle moisture, cork leather from Portugal is a top contender.
Try this: This bestselling cork leather crossbody bag is a customer favorite for eco-adventurers. It’s cute, conscious, and completely waterproof—without sacrificing an ounce of style.
Appleskin, Pinatex, Upcycled & Recycled PU: Water-Resistant, Not Submarine-Ready
Now let’s talk about other high-quality vegan leathers like Appleskin, Pinatex, and Recycled PU. These materials may not be fully waterproof like cork, but they hold up beautifully in day-to-day life.
Appleskin
Made from leftover apple waste from the juicing industry, Appleskin vegan leather has a sleek, leather-like feel and solid water resistance. It's perfect for vegan handbags and purses that can survive a sudden splash or a spilled latte.
Pinatex
Pinatex is crafted from pineapple leaves—a brilliant use of agricultural waste. It’s slightly more textured than Appleskin, and while it's very water-resistant, it shouldn’t be submerged. Think splash-friendly, rain friendly but not torrential downpour gear.
Upcycled Materials
Upcycled inner tube bags make for great vegan crossbody bags or vegan tote bags that are durable, edgy, and yes, splash-safe. Because inner tube is usually made to grind on the ground, think bike tires, it is meant to not only get wet but get through any rough times. Not all upcycled material, however, will be water resistant but it should not deteriorate from any contact with water.
Recycled PU
Vegan leather bags that are made from recycled PU are naturally water resistant and tend not to absorb water. Unlike traditional leather, the water does not warp or discolor the material. However, because vegan leather that is recycled can be anything that is not derived from animals, not all recycled vegan material is water resistant.
Pro tip: If your vegan bag does get wet, wipe it dry with a cloth and let it air out naturally. Avoid heat sources like hair dryers—they can degrade the materials over time.
How Vegan Leather Compares to Animal Leather in Water
Let’s be blunt: real leather and water do not mix.
Traditional animal leather is notoriously fragile when it comes to moisture. Here’s what happens when it gets wet:
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It absorbs water quickly
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It can stain or lose its color
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It may dry out, crack, and become stiff
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Toxic dyes and tanning agents can bleed
And let’s not forget—leather tanning is a major source of pollution, often involving heavy metals and formaldehyde. When that gets wet, it’s not just inconvenient—it’s environmentally toxic.
In contrast, vegan leather bags made from materials like Appleskin or cork bags keep their color, shape, and style intact—even when the skies open up.
Tips for Protecting Your Vegan Leather Bags from Water
While many vegan leather handbags are water-resistant or waterproof, they still appreciate a little TLC. Here are a few tips to keep them looking fresh:
1. Don’t Submerge It
Even waterproof cork leather shouldn’t be dunked in a pool. No bag needs that kind of trauma.
2. Dry Promptly
If your bag gets wet, gently pat it dry with a soft towel. Leave it open to air out and avoid storing it in enclosed spaces until completely dry.
3. Store Smart
Keep your vegan bags in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme heat or cold which can warp materials over time.
The Functional Side of Fashion
Water resistance isn't just a bonus—it's a must for real life, especially during the summer. Whether you’re juggling iced coffee, wrangling kids, or caught in Florida's spontaneous rainstorms, you need a bag that shows up for you.
That’s why our collection of vegan leather bags focuses on real-world durability and runway-ready design. We believe in vegan handbags that carry your values as well as your essentials.
Top Picks: Water-Friendly Vegan Bags That Get It Done
Ready to shop smart and sustainably? Here are some of our most popular water-resistant and waterproof vegan bags:
1. Pinatex Crossbody Bag (Pinatex)
Water-resistant and weather-ready, this bag is perfect for on-the-go days. Wear it crossbody or around your waist—just don't worry about splashes.
2. Ame Mini Backpack (Appleskin)
Rain or shine, this cruelty free backpack is your go-to for errands, office days, or farmers markets. Stylish vegan backpack meets practical powerhouse.
3. Reina Crossbody Bag (Upcycled Inner Tube)
Made from water-repellent inner tubes, this bag is tough, lightweight, and weather-resilient—perfect for concerts, walks, or travel.
4. Cork Wallets & Bags
From our minimalist cork wristlet to the crossbody sea turtle print, cork leather pieces are the real standouts for water protection—and they turn heads while doing it.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Rain, Ditch the Cruelty
So, can vegan leather get wet? Absolutely. While some vegan leather holds up better in a torrential downpour than others, most cruelty-free handbags are at least very water-resistant—and cork fabric bags ar waterperoof.
Unlike animal leather, vegan bags don’t lose their luster in the rain. They hold up. They fight back. They look good doing it.
By choosing vegan purses and wallets, you’re not only investing in style—you’re choosing sustainability, durability, and compassion. And honestly, that’s rain worth dancing in.
Call to Action
💚 Ready to upgrade your rain-ready style?
Shop our water-friendly vegan leather bags now—designed for real life, made for the future. Because fashion should never come at the cost of animals or the planet.