Vegan Leather: What to Buy, Who Does It Best & Is It Worth It?
Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar
Date: 2025
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Vegan leather is no longer just a fashion trend — it’s a fundamental shift toward ethical, sustainable style. As more shoppers look for cruelty-free alternatives, the quality and variety of vegan leather have improved dramatically. From sleek trousers to luxe jackets, modern faux leathers now rival the real thing in look, feel, and longevity.
In this guide, we break down what vegan leather is made from, how to style it, who does it best, and why fit matters more than ever — especially with structured materials. And if you want sizing clarity across 1,500+ fashion brands, we’ll show you how to get it free with Tellar.co.uk.
What Is Vegan Leather Made From?
Vegan leather is an umbrella term for materials that mimic leather but are entirely animal-free. There are two main categories:
1. Plastic-Based (Synthetic)
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Made from polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
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Commonly used in high-street brands
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Affordable and waterproof, but less breathable
2. Plant-Based (Bio-Based)
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Made from pineapple leaves (Piñatex), cactus (Desserto), mushrooms (Mylo), or apple peels
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Lower environmental impact than plastic
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Increasingly used by sustainable designers
Is Vegan Leather Worth Buying?
That depends on what matters most to you. Here's how it compares:
Feature |
Vegan Leather |
Animal Leather |
---|---|---|
Animal-Free |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
Eco-Friendliness |
✅ Often better (esp. plant) |
❌ Water & chemical intensive |
Breathability |
❌ Limited (PU/PVC types) |
✅ Natural and breathable |
Longevity |
✅ 3–5 years (PU) |
✅ 10+ years (if maintained) |
Cost |
✅ Affordable |
❌ Expensive |
Versatility |
✅ Many colours & finishes |
✅ Classic appeal |
For those prioritising ethics, affordability, or trend-forward style, vegan leather is an excellent choice.
Vegan Leather Must-Haves
Certain pieces shine when made from faux or vegan leather:
➤ Vegan Leather Trousers
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Best in high-waisted, straight-leg, or flared silhouettes
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Pair with soft knits or tailored shirts for contrast
➤ Faux Leather Skirts
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Pencil or A-line cuts look polished and edgy
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Team with chunky boots or heels for balance
➤ Vegan Leather Jackets
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Moto jackets, trench coats, and oversized blazers are versatile staples
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Great layering pieces year-round
➤ Faux Leather Dresses
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Midi and shirt styles are trending
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Perfect with minimal accessories and clean lines
➤ Accessories
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Handbags, belts, and boots are great entry points for vegan leather
Styling Vegan Leather: Expert Tips
Because vegan leather is typically stiffer than natural leather, proportion and contrast are key.
✅ Balance with Soft Textures
Match leather trousers with oversized knits, cotton tees, or draped silk.
✅ Stick to One Statement Piece
One item in vegan leather is usually enough. Avoid leather-on-leather unless it’s a coordinated set.
✅ Choose Earth or Jewel Tones
Try bottle green, burgundy, chocolate brown, or cream over default black for a more modern look.
✅ Structure Is Your Friend
Cropped jackets and high-waisted cuts help define the silhouette without stiffness.
✅ Elevate with Accessories
Add metallic jewellery, layered chains, or leather-look boots to complete the look.
Best Brands for Vegan Leather in the UK
Here are high-street and designer brands consistently doing vegan leather well:
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Whistles – Faux leather trousers and midi skirts with clean tailoring
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Nobody’s Child – Affordable, trendy faux leather shackets and trousers
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Mango – Strong selection of PU trousers, coats, and accessories
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Matt & Nat – 100% vegan leather brand known for structured bags and backpacks
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Nanushka – High-end label leading in plant-based vegan leather
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Reformation – Pioneering sustainable pieces including mushroom-based leather
These brands are all supported on Tellar.co.uk, so you can match your exact body measurements to the correct size before ordering vegan leather pieces that often lack stretch.
Why Sizing Matters with Vegan Leather
Vegan leather, especially PU, isn’t forgiving. That means fit is everything.
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Trousers must be exact at waist and hips or they wrinkle and sag
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Jackets can pull at shoulders if too small
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Skirts will bunch or gap without correct waist-to-hip ratio
To avoid misfitting pieces, size using your real measurements — not vague S/M/L guides.
Use Tellar.co.uk to Get the Right Fit Every Time
Tellar.co.uk is a free sizing tool built to match your body to the correct size in over 1,500 fashion brands.
Whether you're buying vegan trousers from Mango or a faux leather trench from Whistles, Tellar eliminates the guesswork.
How It Works:
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Measure Yourself Once – Bust, waist, hips in cm or inches
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Create Your Free Profile – Start Here
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Search Any Brand – Enter the name of your favourite store
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Get Instant Size Results – See your fit based on the brand’s own chart
Why Tellar Is Ideal for Vegan Leather
Structured fabrics like faux leather are unforgiving — the wrong size means discomfort or bulk. Tellar helps you:
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Avoid tightness in structured trousers
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Get the perfect shoulder width in jackets
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Match rise and length accurately
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Shop confidently even in unfamiliar brands
It’s 100% free, works in seconds, and is designed for real people’s bodies, not guesswork.
Final Thoughts
Vegan leather has earned its place in modern wardrobes. It’s more than just a substitute for real leather — it’s a style statement in its own right.
Whether you're shopping for a sleek faux skirt, an ethical handbag, or a tailored vegan trench, you deserve to know it will fit. With Tellar.co.uk, you’ll never have to guess again.
Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.
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