Fashion

6 Types of handbag fabrics and materials you should know about

Stylish and durable

26.01.2023

By Benedict Unang

Featured images courtesy of @thebigbagclub on Instagram and respective brands
6 Types of handbag fabrics and materials you should know about

One could never walk out of the house without a bag. Aside from being the base accessory for an array of styles, giving your overall look that oomph factor, your arm candy is also an extension of your personality. How well do you know your bag, though?

With a plethora of choices available in store, it’s crucial to understand what goes into a bag before making a purchase—with fabrics being the most important component. If you’re still unsure about it, read on to learn six of the best materials used for making handbags before adding your dream picks to the shopping cart. 

 

Leather

There’s no doubt that leather is the best fabric used to make bags. Soft to the touch and easy to style in different shades, this versatile material is made from the hides of skinned animals. When making handbags, high-end brands usually employ leather, including full-grain leather, lambskin, and patent leather. Sometimes, a little embellishment or flair is all that is needed, as these types of leather are beautiful on their own.

 

 

Nylon

Nylon bags aren’t new—they are still highly sought-after these days, just as they were decades ago. Thanks to Prada, the fabric proved that practicality and luxury can coexist in the world of fashion. Made from thermoplastic silky polymer, nylon is a great material if you desire to look stylish while keeping costs down. Coming at a reasonable price, nylon is a popular material for all kinds of carry-alls, from handbags to tote bags. Even if you stuff your handbag with a lot of items, nylon bags can retain their original shape and easily bear the weight because they are very flexible. 

 

 

Mesh

Whether you are going to a yoga class or having a picnic by the beach, a mesh bag might be the perfect choice for you. The lightweight material is made of knotted woven or pattern-knit materials with uniformly spaced holes. While it adds a touch of style to your looks, the tough yet soft bag protects your fragile goods with its tighter weave. If you intend to get one, seek a design that has not only handles but also a removable strap that allows you to carry it on your shoulder.

 

 

Canvas

Made from cotton or linen fibres, one could not simply resist the appeal of canvas. In addition to its sturdiness, the material is flexible and water-resistant, which makes it ideal for daily use. Given that it is not made of synthetic materials, canvas is more expensive than nylon, but the off-white colour of the natural canvas is surely worth the extra cost. 

 

 

Vegan leather

If actual leather is not for you, opt for vegan leather. While pinatex and grain make up the majority of the material, vegan leather is essentially made of a range of materials, such as polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride, which contribute to the look of genuine leather due to its wrinkled texture. Pineapple leaves, apple peels, and recycled plastic, to name a few, are also valuable because they are not involved in animal testing and support environmental awareness. Vegan leather is all you can ask for—waterproof, incredibly sturdy, and capable of lasting for many years after purchase. 

 

 

Polyester

Finally, there’s polyester. Also known as a man-made polymer, polyester is an additional thermoplastic created from petroleum, and trust us when we say that this is much more economical than leather-like materials. With a wide range of textures from rough to silky like satin, the elastic material is also robust and chemically resistant. 

 

 

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