A practical look at what it is, where it is heading, and how to make conscious choices that still feel like you.
We’ve been thinking a lot about leather lately. What it means to wear it, where it comes from, and what the alternatives might look (and feel) like. With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming. We’re stripping it back to the core, so choosing what aligns feels a little easier.
At CIRQULAR, we believe fashion should reflect who you are. Not just how you look, but how you live. Materials carry meaning. They tell stories about where something came from, how it was made, and what happens next. Leather is one of fashion’s most enduring materials, but also one of the most complex.
Celebrated for its longevity, but questioned for its impact, leather invites us to look closer. In this guide, we explore how leather is made, what alternatives are emerging, and how to choose what feels right for you.
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The basics: What are our favourite leathers made from?
Traditional leather comes from animal hides (mostly from cows) and is prized for its strength and longevity. But the process behind it involves high water use, chemical-heavy tanning methods, and raises ethical concerns about animal welfare and factory farming. New-generation leathers are on the rise and changing the game. From mushrooms to grapes and pineapple leaves, plant-based and bio-leathers are offering circular, animal-free alternatives with a lower environmental footprint. But can we be sure the leather we're buying is the most sustainable option?
Alternatives are trending, but are they better?
Not all vegan leathers are created equal. While options like PU and PVC are affordable, they often come with environmental drawbacks due to their plastic content. Innovative materials like mushroom, apple, and cork leathers offer more sustainable choices but may come at a higher price. Investing in quality, eco-friendly alternatives supports a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
So... Which leather is best?
It all comes down to what matters most to you — ethics, longevity, price, or performance. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but understanding the trade-offs can help you make more conscious choices.
Whether you choose animal, plant-based or bio leather, the key is to wear it well and keep it in circulation for as long as possible.
Why durability still matters
Whether you’re buying secondhand, investing in a new designer piece, or opting for a plant-based material, durability matters. It:
-
Extends the life of a product and reduces waste
-
Makes sustainable materials more worthwhile
-
Meets performance expectations (even for conscious shoppers)
It’s not just about what leather is made from or how much it costs.
It’s about how long it lasts and whether it continues to add value to your wardrobe over time.
The future is bright
From lab-grown materials to wine-industry waste, the future of leather is full of creative potential. Brands are experimenting, consumers are asking more questions, and innovation is bridging the gap between performance and principles.
Leather goods remain one of fashion’s fastest-growing categories. But with growth comes responsibility. Rethinking leather is not about saying no to it altogether. It is about asking where it came from, how it was made, and whether it aligns with the future you want to be part of.
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Our Relationship with Leather
A practical look at what it is, where it is heading, and how to make conscious choices that still feel like you.
We’ve been thinking a lot about leather lately. What it means to wear it, where it comes from, and what the alternatives might look (and feel) like. With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming. We’re stripping it back to the core, so choosing what aligns feels a little easier.
At CIRQULAR, we believe fashion should reflect who you are. Not just how you look, but how you live. Materials carry meaning. They tell stories about where something came from, how it was made, and what happens next. Leather is one of fashion’s most enduring materials, but also one of the most complex.
Celebrated for its longevity, but questioned for its impact, leather invites us to look closer. In this guide, we explore how leather is made, what alternatives are emerging, and how to choose what feels right for you.
The basics: What are our favourite leathers made from?
Traditional leather comes from animal hides (mostly from cows) and is prized for its strength and longevity. But the process behind it involves high water use, chemical-heavy tanning methods, and raises ethical concerns about animal welfare and factory farming. New-generation leathers are on the rise and changing the game. From mushrooms to grapes and pineapple leaves, plant-based and bio-leathers are offering circular, animal-free alternatives with a lower environmental footprint. But can we be sure the leather we're buying is the most sustainable option?
Alternatives are trending, but are they better?
Not all vegan leathers are created equal. While options like PU and PVC are affordable, they often come with environmental drawbacks due to their plastic content. Innovative materials like mushroom, apple, and cork leathers offer more sustainable choices but may come at a higher price. Investing in quality, eco-friendly alternatives supports a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
So... Which leather is best?
It all comes down to what matters most to you — ethics, longevity, price, or performance. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but understanding the trade-offs can help you make more conscious choices.
Whether you choose animal, plant-based or bio leather, the key is to wear it well and keep it in circulation for as long as possible.
Why durability still matters
Whether you’re buying secondhand, investing in a new designer piece, or opting for a plant-based material, durability matters. It:
Extends the life of a product and reduces waste
Makes sustainable materials more worthwhile
Meets performance expectations (even for conscious shoppers)
It’s not just about what leather is made from or how much it costs.
It’s about how long it lasts and whether it continues to add value to your wardrobe over time.
The future is bright
From lab-grown materials to wine-industry waste, the future of leather is full of creative potential. Brands are experimenting, consumers are asking more questions, and innovation is bridging the gap between performance and principles.
Leather goods remain one of fashion’s fastest-growing categories. But with growth comes responsibility. Rethinking leather is not about saying no to it altogether. It is about asking where it came from, how it was made, and whether it aligns with the future you want to be part of.