Artisanal vs. Synthetic Leather Bag: Price and Durability Comparison

Handcrafted leather bag vs. synthetic. We analyze the key differences between both and there’s no contest: we recommend the first option.

In this handcrafted leather bag vs. synthetic comparison, we clear up some confusion about genuine leather bags. They are cheaper than so-called artificial leather bags because they last longer and offer a more sustainable and reasonable fashion.

The choice between a handcrafted leather bag and a synthetic leather bag (also called vegan leather, eco-leather or faux leather, among other labels) is not just a matter of price. It’s also about quality, durability, exclusivity, and environmental and social impact. So, we will consider various factors, including the price of a handcrafted leather bag and its durability, to compare them with synthetic bags.

At first glance, a synthetic leather bag seems cheaper, but is it really?To answer this question, we analyze the key differences between both types of bags and what lies behind their production.

We do it in a direct and clear way, with indicative figures so the topic is easily understood. And we’ll give you a hint of the result: what seems cheap is actually more expensive and, moreover, worsens the problems created by fast fashion (rapid fashion), a runaway and compulsive consumption trend, which in recent years has been opposed by the slow fashion (slow/sustainable fashion) movement.

We like this latter approach and recommend it to you with the words of visionary designer Vivienne Westwood: "Buy less, choose well, make it last."

Differences between handcrafted leather and synthetic leather

The first major difference between both types of bags is the material they are made of. The difference is crucial and you shouldn’t be fooled by labels that, as we said at the beginning, try to pass off materials that are not leather as leather. For bags, leather is animal or it’s not leather.

Handcrafted leather (genuine leather)

The natural leather comes from tanning animal hides and can last decades if treated and cared for  properly. There are different types, but the highest quality is full-grain leather, which is the top layer of the hide, preserving the natural grain, beauty, and best qualities.

• Durability: it withstands the test of time and develops a patina that beautifies it over the years.
• Resistance: it doesn’t crack or peel like synthetic materials do.
• Breathability: it allows air to pass through, preventing bad odors and internal moisture.
• Sustainability: it is a byproduct of the food industry and, with vegetable tanning, is more eco-friendly than plastics.

Synthetic leather (eco-leather, faux leather, vegan leather, etc.)

The synthetic leather is an artificial material mostly made from plastics like polyurethane (PU) or PVC, which try to imitate leather. It is often presented as an "eco-friendly" alternative, but it is not: its production depends entirely on petroleum derivatives.

• Limited durability: it tends to wear out, peel, or crack in a short time.
• Doesn’t age well: while natural leather improves with age, synthetic leather deteriorates easily.
• Non-breathable: it can generate odors and moisture inside.
• Environmental impact: it is not biodegradable and its manufacturing produces polluting microplastics.

 Some of the steps to make a handcrafted leather bag.

Industrial production vs. handcrafted manufacturing

The differences between these two manufacturing methods are huge. And their repercussions are not only aesthetic but affect important issues.

Handcrafted leather bag

• Made in small local workshops that comply with local labor and environmental standards and have manual processes that guarantee quality and detail.
• Unique designs and limited editions, avoiding market saturation and mass production.
• Top-quality materials, with natural tanning and responsible production.

Industrial synthetic leather bag

• Mass production in low-cost factories, often in countries with poor labor conditions and little environmental regulation.
• Standardized designs without personality, with products practically identical in all stores.
• Use of synthetic materials, very cheap zippers and metal details, as well as glues and polluting chemicals to maximize profitability.

A relevant fact about all this. According to Fashion Revolution, an international association with 10 years of existence, present in 70 countries and promoting responsible and sustainable fashion: “93% of fast fashion brands cannot prove their workers receive a living wage.”

Real comparison: cost of a handcrafted leather bag vs. a synthetic leather bag

We present a case as an example. A synthetic leather tote bag, like those you can find in countless stores costing 50 euros, versus a natural leather tote costing 250 euros. We estimate the first has a lifespan of 1 year and the second 10 years, based on realistic and statistically sensible data.

At first glance, the synthetic leather bag is more affordable. However, when we analyze the durability of a handcrafted leather bag and other factors, the picture changes.

Over 10 years, buying a cheap bag annually means a total investment of 500€, while a single handcrafted bag that lasts 10 years costs 250€. 

We can say, then, that the 250€ tote is half the price of 10 synthetic bags. What seemed cheaper, seen over time, can be much more expensive.

The synthetic leather bag, moreover, in these 10 years has created a lot of waste from broken bags, plus the pollution from manufacturing the 10 bags. This does not happen with the handcrafted leather bag.

The initial investment in a genuine leather bag is higher, but in the long run, it is the smarter purchase.

As the great designer Tom Ford said: "True luxury is understanding the quality of materials and craftsmanship."

The handcrafted making of a leather tote like this involves up to three hours of expert work.

Choose wisely

If you’re looking for a bag to get by and replace every season, a synthetic leather bag may seem enough.

If you prefer quality, durability, and a more sustainable purchase, a handcrafted leather bag is the best choice.

The difference is not only in price but in how long you will enjoy it and the impact you create in the world with your choice.

At Juan-Jo, every bag is designed to last, made with high-quality leather and a handcrafted process that respects the materials and the craft. That’s why we like to remember this phrase from Salvatore Ferragamo: "Elegance and durability go hand in hand when it comes to leather."

Explore our collection of handcrafted leather bags here