Leather vs synthetic handbags - what about the weight? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Leather vs synthetic handbags - what about the weight?

Fruitful

Veteran

So in my inquiry into quality, I started wondering if it's worth getting a leather bag. I hadn't before because frankly the colours and styles I liked happened to be vinyl (my first grownup handbag was a red Jag one I thought was leather but wasn't. I still loved it though!). I also didn't get any because my impression was that leather is intended to get a distressed, slouchy beat-up look over time, which is not to my taste. Oh, and I quite like switching bags too.

But I thought I should look into it so I asked my leather-toting sister if it's worth it. Get this - the reason she doesn't love her leather handbags is because they are so much heavier.

This is something that matters to me. One reason I never used a handbag at all for years (I had a backpack) is that weight carried on one side of the body is bad for the spine (and even the vocal cords). On top of that, carrying a heavy load is a pain.

So - what's your preference, leather or synthetic bags, and how does weight factor into your preference?

Shopping

19 replies

Latest reply was from MsLuna

Mirp

Weight is a huge factor for me. I have both leather, synthetic & cloth bags. I find I don't use my leather ones as often because of the weight. I walk a couple of miles a day so lugging a heavy bag for style purposes doesn't work.

I do use my leather bags for business meetings -- they look more polished.

I have several cloth Orla Kiely for Tesco totes that I have been using on days when I'm a mom on the go as they hold so much and are bright and cheerful.

anchie

Veteran

I don't think that leather necessary means that it is more heavy. There are nice leather bags that are not heavier than the similar bags in non leather. But I did see some very heavy leather bags, and they were usually also lined with leather. I really liked some Mulberry bags until I saw them in real life - they were too heavy.

Fruitful

Veteran

Aha, so one vote for leather being too heavy for active days, another for discernment between leather bags and finding the lighter leather ones.

For active people, what would you think of a leather backpack like a randoseru?

http://frocksandfroufrou.com/2010/03/schools-out/

ETA I think that bag's polyurethane actually. I originally thought it was leather.

Louise

Veteran

I love the quality of leather bags but often find them heavy too. I have a lovely yellow Radley bag which is leather but is feather weight while I have rehomed various other leather bags which were too heavy even without all my paraphenalia in them. I think you just have to shop around and try some out x

Fruitful

Veteran

Louise, you seem to confirm both what Mirp said and what Anchie said; 1) leather bags are heavy, 2) some leather bags aren't heavy, but you have to be discerning to find them. Interesting!

Mrs Moo

Currently I only have a few leather bags and they are clutches, so the weight hasn't been a factor. The reason I don't have leather shoulder bags is mainly cost to be honest. I like having lots of bags in lots of colours and can't afford to find leather in bright colours - they seem to be about 5-6 times the cost.

Given an unlimited budget I think I would go for leather every time. Having said that however, should I ever find myself in that fortunate position, I'd probably find you guys were right and then I'd moan about the weight!

Lisa

Veteran

I am a fan of leather bags because I find they last longer for me than the non leather bags do. I also like the more rigid shape a leather bag has when half empty versus a non leather bag which usually flops down.

I do think you have to keep in mind weight for a bag, but I am more cautious of hardware adding the weight to the bag than the fabric adding the weight to the bag. I stay away from lots of hardware on bags because I find those are too heavy for me.

christieanne

Veteran

I have been trying to buy only bags I will love for a long time so leather seems a natural choice since it will hold shape and be durable longer than manmade materials.
I have one synthetic bag - it's white shiny "patent" with some black trim and silver hardware. On the larger side of my bags and very lightweight. It's actually held up well since i have had at least five years but since it's white, I don't carry all the time.

Hardware can make the bag heavier - I just tested some of mine.
One brand that I have always loved is Hobo International. They make beautiful shapes, lots of colors other than black and minimal hardware. I rarely order from their website but look for the brand to be marked down at discounters or Nordstrom Rack.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I find my Fossil bag is pretty light; didn't notice a different in weight when I upgraded to leather - I think it depends on the type of bag, and the type of leather (i.e.: cowhide will be heavier than the softer kinds).

Elly

Veteran

I think it depends--- Leather weight isn't important if you don't carry your entire life around and or commute on foot/the train with your bag. If you drive or walk short distances and carry strictly "purse" stuff (wallet, keys, sunglasses, a bit of makeup for touch ups, medications, ect.) you probably aren't carrying enough to affect your spine, since we all are slightly asymmetrical down the mid-line anyway, and we generally carry our bags on our non-dominant side, which tends to be the less muscular side anyway, so it balances it out.

However, if you carry a laptop, books, your lunch, a large water bottle, a change of shoes, extra layers of clothing, your shopping, ect. and commute for a longer distance, I think that it is important to look for styles of bags that redistribute the weight evenly -- like crossbodies, messengers, and backpacks. Yes, leather does add weight, but it also supports weight better by being stronger, more structured, and more durable. NO, I wouldn't want to carry a large leather napsack loaded down, but might be more comfortable carrying a leather messenger filled with books because the leather supports the weight and you aren't being stabbed by book corners.

Can you tell I am pro-leather? I just don't have much luck with the durability of "fake" leather bags. Then again, I don't own really expensive PVC bags, but if I am going to pay much for a bag, I prefer leather. But you also have to keep in mind that I am a fairly tall and muscular lady-- so maybe someone more petite feels the extra weight more.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I prefer the look and quality of leather but recently scored a $10 PU clutch from Express via TJ Maxx that I love! It is lightweight and not bad looking. Then, I found a Michael Kors envelope clutch in grey leather which I purchased. I haven't used it yet, we'll see if it is more of a strain to carry but I rather doubt it. Besides their style factor I love that clutches force you to reduce your carrying load.

Jewell

Veteran

I prefer leather for two main reasons: 1) I find the smell of new leather intoxicating and 2) leather is generally more durable. Rather than wearing out and falling apart, leather develops a rich patina over time (much like high quality wood furniture). Quality leather bags take on a sheen and softness that makes them look better with age. The amount of patina that develops depends on the type and finish of the leather.

With regard to your question, I haven't found my leather bags to be heavier than my nonleather bags. I have both leather and nonleather handbags in a variety of shapes and sizes. I find that more often than not it's other factors that make one bag heavy and another one less so (for example hardware and the type of handles or straps). Here are two of my leather bags. I weighed myself with each empty bag to compare. The smaller framed satchel is actually heavier than the larger shoulder bag. The handbag frame and hardware are likely the cause and perhaps even the thickness of the leather.

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Diana

Veteran

I prefer leather bags for both the look and the quality, but I do agree that they can get heavy! I carry a lot of stuff with me on a daily basis and much of my commute involves walking while carrying said heavy stuff. Add to this the fact that I love hardware on my bags too, and it can be a bit rough for my shoulder and back! So... while I do still carry the big leather ones around, I alternate a couple of lighter bags as well. One is a very light, thin leather tote, and the other is my big Longchamps tote. The Longchamps in particular is fantastic - it weighs almost nothing by itself, but can fit a huge amount and still keeps its shape.

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I generally can't afford leather bags, either, so most of mine are some kind of synthetic or a textile. Some of the bags I have looked at when out shopping are incredibly heavy -- definitely not made for someone who carries a lot of things or walks everywhere!

My mom tried to give me a very nice big leather bag last year, but it was just so heavy even without any hardware or stuff in it that it was a pain to carry. I had a nice super-lightweight bag that my in-laws got me for a present, but the leather ripped after carrying it just a few times.

ManidipaM

Veteran

I agree with Christie Anne that it's often the hardware that makes for heaviness.

I find manufacturers often put better hardware on leather simply because the price is going to be higher than the comparable synthetic or canvas version anyway, so it hardly is a deal breaker for customers to add a few dollars for better --- read: heavier! because sturdier --- hardware.

Another reason some leather bags are sometimes heavier is because with softer leather, you want more interlining esp at the base, so it won't rip through when loaded. Synthetics, canvas, denim are all stronger in that respect.

And, as Lyn says, there is heavier hide as well --- usually very sturdy if you really tend to overstuff.

That said, some of my old fabric bags (not even canvas, but lightweight cotton) were heavier than my two leather bags --- solely because of the hardware! Of my current crop of bags, the heaviest is a structured and reinforced suede-and-silk; the second heaviest is the vinyl mock-patent (blame hardware and interlinings). They are of comparable volume, slightly different sizes. Also of comparable volume, my synthetic laptop bag is WAY heavier than my soft leather bag (all that padding, apparently).

jayne

Veteran

I agree with you. Leather is heavier. And stiffer and scuffs. It might improve the look, if you like that. But I am not the kind to want to oil and treat bags. Shoes are enough trouble for me!

And I am not a bag girl so this may be no help. but I find that 'lasting' is not an issue because I find and love a bag for a season or two and get bored with it long before any wear on it is obvious. I have fallen mostly for Guess bags which is not leather and the bling fades and scratches way before there is any wear visible on the bag itself. And bag styles change. So although there may be a chance that a bag fashionable last year will come in again in 5, I don't really care. I would rather have the opportunity to buy a new one in 5 years in perhaps a new fun color rather than re-use one that sat in my closet taking space for those 5 years. I know the bag lovers probably disagree.

Fruitful

Veteran

Thankyou so much - although there's not a consensus, I feel armed with a list of considerations when looking at the weight of bags (and also their comfort and durability). It's clear that leather ain't leather; that is, it's not a simple equation of leather=heavy, or leather=durable; it depends on the bag.

I understand some of you on the other side of the question really love your leather, and feel the weight is either not an issue, or is outweighed by the benefits. I have to confess even my lightest bags bother me when I'm shopping with a water bottle and several other bits and pieces (and maybe shopping bags as well - or a kid on my hip). So I might be more sensitive to weight than average. But I'm curious to see whether it's the poor structure, or the balance of stuff in my bags that's really the problem, as Elly suggested.

I'm not going to give up synthetic bags just yet, but I'm going to start looking at leather bags with all the factors you raised in mind (the hardware, the type of leather, the structure, testing whether it is indeed heavier). If (or when) I find something I really love, that seems to meet your criteria for useability and quality and mine for affordability, I'm going to add one to my arsenal. If it becomes a go-to that will be an absolute win, and if it's not, I'll use it for low-activity outings.

Overall, I feel armed with knowledge but also a spirit of experimentation! Hopefully I can get back to you with some fab results in the not-too-distant future. xoxo

fashionista

Veteran

I always go for synthetic bags but the skin always chipped out and looked ugly so when I bought one leather bag finally, I was so happy that it lasted so long that all other bad aspects were ignored by me. Yeah, the bag was a little heavier than others and also had the peculiar smell that I really hated being a Veg. But they are really worth the investment.

MsLuna

Veteran

I bought my first leather handbag (a large Onna Ehrlich convertible hobo) last Christmas and boy what a difference it makes! Yes... Weight IS an issue because it does get heavy. When I tote my laptop around, sometimes my shoulders get very sore, however... I'm used to carrying heavy things.

The beauty of having a real leather bag for people like myself (who has a busy lifestyle and a bit of a slacker when it comes to taking care of stuff) is the durability. Most of my non-leather handbags have shoulder straps ripping apart in 6 months of use. I often have to keep spending $30 to $50 every 6 months - and it's hard to find a good hobo bag that is stylish yet totes a laptop! And having to just throw my bag around (yes yes, how unladylike of me) - it doesn't damage my bag at all.

I'm not a "purse girl" to begin with because I am very practical with my handbags, so my advice may not apply. But if it's durability and longevity you're looking for, I highly recommend investing. I'm never going back to cheap bags.