Leather or synthetic handbags - which do you prefer?

RoseFairy

I really need a new handbag!

I have, for a very long time, been using handbags that have been given to me as presents - both leather and synthetic, and so luckily have not had the need to buy one. I'm not really a handbag type person - ie needing a new one everyso often - having kids has made me stick to the one bag for a long time.

I am now having to choose one myself according to my likes - and there is so much to choose from :eek:!

anyway i have basic idea, that i like pockets and compartments on the outside, and on the inside apart from the standard (tiny) zipped pocket - would like another zipped pocket inside too. I'm not fond of the bucket type bags as i like to be organised.

synthetic ones in the past have not lasted more than 6months for me as the straps give way - but i have noticed how affordable they are. Leather bags - have lasted me over a year maybe 2 - so no need to search again - however they are £70 plus - is that 'cheap' for a leather bag - i don't know as i have never had to buy one . ?


so any ideas will be really helpful to help me decide whether to actually invest in a leather (given price, lifespan and the style i am looking for ie pocket wise), or to go for a synthetic one - how long are they supposed to last? some of the branded stuff are very highly priced and synthetic?

geri1965_2

You could look at Kipling bags - they are synthetic but very sturdy and long lasting. They are quite pricy for non-leather but worth the money in my opinion.

I like decent quality leather or non-leather like Kipling or Crumpler. I hate cheap leather or even worse, leather look/faux leather.

What size are you after?

penelopedee_2

You can get leather bags for cheaper than that. If you like them to last I would get leather.

The last couple I got were on TK Max - they've a shop online now. There were about £30 each and have lasted well and still look tidy.

Citygirl1

Hi, I also have a dilemma with handbags and I did turn to leather ones and found them more hard wearing but then I bought a cheapy one from the market, one of those patchwork leather ones that are leather apart from the straps and the insides. It has lasted me a couple of months and been OK but now the strap has broken. So I have gone for leather again but have found one in TJ Hughes which is real leather for £20, so now I feel its best to go for cut price leather rather than spending the earth on one bag and it will last longer than synthetic. Having said that, I have had synthetic bags in the past that have been sturdy, it all depends on the make of them.

Fuzzy_Duck

As geri1965 says, Kipling are worth the money, and there are some great deals to be had on their sale items. I have what looks like a small over the body bag but there are so many pockets I can get a a pretty good amount in there!

Griizelda

I bought a a leather handbag from TJ Hughes for £20/£25.00 (sorry can't remember exact price) a couple of years ago. It's still going strong and I've had lots of compliments about it. I suppose it's what you'd call a "classic" style so it's never dates (it has a zipped middle compartment in addition to the small zipped one). I don't like spending small fortune on a handbag (nice as some of them are), so this one suits me just fine! (I do think leather is better than synthetic but bow to other superior knowledge re the Kipling bags!)

guineapig

I have Kipling bags in lots of sizes and colours they are fantastic, they wash in the machine and they are so very light that the bag it'self doesn't weigh anything (unlike some other styles of bag).

We give our Kipling back packs some real hammer and they are still as good as new, not cheap but a great investment......I know I sound like I work for them(I don't) but weight is an issue for me that's why I like them.(Plus they come in every colour of the rainbow & have lots of useful pockets).

geri1965_2

Kipling are great - I must have had about 30 over the years. Down to 3 now! (plus 3 suitcases!)

peachyprice

I much prefer leather, or fabric/leather combo at a push. I really don't like fake leather at all.

I've got Fossil and Longchamps bags that I have had for years and years that have still got loads of life in them. IMO buy the best leather bag you can possibly afford, it's worth it in the long run.

Vaila

i either buy leather or canvas. leather from tkmaxx and canvas from gap

gunsandbanjos

I prefer leather bags, though i do have one faux leather one from Dune but you really cant tell its not leather.

I think i must be in the minority as i hate Kipling bags, never seen the attraction:o

I buy my bags from TK Maxx usually, i like Ri2K bags, i have a few and a couple of their purses and i love them all.