Matt & Nat, short for “Material and Nature,” launched in Montreal in 1995 with a bold vision: create beautiful accessories without hurting the planet or animals. The brand began long before sustainable fashion became a trend and has stuck to its original philosophy with surprising consistency.
Every piece in their collection is 100% vegan, and much of the material is made using recycled components, like plastic bottles and windshield resin. But Matt & Nat is not just a story of ethics—it’s also about clean lines, neutral palettes, and timeless design.
They’ve grown into a global brand, with products sold online and through retailers in over 40 countries. Their name has become practically synonymous with vegan leather accessories, especially for people who want something elevated but consciously made.
Sustainability at the Core: What Matt & Nat Is Made Of
Matt & Nat is arguably best known for the materials it doesn’t use: no animal leather, suede, wool, or silk. But what they do use is even more interesting.
Key Materials Used
- Recycled Plastic Bottle Linings: All their bag linings are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. To date, they’ve recycled over 9 million bottles.
- PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral): A standout innovation, PVB is made from recycled windshield glass and used in some of their sleekest bag exteriors. It’s strong, waterproof, and much more environmentally friendly than PVC-based faux leathers.
- Appleskin™: Introduced in newer collections like Studio 901, Appleskin™ is crafted using waste from the apple juice industry. It’s soft, leather-like, and much lower in emissions.
- Recycled Nylon and Rubber: Found in their belts, outerwear, and some footwear. These materials extend the sustainability story beyond bags.
Matt & Nat also minimize the use of virgin synthetics. Instead of opting for cheaper, plastic-heavy faux leather, they’ve invested in more sustainable alternatives, proving fashion can be both ethical and luxurious.
Design Philosophy: Minimal, Modern, and Multi-Functional
Matt & Nat isn’t about fast fashion. Each product reflects a minimalist, urban aesthetic, designed to look polished but still suit everyday life. Their designs tend to avoid flashy embellishments, instead favoring clean silhouettes, magnetic closures, and muted colorways like mushroom, sage, black, and sand.
Everything is made to be versatile and timeless. A bag bought today likely won’t feel out of style three years from now. The same applies to their footwear and outerwear collections.
The brand also focuses on functionality. Crossbody bags come with adjustable straps and thoughtful compartments. Backpacks feature padded laptop sleeves. Wallets are compact yet organized. Even the packaging is plastic-free and recyclable.
Full Breakdown: Matt & Nat’s Best-Selling Products
Let’s dive into the top products customers keep coming back for—these are consistent best-sellers based on the official website’s featured and top-rated listings.
This structured, roomy backpack features a 13” laptop compartment, side zip pockets, and a top handle. Available in colors like Black, Chili, and Carotene. It strikes a balance between sleek city styling and practical function.
Small but mighty, the BEE bag is great for travel or errands. The rectangular body holds a phone, wallet, keys, and a few extras. Made in their classic Vintage finish with a flap closure and zip pocket inside.
Affordable and stylish, the SAM crossbody is a great entry point into the brand. It’s slim, simple, and fits just the essentials. A favorite for those who prefer lightweight bags.
This compact wallet includes 12 card slots, a zip coin pouch, and RFID protection. Ideal for those who want to stay organized without bulky wallets.
A slim, no-fuss solution for cards and cash. Lightweight, durable, and made with their softest vegan leather.
Beyond Bags: Footwear, Outerwear, and Accessories
Matt & Nat’s catalog has grown far beyond purses and wallets. They now offer:
Shoes
From vegan sneakers to rain-ready boots, their footwear line focuses on durability and comfort. Many shoes feature memory foam insoles and recycled rubber soles.
Outerwear
Coats and jackets include quilted puffers, faux shearling styles, and trench-inspired designs—all made with cruelty-free textiles and often lined with recycled polyester.
Accessories
Sunglasses, belts, and even candle collections round out their product offerings. Everything follows the same ethical and sustainable manufacturing principles.
Customer Experience: What People Are Saying
Positive Reviews
Many shoppers praise the aesthetic, quality, and mission behind Matt & Nat. Bags are said to “feel high-end,” with textures that mimic real leather. Others note the ease of maintenance—just wipe and go.
Criticisms
- Durability: Some customers have reported peeling or cracking after extended use, particularly in hot climates.
- Customer Service: There are mixed reviews about return handling and communication speed.
- Color Accuracy: A few buyers noted that actual product shades varied slightly from the online images.
Still, most agree that Matt & Nat’s values justify the purchase, especially for those prioritizing ethical sourcing.
Ethical Manufacturing: A Work in Progress
Matt & Nat claims to work with SMETA-certified factories, which means audits are conducted for labor standards, health, and safety. However, according to some third-party watchdogs, only one factory has verified ethical compliance, and the brand could benefit from disclosing more detailed sourcing info.
They acknowledge this gap and state that they’re working on deeper improvements. Their ethical mission is evolving, but there’s still room to grow in transparency.
Pros and Cons
Pros
No animal products used in any collection—great for ethically conscious shoppers.
From plastic bottles to apple waste, the brand makes serious efforts toward sustainability.
Clean lines, versatile colors, and minimalist hardware.
Bags, shoes, and coats for both men and women.
High-end looks with more approachable pricing during promos.
Cons
Some customers experience cracking or fading, especially with heavy use.
Limited factory data and third-party certifications.
Slow responses and return delays noted in some reviews.
Mainly an online brand with few retail locations, which makes try-before-you-buy harder.
Final Thoughts
For those seeking fashion that aligns with modern values, Matt & Nat is a strong contender. Their dedication to animal-free materials, reduced plastic waste, and sleek design makes them a favorite among eco-conscious consumers. While not perfect—especially in terms of transparency and durability—the brand is clearly evolving.
Their aesthetic works across a wide age range and lifestyle. From students to professionals, there’s a practical and ethical product for everyone. As long as buyers keep care instructions in mind and understand the trade-offs of vegan leather, Matt & Nat delivers style with a purpose.