Pare down: The best recycled leather clutches

You will NEVER find me without a big bag – most of the summer I carried my huge, “vintage” woven tote – but last week I used a clutch, and I liked it. I know, weird, right? It was just too hot to carry a big bag on my shoulder last week, so when I tried out the clutch, I was really surprised that I didn’t mind using it. I was worried that it would be awkward to get in and out of (I needed quick access to my camera) or that I would find it strange to carry. But it wasn’t awkward, or strange. Now I feel the need to carry a clutch more often – perhaps sometimes even as a “main” bag *gasp!!* During the day!!

Some of my favorite eco-friendly handbags are made from recycled or upcycled leather; it’s always better in my opinion to use something that’s already been used (leather jackets) or something that would otherwise have been thrown away than to create something new…

So, check out the clutches below made by some of the best recycled leather handbag designers, and maybe a couple you’ve never heard of. Which one is your favorite?

ReMade USA Recycled Leather clutch – on sale for $90

Ashley Watson recycled leather wallet – so, this is technically a wallet, but I use my large wallet as a clutch periodically; just put your phone in the zipper portion and you’re good to go! (on sale for $107 at Atticus)

Lina Rennell recycled leather pouch (she also has a fabric version available) – $104 at Beklina

Claire Vivier remnant leather clutches (she makes these from the leftover leather created from her handbag business), ranging from $79 to $149:

Recycled leather clutch by Patkas – on sale for $60:

This recycled leather clutch by Cha Cha is small, but look how cute and only $15:

This upcycled (an old leather bag, transformed) clutch/wallet with handpainted peacock feather is gorgeous! I love the idea of taking something dull & lifeless and turning it into something interesting. By Kathryn Greenwald – $35

Tagged as: eco-friendly clutches, eco-friendly handbags, recycled leather bags, recycled leather clutches, recycled leather handbags