Performance Review: A Look at Everlane’s Cactus Leather After One Year of Use

Sharing an up-close look at Everlane’s cactus leather after one year of consistent use.

A number of plant-based leathers have popped up over the past few years, each made from an increasingly surprising material (Pineapples! Corn! Cactus!).

Although leather from animal hide has its benefits – namely warmth and durability – and is typically created as a byproduct of the meat industry, I understand why many have chosen to go the alt-leather route (plus, there are tanneries using sustainable practices and others that are not – and it’s not always easy for consumers to try to figure out which is which).

Historically, I’ve been reluctant to purchase synthetic leather for two reasons: 1) It’s often made of plastic, which is notoriously terrible for the environment, and 2) I’ve found it just doesn’t last like animal-sourced leather does, requiring frequent replacement.

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So when I had the chance to try Desserto® cactus leather, which uses zero irrigation and naturally regenerates soil, in the form of Everlane’s Cactus Leather Hobo? I just couldn’t say no.

That was more than a year ago (you can find my initial impressions of the bag in this post), and I’ve been dutifully carrying this bag ever since. Well, not that it’s a difficult task or anything, given how the bag’s casual nature fits in perfectly with how casual my life is these days.

But let’s talk today, specifically. Cactus leather is still a fairly new material (launched in 2019 after two years of testing), so no one can yet say if it will last for decades (or even just one decade). But I hope I can help answer the following question after one year of realistic use:

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IS CACTUS LEATHER DURABLE?

Before answering, I should probably share that I’m really tough on my belongings. Travel (at least, my style of travel) is particularly rough-and-tumble, and the pace of life in a city lends itself to moving quickly with less care than usual. Mix in my general clumsiness, and you have a recipe for accelerated wear and tear.

As a result, I have to demand that my belongings are capable of handling the brunt of my day and that I don’t waste precious time “babying” them (as gorgeous as some designer goods are, I know my heart won’t be able to handle whatever inevitable damage I inflict on them, so I happily sit those trends out).

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All of that to say: so far, the Cactus Leather Hobo has taken its first year of life with me like a champ. While there are some bumps and bruises, the cactus leather shows no severe battle scars.

Most of the noticeable wear is on the parts of the bag that often come in contact with other things – namely, the bottom corners (which have probably come in contact with some unsavory things on park benches and the like) and the strap (slap my wrist if you must, but vertical storage is the best way to maximize space and so I store my bags hanging by their straps).

The structural side of things – the seams, hardware, and swaths of cactus leather – is in great shape. The leather seems to resist most scuffs and scratches both on the supple exterior and the fuzzy interior (which I still maintain is a fun choice, because presumably it isn’t technically necessary).

But don’t just take my word for it; these photos tell the rest of the story:

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FINAL THOUGHTS ON CACTUS LEATHER FROM EVERLANE

I wish I could share this post with you from the future, with even more use under my belt (but if we’re being honest, I’d probably spend that time entering the lottery instead!).

Overall, I’m incredibly impressed with how the Cactus Leather Hobo’s Desserto® cactus leather has held up over the past year, despite being put through the wringer. It’s so soft and supple that it truly does feel so similar to animal hide leather, and not at all like cheap, squeaky pleather (you know the sound I’m talking about, right?).

Will I be only buying leather alternatives from now on? Probably not, as they’re still not widely used and I don’t know how they’ll hold up over the coming years. But this experience has changed my mind on non-animal leathers, and I’m definitely more open to trying plant-based versions when available.

*this item is no longer available and a similar one is linked

Questions for you

Have you ever had a bad experience with synthetic leather?

What is the most interesting leather alternative you’ve tried?

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So – where to next?

• A Review of Everlane’s Travel-Ready Daytripper Shirtdress, Italian Leather Tourist Heel, Linen Way-High Drape Pant, and Cactus Leather Hobo
• A Review of The ReWool Way-High Drape Pant, The Organic Wide-Leg Pant, The Way-High Sailor Jean, The Italian Leather Chelsea Boot, and The ReNew Catch-All Case from Everlane
• A review of The Poplin Short-Sleeve Box Shirt, The Cotton-Merino Cami, The ReLeather Tennis Shoe, The Linen Shoestring Jumpsuit, The Organic Cotton Cutaway Tank, The Alpaca Cropped V Cardigan, and The Smock Dress from Everlane
• A Review of The Curvy Way-High Jean, The Japanese GoWeave Slip Dress, The Eyelet Puff Sleeve Top, The Way-High Canvas Short, The A-Line Denim Short, and The Clean Silk Short-Sleeve Square Shirt from Everlane
• Comparing The Gathered Drape Trench and The Long Mac Coat from Everlane
• Home Try-On: The Arc Jean from Everlane
• A review of The Curvy ’90s Cheeky Jean, The Organic Cotton Tissue Tank, The Gathered Drape Trench, and The ReLeather Tennis Shoe from Everlane
• A review of The Day Crossover Sandal from Everlane
• Shop My Closet
• All Style Reviews, Sorted by Brand
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