When making a bag, the materials used are fundamental to ensuring the success of the design as using the wrong material can affect both functionality and structure.

While a good looking bag is great, an even better bag is one that is functional and fashionable.

Canvas

Often used for its durability, canvas is a great material for bags due to it being long lasting and easy to clean. 

Canvas was first used in the form of woven hemp or linen, and was then adopted in the Renaissance for oil painting. Today, canvas is usually made from cotton, and is a popular choice because of its longevity, colour adaptability and it is more environmentally friendly than other materials. 

Due to the versatility of canvas, it is often used in the production of robust bags, such as backpacks, tote bags and duffel bags.

Advantages:

• Canvas is sturdy and durable, so it is a great option for functional bags like tote bags
• With the application of a special treatment, canvas can be made water-resistant to increase its range of use
• Canvas is regarded as environmentally friendly, especially if it is made from organic cotton
• Canvas can usually be cleaned easily, by being put in the washing machine

Disadvantages:

• Canvas can stain very quickly, and needs regular maintenance to keep it looking clean
• Canvas may not look as luxurious as other materials used to make bags

Leather

Leather is one of the most prominent materials in the fashion industry due to its durability and diversity. 

There are a range of different kinds of leather, each with their own unique texture and appearance, making it a sought after material for making bags. Usually, cowhide or lambskin are used for making bags, cowhide is tough and durable, whereas lambskin is soft and lightweight. 

Leather is mainly used for high quality handbags, briefcases, wallets and some luggage items, however its durability and luxurious feel also make it a popular choice for furniture, including sofas and chairs.

There are various grades of leather: full grain, top grain, split leather, genuine and bonded leather.

• Full grain leather is the top layer of the hide, and will maintain all of the grain patterns while being very durable. 
• Top grain leather is slightly sanded to eliminate any imperfections so it is smoother but not as durable as full grain leather. 
• Split leather is made from beneath the top layers of leather, and is mainly used for suede. 
• Genuine leather refers to the remnants of the hide after higher grades have been used, making it more cost effective. 
• Bonded leather is the most affordable grade, and is made using leftover pieces of hide bonded together with an adhesive, creating the look and feel of leather for a lower price.

Advantages:

• Durable and luxurious

Disadvantages:

• Needs regular maintenance
• Can be expensive and controversial due to how it is produced

Nylon

Nylon is a synthetic fabric used in bag making because of its resistance to abrasion. This characteristic means that it can be used for heavy duty bags as it is durable and strong. This strength and tear resistance of the material comes from its reinforcing thread patterns. 

Ballistic nylon, originally developed for use within the military, is now used in the manufacturing of luggage or bags that need to be able to withstand being handled roughly. It is also used for other bags that need to be lightweight or water-resistant, such as sports kit bags or school bags.

Advantages:

• Lightweight
• Water resistant and quick to dry
• Abrasion resistant

Disadvantages:

• Can look cheap compared to other materials
• It is not biodegradable

Polyester

Polyester is another synthetic material, and has its roots in petroleum. Although nylon is superior to polyester in terms of strength and flexibility, polyester is better suited for UV and water resistance. It also has excellent colour retention, and can be an affordable alternative to nylon without having a reduction in quality. 

Similarly to nylon, it is often used in the production of sports bags or backpacks.

Advantages:

• Versatile
• Wrinkle resistant and will not shrink
• Highly resistant to abrasion

Disadvantages:

• Not as breathable as natural materials
• Not biodegradable

Synthetic leather

Synthetic leather is a manmade alternative to natural leather, and mimics the look and feel of the material. It is predominantly made from synthetic material such as polyurethane, and comes in two varieties: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PU (polyurethane). 

PVC cladding is a common application of PVC, but in the context of synthetic leather, PVC leather has a versatile plastic layer, which enables manufacturers to create embossed textures. PU leather is made by coating a fabric, such as polyester, with a flexible polymer for a softer option.

Advantages:

• Cruelty free and more affordable than real leather
• Available in more textures and finishes
• Does not require the same level of maintenance as real leather

Disadvantages:

• Less breathable than natural leather
• May potentially degrade faster

Suede

Suede is renowned for its soft finish, and comes from the underside of animal hides that are used when making leather. It can be made from genuine leather, or synthetic materials.

Advantages:

• Seen as luxurious
• Traditional choice for making bags

Disadvantages:

• Very delicate and high maintenance
• Easily stained

Faux Fur

Faux fur is made to resemble animal fur, as it offers the same fluffy texture without the ethical concerns that arise from using real fur. 

Advantages:

• Soft and can be luxurious
• Cruelty free

Disadvantages:

• Can be high maintenance and hard to clean
• Not as durable as other materials

Neoprene

Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber that is known for its water resistance and shock absorbance, as well as its ability to retain its flexibility over a range of temperatures. 

Due to these characteristics, it is often used to make laptop sleeves, camera bags or other storage bags for electronics, as it is great for cushioning sensitive components.

Advantages:

• Water resistant and shock absorbent
• Durable

Disadvantages:

• Not biodegradable
• Can be a more expensive option

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To conclude, if you want a bag to last a long time, choosing the right material is key. 

While canvas and leather are still great choices for long term usage, synthetic alternatives also each have their own unique benefits that should be considered. It is important to take into account the purpose of the bag, the style and how much upkeep it may take.