Why materials matter to us
At Twine and Co., we spend a lot of time thinking about details and user experience. Not just how something looks, but how it feels to carry and how well it holds up in everyday life. When we started designing our walking bag, choosing the right material wasn’t a quick decision. We wanted something that felt refined, that wasn’t too heavy, and that could genuinely handle daily use without looking tired after a few months.
After going through countless samples and finishes, we kept coming back to the same choice. Microfibre leather.
What microfibre leather actually is
If you’ve never heard of it, microfibre leather is a high-quality, vegan-friendly engineered material. It’s made from tightly woven fibres, which gives it a soft, smooth feel and a level of durability that surprised us when we first tested it. The texture is consistent, the colour holds well, and it has that slightly warm, matte look you’d normally associate with traditional leather.
It feels premium without the weight or the upkeep that comes with real leather. And, just as important for us, it’s a much kinder option for animals.
Why we chose it for our crossbody walking bag
From the beginning, we wanted the bag to be something you’d happily wear even on a day without your dog. Something clean, modern, and quietly luxurious. Microfibre leather fits that direction perfectly. It holds its shape, resists scratches, and works beautifully with our hardware and colour palette.
There’s always a worry with vegan materials about how they’ll age, but this one kept proving itself. So it made perfect sense to use a material that supports our values without compromising the quality we want to deliver.
We choose materials the same way we design - with intention, care, and an eye for everyday beauty.
Microfibre leather versus traditional PU
A lot of vegan leathers get grouped together, but microfibre and standard PU behave very differently. The differences become obvious once you handle them side by side.
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Durability
Microfibre leather is stronger and far less prone to cracking or peeling. PU tends to show wear sooner, especially on pieces used every day. -
Texture and finish
Microfibre has a refined, consistent grain that leans more towards the feel of genuine leather. PU often feels smoother and more synthetic. -
Breathability
Because microfibre is made with dense yet breathable fibres, it doesn’t trap heat or become stiff over time. -
Longevity
This matters for a bag that’s likely to live on your shoulder every day. Microfibre lasts longer and keeps its structure. -
Sustainability
Microfibre leather uses less water, creates fewer emissions, and avoids animal hides. PU varies widely in quality and environmental impact.
These differences are part of the reason our bags sit confidently in the premium space. When you invest in a Twine and Co piece, you’re choosing a material that can handle your everyday routines and still look good months and years down the line.
A considered choice
Every colour, stitch, and hardware finish on our bags has a purpose behind it. Microfibre leather helps us create something that feels timeless and conscious, with the strength to support real life use.
It’s a material that respects the world around us. And more importantly, it helps us make a product you’ll be proud to carry on dog walks, errands, or anywhere in between.
Because the things we rely on every day should be made with care.
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