Washable Coated Canvas Handbags by Crystalyn Kae

If you’ve ever wondered what makes our bags so durable, lightweight, and (yes!) machine washable bags, the answer lies in one of our signature materials: coated canvas. Often mistaken for leather or vinyl, this hardworking textile is actually a woven canvas fabric that’s been treated with a protective glaze—making it strong, weather-resistant, and incredibly easy to care for. Unlike faux leather, coated canvas won’t flake or peel. It’s tough enough to cross the world and go through the washing machine, making it the perfect washable work bag or washable travel tote bag.. We love that it offers the sleek look of leather without the extra weight or upkeep—and it's also a vegan-friendly alternative that aligns with our sustainability values.

What is Coated Canvas? The Washable Handbag Material Loved by Luxury Designers 

Coated canvas starts with a strong woven base—cotton or polyester—that’s given a protective finish for durability and water resistance. Permanent coatings are a hallmark of high-quality designer handbags because they make the material last far longer than faux leather or polyurethane—an ecologically preferable choice.

It’s the same material used in iconic Louis Vuitton logo bags, celebrated for lasting decades. At Crystalyn Kae, we take this trusted material a step further. Instead of covering it with logos, our cotton/polyester canvas is embossed with heated rollers to create a subtle leather-grain texture and waterproof sheen. This process bonds the glaze deep into the fibers so the fabric develops a soft patina that actually looks better with every wear.

The result is a lightweight, washable, and eco-conscious alternative to leather that won’t peel or crack—and it has been the backbone of our collection for over 25 years.

Why Crystalyn Kae's Washable Coated Canvas Handbags Stand Out

Crystalyn Kae bags combine the beauty of coated canvas with thoughtful details you won’t find elsewhere:

• Lightweight & flexible – Comfortable to carry every day, without the bulk of leather
  
  

• Easy-care – Wipe clean or toss in the washing machine for a full refresh
  
  

• Vegan & cruelty-free – Made without animal products
  
  

• Exceptionally durable – Won’t crack, flake, or peel—designed to look better with every wear
  
  

• Safe & non-toxic – Our polyester/cotton canvas with thin PVC glaze is lead-free and phthalate-free
  
  

• Built to last – Backed by our lifetime repair warranty
  
  

• Made in the USA – Sustainably crafted in small batches
  
  

Coated canvas has long been a favorite of designers like Louis Vuitton and Goyard. The difference? Most designer versions are logo-heavy and not washable. At Crystalyn Kae, we proudly use a lead-free, phthalate-free glaze—making our bags safe, machine washable, and handcrafted in the USA.

Why Busy Women (and Moms!) Love Our Washable Bags

Our very first coated canvas hobo bags were made nearly 25 years ago—and many of them are still being carried today. Customers often tell us their bags look even better with every wear, thanks to the soft patina this material develops over time.

That’s why we’ve trusted coated canvas for so many of our most-loved designs, including the Troubadour Work Tote (also doubles as a baby bag), our slouchy crossbody bags, and the chic Métier Tote.

Highlights:

• Machine washable
  
  

• Lightweight yet durable
  
  

• Won’t crack, flake, or peel
  
  

• Develops a beautiful patina with age
  
  

• Vegan & cruelty-free
  
  

• A smarter choice than “pleather” or vinyl
  
  

Watch: Water Just Rolls Off Our Washable Coated Canvas Bags

💧 What happens when a Crystalyn Kae coated canvas bag gets wet?
Watch as water simply rolls right off the fabric—proof of how reliable our bags are for rainy weather and everyday adventures. And if life gets messy? Most Crystalyn Kae bags are completely machine washable.

How to Wash Your Crystalyn Kae Coated Canvas Bag (Yes, It’s That Easy!)

You can machine wash most of our coated canvas bags:

1. Remove the strap or any inserts.
   
   

2. Place the bag in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase.
   
   

3. Wash on cold, gentle cycle.
   
   

4. Lay flat to dry.
   
   

For style-specific care tips, see our [How to Wash Your Handbag Guide →].

Coated Canvas vs. Leather: Why Washable Bags Win for Everyday Life

For everyday adventures, coated canvas bags often outperform leather:

• Durability – High-quality coated canvas resists tearing and scratches better than some leathers. Coatings won’t peel or flake like polyurethane (PU).
  
  

• Lightweight Comfort – Much lighter than leather, making it easier on your shoulders and back.
  
  

• Water & Stain Resistance – Naturally repels water; many Crystalyn Kae bags are fully machine washable.
  
  

• Stain Resistance – Easy to wipe clean; spills rarely sink in.
  
  

• Eco-Friendly – Vegan, cruelty-free, and safer for the environment than leather tanning.
  
  

• Price – Generally more affordable than high-end leather bags.
  
  

25 Years of Washable Bags: Sustainable, Durable, and Better with Time

• Built for the long haul – Many customers are still carrying their Crystalyn Kae coated canvas bags after 20+ years.
  
  

• Slow fashion ethos – Longer-lasting materials mean less waste.
  
  

• Circularity – Washable, repairable, reusable.
  
  

• Safe materials – Our fabric meets strict safety standards: phthalate-free, PFAS-free, lead-free, BPA-free, formaldehyde-free, and Prop 65 compliant (see certifications here).
  
  

👉 [Read More About Our Sustainability Practices →]

“My Crystalyn Kae tote is over 10 years old and still looks fantastic. I’ve washed it multiple times and it just keeps getting better!”

Discover Why Crystalyn Kae’s Washable Bags Outlast the Rest

Durable. Washable. Sustainable. Stylish. For nearly 25 years, coated canvas has been the backbone of our most popular designs. Ready to see why?

👉 [Shop Our Collection of Washable Bags →]