Jute bags are trending in the eco-friendly fashion world. Unlike leather alternatives and other faux products, jute bags are natural, minimize their environmental impact in ways other than simply not using destructive materials, and they are extremely flexible in terms of how they can be designed.
However, there are different styles and quality levels available, and if you’re looking for the perfect day bag, you need to know what to look for. Here’s a list of the key points you should look at when picking the perfect jute bag.
1: Design
Obviously, if you’re buying the bag to be a daily fashion accessory, you want it to match your overall sense of style.
Luckily for you, jute can be woven or knotted into a variety of design styles. From tote-style bags to elaborate purse designs, you can find a jute bag to match your tastes.
Since this is a purely personal choice, we don’t really have any recommendations besides going for a quality item.
2: Weave or Knot Quality
The next important thing is to ensure you’re buying a bag that was woven or knotted properly. Just because these bags are affordable and eco-friendly doesn’t mean you should aim to replace them nonstop. Make sure you buy a bag that is constructed in a way that isn’t going to unravel or otherwise deteriorate.
Take time to look at the tightness and overall quality of the weave. If there are large gaps, or the strands of jute are frayed beyond belief, get a different bag. For knotted bags, you should make sure that the knots are tied properly and exceptionally tight without the need for any synthetic additives such as glue.
3: Dye Quality
Many jute bags are dyed to add a bit of visual flair. That’s perfectly fine, but you want to make sure that the dyes used are aligned with the same eco-friendly and natural values that made you buy a jute bag in the first place.
Some dyes are artificial, or they’re made using petroleum and other products that go against the core purpose of switching to jute, anyways. Those dyes also greatly impact the bio-degradable nature of jute bags, as well. The fibers might break down, but the dyes can be toxic.
Try to make sure you purchase from a manufacturer that guarantees the use of natural dyes and fibers.
4: Sustainably Sourced
This shouldn’t be a problem. Jute is one of the most easily sourced fibers on the planet when it comes to doing things sustainably, and the vast majority of sources aren’t doing anything to cause real harm to the environment. In fact, jute is a crop byproduct. So, it’s naturally produced in farming.
However, it is possible for some sources to use negatively impactful practices, and we recommend avoiding those.
5: Get A Custom Option
This isn’t absolutely required. However, jute bags are far more affordable than designer bags or even off-brand leather or PU bags. So, why not go the extra mile and get one made specifically for you? There are custom bag printers who can put your custom design on the bag, or you can even hire a jute artist to make the whole thing to your specifications by hand. Splurge a little.
