Matt & Nat

Matt & Nat (short for “MAT(T)erial & NATure”) is a Canadian-founded accessories brand based in Montréal, established in 1995, that specializes in vegan handbags, wallets, backpacks and related accessories. The company’s distinguishing features are its commitment to cruelty-free materials (no animal leather or fur), and its use of recycled fabrics and linings (for example linings made of 100 % recycled plastic bottles). The Canadian site offers full product categories for men and women, and ships across Canada.

Product Range & Materials

The brand’s portfolio covers handbags (totes, cross-bodies, satchels), backpacks, wallets, belts, small leather-goods (vegan leather), some footwear and accessories. A key product differentiator is the materials: their “Vegan Recycled Leather” uses innovative recycled materials (for example PVB made from recycled windshield glass resin) and their linings are made entirely of recycled plastic bottles. Colours tend to be muted-neutrals, textures clean, with seasonal updates in silhouettes, hardware and colour accents. The design aesthetic emphasises modern minimalism with a sustainable story.

Shopping Experience in Canada

On the Canadian-site (mattandnat.com) Canadian pricing is shown; bilingual content is present (English/French). Shipping & delivery to Canada are supported — for example orders shipped from Canadian warehouse with carriers like UPS, FedEx and Canada Post with an estimated 3–7 business days transit for Canadian destinations. Return and warranty information is clearly posted. Inventory is available online and the site also lists physical store locations/outlets in Canada (for example Richmond BC, Laval QC, Calgary AB, Toronto ON). Customers should check size, hardware and closure details, as vegan materials may behave differently from animal-leather equivalents (for example stiffness, wear). Based on user reviews, some customers note variability in durability over time.

Sustainability & Brand Ethics

Matt & Nat highlight that they will never use animal‐based materials; they experiment with recycled nylon, rubber, cork, and in one capsule even PVB (windshield glass resin) as outer body material. The brand is profiled in a Canada Post e-commerce feature about their sustainability efforts and omni-channel expansion. While the materials story is strong, the vegan leather category remains synthetic—and durability and long-term finish may differ from premium leather, which some customers mention as a caution.

Strengths & Considerations

Strengths: Strong sustainability positioning, cruelty-free credentials; Canadian origin (Montreal); clear online presence; environmentally-aware materials; full accessories range at relatively accessible price-points for vegan designer segment. Considerations: As with many vegan-leather brands, long-term wear and durability can vary—some reviewers suggest earlier generations were more robust. Also, the price for “designer vegan” may challenge value expectations for some shoppers; checking hardware quality, stitching and edge finishing is advisable.

Who It’s For

Matt & Nat appeals to consumers in Canada who:

• Prioritise accessories (bags, wallets) rather than full wardrobe;
• Seek vegan / cruelty-free credentials and sustainable material stories;
• Want modern minimalist style with accessible designer price-tier;
• Appreciate Canadian-based brand with bilingual support;
• Are willing to trade some premium leather durability for ethical material choices.
  It is less oriented toward luxury leather handbag collectors or heavy-duty outdoor bags, and more toward everyday fashion-accessory use.

Final Thoughts

If you are in Canada and looking for accessories that combine sustainable materials, cruelty-free ethos and stylish design—particularly handbags, wallets and backpacks—Matt & Nat is a compelling choice. For best experience, review size/fit (especially for backpacks), check hardware closings, and utilise sale/promotions for better value. Given the vegan material base, treat items with some care (avoid sharp abrasions, long extended wear may show edge-wear) and if you do so, the brand offers a clear value proposition in the “ethical accessories” space.