You’re probably a bit skeptic, we understand. Bags and wallets made of cork? How does that work? Well, it works beautifully, really. But don’t just take our word for it. Browsing through our product pages you will find hundreds of customers happily praising the vegan-ness, quality, softness and beauty of cork.
Maybe all you can think of is a cork bulletin board falling apart, but there is actually no similarity between the cork shavings used to make such items, and cork fabric which is the perfect alternative to animal leather.
Cork Fabric 101: How It’s Made
Rolls of cork fabric ready to be transformed into beautiful wallets and handbags.
After being harvested, the cork is left to air dry for six months. Then it’s boiled and steamed to get even more elasticity. Heat and pressure are applied to cork to press it into blocks, which are later sliced in thin sheets that can be transformed into a multitude of wonderful cork leather accessories. Unlike the heavy chemical processing of leather, cork leather production is chemical-free. (Yay!)
Despite your nightmarish visions, cork fabric won’t crack or crumble. In fact, due to its very simple and natural processing, cork fabric retains all the qualities that “raw” cork is known for:
- Extreme Lightness
This is one of the biggest advantages of cork and of our products, as no one wants to carry a laptop bag that weighs more than the laptop itself. With over 50% of its volume being air, no wonder cork is so light.
- Water Resistance
Cork wallets and bags are perfect to keep your favorite devices safe and sound - even in the most adverse weather conditions. Water resistance is cork’s best-kept secret: cork ages without deteriorating mainly due to its resistance to moisture. The suberin covering (a waterproofing waxy substance) present in the cell walls make cork virtually impermeable to liquids and gases.
- Wear and Tear Resistance
Cork wallets are very sturdy and will last you a lifetime, even if you carry them daily in your jeans’ pocket; other cork accessories are just as resistant. Thanks to its honeycomb structure, cork is highly abrasion resistant and has a high friction coefficient. That’s why cork is a go-to material even for NASA.
- Slow Burning
We surely hope you won’t ever need to test this, but hey… you never know! The slow combustion of cork makes it a natural fire retardant and a kind of barrier against fire.
- Softness and Uniqueness
The softness of cork fabric is one of the characteristics our clients love the most. Also, each product is as unique as a fingerprint, as there are no two equal pieces of cork.
Details matter: close-up of dark brown cork fabric.
Let’s Talk Quality
If your priority is quality, and you’re wondering how cork fabric products will age and behave through the years, know this: the quality and suppleness of cork fabric products can only be compared to that of leather goods.
But, unlike leather, cork fabric is 100% natural and vegan, water repellent, stain resistant and scratch-proof. Another advantage of cork fabric over leather is that it’s very low-maintenance. To keep your vegan cork accessories in good shape, all you need to do is clean them with water and soap. That’s it! You’re good to go.
Alas, your new cork accessories will age - like every last thing under the sun. But they will do so in a nicely kept manner, lasting you for years to come, with added character.
Cork Quality and Durability: What Our Customers Had to Say
Surprisingly Durable
After 3 months of constant carrying it in my pocket, I'm really surprised how well it behaves. There are some signs of use, of course, but it ages with style.
Michał S. on the Passcase Wallet
Durable and Good Looking
Great wallet. Been using for 6 months: zero wear and tear.
Akash Z. on the Slim Bifold Wallet
Beautiful Wallet
Bought this for my husband. He loved the design and how slim the wallet is. He's been using it for a while now and it does not show any signs of wear and tear.
Sara O. on the Slim Bifold Wallet
Great!
This wallet is perfect. I have had it for 2 years and it is as good as new.
Jonathan on the Coin Pocket Cork Wallet
Good Wallet With No Guilt
Very good, it looks better than leather and is just as durable, with plenty of space for everything I need. Arrived fast also!
Kelsey P. on the Slim Bifold Wallet
Great Product
Corkor proves there is no need to use leather anymore. The products are just as good as leather with the added bonus of no animal cruelty.
Grant M. on the Bifold Wallet for Men
Might Fine!
I've had this wallet for almost 3 years now and it hasn't ripped a single stitch. Incredibly tough wallet for being made out of a tree. Not to mention that they are beautifully designed. Don't be silly, buy one of these amazing wallets!
Colin on the Bifold Wallet for Men
Very Good!
Lovely quality, beautifully packaged. The wallet itself is hard wearing and it feels wonderfully soft.
Mari J. on the Minimalist Cards Wallet
Great product! Much better than animal or PU leather!
Gorgeous, really lightweight, minimalistic and well made. The material, besides ecological, is smooth to the touch and flexible, and the color is beautiful (I got the brown one). I waited for about 4 months to submit this review, so as to get a feeling about the durability of it, and it seems to be resistant; I'm using it every day, even when it rains, and it's perfect. It fits the essentials and also a sweater or summer jacket. I'm 1,6m tall, so the only change I would make is to put one more pair of holes on the straps to be able to make them shorter. It's worth to mention that I had a cork bag once, from another brand, but the quality was far from this one, so I'm looking forward to buying more products from you. Oh, and pleaseee Corkor, launch a backpack for work as well, one slightly bigger that would fit a 13'' MacBook. :D
Ana M. on the Cork Backpack
What about you? Do you own cork products? Are you thinking of buying any? Share your thoughts, experiences or hesitations about cork products in the comments!
