Viridis® Matt or Nubuck? Black or Camel? This guide helps you make the right decision.
You already know you want a vegan crossbody bag.
The question is no longer whether – but which one.
Which colour suits your everyday life? What's the difference between matt and nubuck? And who is this bag actually made for?
That's exactly what this guide answers. Concrete, honest and without marketing.
What is the Plant Inside Vegan Crossbody Bag?
The Plant Inside Vegan Crossbody Bag is a compact, handcrafted crossbody bag made from Viridis® – a plant-based leather derived from European corn and wheat. Hand-sewn in small workshops in Poland, free from animal components, PVC and microplastics, and carrying the PETA-Approved Vegan certification. Available in four colours: Black Matt, Brown Matt, Navy Blue and Camel Nubuck. Dimensions: approx. 25 × 18 × 6 cm, weight: ~350 g.
What's inside the bag – and what isn't
Before we get to colours and materials, a quick look at what matters most.
The Plant Inside Crossbody Bag is designed for real everyday life:
Outside:
- 1 long zip pocket on the back panel – for quick access without opening the main compartment
Inside:
- 1 spacious main compartment
- 1 inner zip pocket
- 1 open inner pocket
Room for your smartphone, keys, card holder, lipstick and small accessories. All interior compartments are lined with organic cotton – light beige with the Plant Inside logo. One exception: the Navy Blue crossbody features a vibrant green cotton lining – a surprising detail that makes opening the bag a small moment of joy.
The shoulder strap is adjustable and made from the same Viridis® material as the bag itself – in exactly the same colour.
What it is not: a large everyday bag for laptops or many documents. If that's what you need, our Vegan Laptop Bag is the better choice.
Viridis® Matt vs Nubuck – what's the difference?
This is the question we hear most often. And the answer is simpler than you might think.
Matt
The matt surface is smooth, structured and uniform in colour. It is more resistant to everyday marks and easy to clean with a damp cloth. If you want a bag that looks completely consistent for years – matt is the right choice.
Available matt colours: Black Matt, Brown Matt, Navy Blue Matt
Nubuck
The nubuck surface is soft, velvety and has a distinctive feel that sets it clearly apart from smooth leather. The material feels more alive – and behaves that way too. Lighter nubuck variants can be more sensitive to marks, but clean easily with a damp cloth.
Available nubuck colours: Camel Nubuck
For a deeper look at the differences between plant-based materials and traditional leather, our article Vegan or Leather Crossbody Bag? Materials, Durability and Real Differences explains everything in detail.
Four colours – four characters
All four colours are made from the same material – Viridis® – and share the same dimensions and the same quality. What differs is the character.
Black Matt
The most versatile choice. Matte black works with everything – from office to evening, from casual to formal. No care quirks, no colour change, no surprises. For anyone looking for a bag that is simply never wrong.
For whom: those who put versatility above everything else.
Brown Matt
A warm, earthy brown tone with a smooth matt surface. Viridis® in Brown Matt develops a natural patina over time – at edges and fold points the colour may lighten slightly. Many people value this effect as part of the bag's character.
For whom: those who love natural tones and appreciate a material that lives with them.
Note: Brown Matt develops a natural patina – the colour may lighten slightly at edges over time.
Navy Blue Matt
A deep, classic navy blue – more expressive than black, calmer than other colours. Like Brown Matt, Navy Blue also develops a subtle patina at the edges over time.
For whom: those who want a colour accent without standing out.
Note: Like Brown Matt, Navy Blue also develops a natural patina at the edges over time.
One special detail: the Navy Blue crossbody features a vibrant green cotton lining – an unexpected accent that makes opening the bag a small moment of joy.
Camel Nubuck
The warmest and lightest tone in the collection – with the distinctive nubuck texture. The soft, light surface is more sensitive to marks than the matt variants. But it cleans easily – damp cloth, mild soap, done.
For whom: those who appreciate a distinctive texture and a sunny natural tone, and are happy to occasionally reach for a cloth.
How does the crossbody bag really perform in everyday life?
Theory is useful. Real life is better.
Our first Crossbody prototypes made from Viridis® were carried by friends of the brand for over two years. Daily. Through rain, travel and everyday routines.
One of those prototypes was shown at markets and trade fairs – after two years of daily use. The comment from visitors: "That looks better than my leather bag."
How Viridis® really holds up after 2 to 4 years of daily use – with concrete examples – is documented in our real-life test: How Durable Is Vegan Leather Really?
How to care for a Viridis® crossbody bag
Viridis® is easy to maintain – but a few things are good to know.
Everyday cleaning: A damp cloth with mild soap is enough for most marks. No effort, no special products needed.
Nubuck variants: Camel Nubuck can be more sensitive to marks. A damp cloth works here too – once dry, the surface looks as good as new.
What to avoid: Washing machines, harsh chemicals and direct heat.
Everything you need to know about caring for vegan bags properly – for Viridis® and other materials – is explained in our detailed guide How to Clean a Vegan Bag Properly (Without Damaging It).
Who is the Plant Inside Crossbody Bag for?
Is for you if:
- you carry only the essentials every day
- you need a bag that works with absolutely everything
- animal-free materials and transparent production matter to you
- you want to invest in quality that lasts for years
- you like hands-free comfort without compromising on style
Not for you if:
- you carry a laptop or many documents every day
- you prefer a large, open bag without structure
- you are looking for a bag that requires absolutely zero maintenance
FAQ
What fits in the Plant Inside Crossbody Bag?
Smartphone, keys, card holder, lipstick and small accessories. The bag is designed for intentional, reduced carrying – not for everything at once.
What is the difference between matt and nubuck in Viridis®?
Matt is smooth, uniform and more resistant to everyday marks. Nubuck is soft, velvety and has a distinctive feel – lighter nubuck variants can be more sensitive to marks.
Does Viridis® develop a patina?
Brown Matt and Navy Blue can develop a natural lightening at edges and fold points over time. Black Matt and Camel Nubuck do not show this effect.
Can the bag be cleaned?
Yes. A damp cloth with mild soap is enough for most marks. No washing machine, no harsh products.
Is the crossbody bag unisex?
The bag is minimalist and timeless in design – it works with any style. In our family and among friends it is worn equally by women and men.
How long does the bag last?
Our prototypes have been worn daily for over two years – without visible damage or loss of function. Viridis® is designed for intensive everyday use.
Explore all colours in our vegan crossbody bag collection.