Mushroom Leather Might Be in Your Closet by 2026
The fashion world is shifting.
Like, seriously shifting.
People want cooler, cleaner options—stuff that doesn't wreck the planet or hurt animals.
And one of the newest things popping up on designers' radars?
Mushroom leather.
Sounds weird at first, right?
But it's gaining buzz fast.
This new type of leather is grown from mycelium, the root-like part of fungi, and it's turning into a potential game-changer in how we think about materials.
It's popping up in high-end sneakers, sleek handbags, and some fashion houses are even testing it in their future collections.
The real question, though: are we gonna see this stuff on regular store racks by 2026?
Or is it still a few years off?
Let's dig into the scene, the players, the problems—and the potential.
Table of Contents
- 1. What Is Mushroom Leather
- 2. Key Companies Involved
- 3. Why Fashion Cares
- 4. Current Product Use
- 5. Growth and Hype
- 6. What's Holding It Back
- 7. What Happens By 2026
- Sources & References
- Images Sources & Attributions
1. What Is Mushroom Leather
So, mushroom leather isn't grown in the woods or picked off trees.
It's actually made by cultivating the underground root system of fungi—called mycelium—on stuff like sawdust or agricultural waste.
Once it grows into a thick mat, it gets processed to look and feel like traditional leather.
They clean it, compress it, tan it (not like a beach tan), and sometimes dye it too.
The idea is to take something natural and grow it in labs or warehouses, then turn it into a sustainable material for bags, shoes, maybe even jackets.
It's not just about being "eco"—it also looks kind of futuristic and minimalist, which is a win for fashion aesthetics.
Mycelium leather isn't just one type either.
There are a few different kinds depending on how it's grown and treated.
Some are more suede-like, others feel smoother or thicker.
It's still being experimented with in tons of ways.
The thing is, it's not really a DIY thing (yet).
It takes special tech and very controlled environments to get the mycelium to behave.
But for brands that can afford to play with it, it's a really cool canvas to explore.
And while it sounds super new, research into fungi-based materials has actually been going on for a while—scientists just needed fashion to catch up.
2. Key Companies Involved
Some serious names are betting big on mushrooms.
You've got a few standout companies making headlines, each taking their own spin on how to grow and sell mushroom leather.
Bolt Threads made waves with their Mylo material.
It even showed up in Adidas sneakers and Stella McCartney bags.
But… they hit financial roadblocks and had to pause production.
It shows how tricky the market is, even for leaders.
Then there's MycoWorks, who came out with Reishi.
This stuff got attention because Hermès used it in a bag—huge flex.
They're aiming for luxury vibes, not cheap wallets.
Ecovative is another major player.
Their material is called Forager, and they've got a broader focus—trying to get into packaging, cosmetics, and more, not just fashion.
Life Materials made Muskin, which feels more like a soft suede.
It's made without toxic chemicals, so it checks more sustainability boxes.
A lot of the buzz comes from the fact that these companies are actually working with big names.
But the flip side?
If even the top dogs are struggling to scale, smaller ones definitely face an uphill climb.
List of Top Companies:
Bolt Threads (Mylo)
MycoWorks (Reishi)
Ecovative (Forager)
Life Materials (Muskin)
3. Why Fashion Cares
Honestly, the fashion industry has a bit of a reputation.
Between animal rights concerns, toxic dye runoff, and just massive waste, there's been growing pressure to clean things up.
Leather, as stylish as it is, comes with baggage.
Cows need land, water, and feed—plus the whole methane thing.
The tanning process uses heavy chemicals that can mess with water supplies.
Not exactly planet-friendly.
So, brands are under the spotlight.
Shoppers want vegan options, ethical sourcing, and materials that don't live forever in a landfill.
That's where mushroom leather comes in.
Also, synthetic leather (like PVC or PU) isn't perfect either.
It usually relies on plastic, which brings in microplastic pollution and fossil fuel dependence.
So, swapping cow leather for plastic kind of misses the point for a lot of eco-conscious buyers.
Mushroom leather feels like the next right step: biodegradable, cruelty-free, and not made from oil.
That alone has been enough to spark interest, especially from younger and more vocal consumers.
4. Current Product Use
Okay, so where are we actually seeing this stuff?
Short answer: accessories.
Shoes, handbags, small leather goods.
That's the sweet spot right now.
Most brands testing mushroom leather are sticking to items that don't need to bend, stretch, or go through tons of wear and tear.
That's because durability for heavy-use clothing like pants or jackets isn't totally locked in yet.
Big names like Stella McCartney, Adidas, and Lululemon have all dipped their toes in.
Hermès made a bag with it.
These aren't fast-fashion brands—they're setting trends from the top, where new materials get their first shot.
But if you're shopping at your local mall?
You're probably not seeing it just yet.
Limited runs, high prices, and production delays are still holding things back.
Fashion Items Using Mushroom Leather
| Brand | Product Type | Material Name | Available in Stores? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adidas | Sneakers | Mylo | Limited release only |
| Stella McCartney | Handbags, accessories | Mylo | No (concept pieces) |
| Hermès | Victoria Bag (prototype) | Reishi | No (not for sale) |
| Lululemon | Yoga accessories | Mylo | Pilot stage |
Accessories It's Showing Up In:
Sneakers
Wallets
Handbags
Yoga mats
5. Growth and Hype
Mushroom leather isn't just cool—it's also getting investment attention.
Forecasts are super optimistic (sometimes a little too optimistic), but they show that people expect big things.
One market report pegs the whole bio-based leather space at nearly $868 million by 2026.
Mushroom leather is a slice of that pie—but estimates vary a lot depending on how quickly scaling happens.
Consumer demand is definitely part of the push.
Veganism, Gen Z buying power, and social media trends around eco-fashion all fuel the hype.
There's also a rise in brands that only want sustainable materials, which creates steady demand.
Governments are getting involved too.
With regulations against fast fashion waste and plastic pollution coming in, alternatives like mushroom leather look even more appealing.
There's a lot of startup activity happening in this space, and with tech getting cheaper and more refined, things are moving faster every year.
6. What's Holding It Back
Alright, here's the part nobody likes to talk about—but it's important.
Scaling mushroom leather isn't easy.
And it's not cheap.
Right now, it costs more to make than animal leather or synthetic stuff.
Part of that is because the tech is new, and part of it is because the process is still kind of artisanal.
That's tough when you're trying to clothe millions of people.
There's also durability.
While it works fine in bags or shoes, it's not proven yet for clothing that moves and flexes all day.
Brands don't want to risk a product that breaks down too fast.
Plus, there's the Mylo situation.
Bolt Threads had to pause production after hitting funding trouble—even with big names backing them.
That shook up confidence a bit.
And then there's public understanding.
Most people still don't know what mushroom leather is.
It sounds gimmicky or gross until someone explains it.
So, education plays a role too.
7. What Happens By 2026
So what's actually realistic by 2026?
Expect growth—but not an explosion.
We'll probably keep seeing mushroom leather in accessories, high-end collabs, and maybe some early jackets or small fashion pieces.
It won't be taking over the mall racks just yet.
Regular shoppers might not even notice it unless they follow fashion news closely.
But that's okay.
Big changes usually start small, then build.
Think of it like electric cars in 2015 vs.
now.
A lot depends on how fast companies like MycoWorks or Ecovative can scale and bring costs down.
If one of them cracks the code and gets it into stores affordably?
Game changer.
Until then, it's gonna live mostly in the luxury or "eco-chic" space.
Still awesome—but not mainstream.
Mushroom leather has a cool origin story and some pretty huge upsides.
But the path to your everyday wardrobe isn't totally clear yet.
The potential is there—especially for reducing environmental harm and offering cruelty-free fashion—but cost, performance, and scalability still need work.
By 2026, don't expect mushroom leather to be everywhere.
Expect to see it where it counts: on influencers, in small capsule drops, and inside luxury boutiques.
And that's a solid step in the right direction.
Real change in fashion takes time, and this feels like the start of something long-term.
Sources & References
Images Sources & Attributions
All images used within this page have been sourced from Wikimedia Commons. They are used here strictly for informational and illustrative purposes.
