In considering how to outfit yourself in the latest fashions, you may find yourself wondering about the differences between real leather and its synthetic counterpart, faux leather. While genuine leather comes from animal hides, faux leather is a man-made alternative designed to mimic the look and feel of real leather at a more affordable price point.
As you shop for a women or mens leather jacket, you’ll likely encounter both types of leather-like materials. Being able to identify the key characteristics of each will empower you to make informed purchasing decisions. This article will provide an in-depth look at what exactly faux leather is, how it’s made, how it compares to real leather, and things to keep in mind when deciding between the two. With a solid understanding of faux leather under your belt, you’ll approach your next trip to the department store ready to analyze labels and choose the best options for your needs.
What Is Faux Leather?
Faux leather, also known as synthetic leather or imitation leather, is an artificial material meant to resemble genuine leather. It’s made by bonding a plastic coating to a fabric backing. The plastic is treated to look and feel similar to real leather. Faux leather is cheaper to produce and more durable, but it lacks the natural softness and breathability of real leather.
Faux leather is commonly used as an alternative to real leather for clothing, accessories, furniture, and vehicle upholstery. It’s popular for products like jackets, handbags, watch bands, wallets, chairs, car seats, and steering wheel covers. The low cost and durability of faux leather make it suitable for high-volume commercial applications where the look and feel of real leather are desired without the expense.
Material Types
The most common types of faux leather include polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PU faux leather is softer, more breathable, and environmentally-friendly. PVC faux leather is stiffer, less breathable, and releases toxic chemicals during production, though it’s still widely used. Newer, more eco-friendly faux leather alternatives are emerging, made from sustainable materials like cork, kelp, and pineapple leaves.
Pros and Cons
While faux leather provides an inexpensive, durable leather-like material, it lacks the luxurious feel and prestige of real leather. Faux leather is not biodegradable and some types can release harmful chemicals. For many applications, though, faux leather provides an ethical and practical alternative to real leather. With constant improvements in manufacturing, faux leather continues to become softer, more breathable, and more eco- friendly.
What Is Faux Leather Made Of?
Faux leather, also known as synthetic leather or artificial leather, is made from synthetic materials that are processed to have the appearance and texture of real leather. The most common materials used to make faux leather include:
Polyurethane (PU)
Polyurethane is a polymer that can be made to resemble leather. PU faux leather is soft, pliable and inexpensive to produce. It is also water-resistant and durable. However, PU faux leather is not breathable and may not last as long as real leather.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is a plastic polymer that can be treated to have a leather-like texture and appearance. PVC faux leather is very inexpensive but not breathable. It can also release toxic chemicals and break down over time. For these reasons, PVS faux leather is becoming less popular.
Microfiber
Microfiber is a synthetic fabric made of ultra-fine fibers that provide a suede-like texture. Microfiber faux leather is breathable, durable and animal-friendly. However, it may not replicate the appearance of real leather as closely as other materials. Microfiber faux leather is often used to make clothing, handbags, and upholstery.
In summary, faux leather is produced from man-made materials, especially polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, and microfiber fabrics. When choosing faux leather goods, consider factors like breathability, durability, and ethics in addition to appearance. With the right material, faux leather can be a great cruelty-free alternative to real leather.
How Long Does Faux Leather Last?
Faux leather is designed to have the appearance and texture of genuine leather, but at a lower cost and without the environmental impact. As it is a synthetic material, faux leather will not last as long as real leather. The durability of faux leather depends on several factors, including the quality of materials and production techniques. Higher quality faux leather made of polyurethane or vinyl can last 3-5 years with normal use, while lower quality or bonded leather may only last 6-18 months.
Proper care and maintenance can help maximize the lifespan of faux leather. Avoid exposing faux leather to extreme heat or sunlight, as this can cause cracking and fading. Wipe down faux leather regularly with a damp cloth to remove dirt and stains. For stuck-on debris, you can create a DIY faux leather cleaner with warm water, white vinegar or a mild detergent.
Apply a protective treatment, such as a spray-on water protector or conditioner, to help prevent stains from setting in. With frequent use, faux leather will show signs of wear over time through fading, scratches, or tears. Patching small cracks or tears as soon as they appear can prevent further damage. For large rips or holes, faux leather can often be repaired using iron-on patches, stitching, or faux leather tape.
Avoid re-dyeing faux leather, as the pigments may not properly adhere to the synthetic material. In some cases, faux leather can be difficult to distinguish from genuine leather. However, real leather will generally last significantly longer and age more gracefully than synthetic alternatives. For long-lasting, high-quality leather goods, genuine leather is worth the investment. Faux leather can be a good option if you need an affordable, temporary solution or want an animal-friendly leather substitute. With proper care and realistic expectations about durability, faux leather can serve its purpose.
Is Faux Leather Real Leather?
Faux leather, also known as synthetic leather, is not real leather. Real leather is made from animal hides, typically cowhide. Faux leather is made from synthetic materials, most commonly polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These synthetic materials are treated and manufactured to have the look and feel of real leather.
While faux leather mimics certain properties of real leather, such as texture, it lacks other properties. Faux leather is less breathable than real leather and does not develop a patina over time. It is also less durable and flexible than real leather. However, faux leather is often cheaper to produce and can be made cruelty-free, unlike real leather. For some applications where the properties of real leather are not required, faux leather serves as an acceptable alternative.
What Is Vegan Leather Vs Faux Leather?
Vegan leather, also known as faux leather, is a synthetic leather alternative made from polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials. Unlike real leather which is made from animal hides, vegan leather does not use any animal products in its manufacturing process.
Vegan leather and faux leather are often used interchangeably; however, vegan leather is considered the ethical and sustainable option as it does not use any animal byproducts. Faux leather, on the other hand, simply implies synthetic or man-made leather and the materials can still contain animal byproducts. For vegans and environmentally-conscious consumers, vegan leather is the preferred term as it highlights the ethical nature of the material.
PU Leather Vs Faux Leather
Polyurethane (PU) leather and faux leather are synthetic leatheralternatives made from polymer materials. They are designed to have the look and feel of genuine leather at a lower cost. While similar in purpose, there are differences between PU leather and faux leather in their materials and production methods.
PU Leather
PU leather, also known as bicast leather, is made from split leather that has a layer of polyurethane applied to the surface and then embossed to have the appearance of grain leather. The polyurethane coating provides a protective sealant and uniform texture. PU leather tends to be more durable and resistant to stains and scratches compared to faux leather. However, it is not breathable and can become hot. It is commonly used for products where durability is a priority such as bags, wallets, and car interiors.
Faux Leather
Faux leather is made from synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that are treated and dyed to resemble real leather. It aims to replicate the natural imperfections and uneven texture of genuine leather. Faux leather is very affordable and animal-friendly but is less durable and water-resistant. It is often used for clothing, upholstery and other applications where breathability and a natural leather look are desired at a low cost.
In summary, while PU leather and faux leather are both synthetic leather alternatives, they differ in their materials and production resulting in differences in durability, breathability, texture and cost. For products requiring high durability like bags or car interiors, PU leather may be preferable. If you’re looking to buy a leather jacket for yourself or your spouse, at Gloss Leather, we have a wide range of both women and men leather jacket to help you choose the one that suits your style.
Conclusion
In closing, you now have a deeper understanding of what faux leather is and the processes used to make it. From its petroleum-based origins to the manufacturing techniques that give it a leather-like appearance and feel, faux leather offers an animal-friendly alternative with its own advantages and disadvantages.
As you shop for your favorite men’s leather jacket, you can use this knowledge to make informed choices about faux leather and its performance. With care and maintenance, these animal-free products can provide good durability. But be aware of potential issues like cracking over time. Overall, faux leather gives consumers options to consider based on their budgets, values and lifestyles.
Visit the Gloss Leather store to find your preferred Leather jacket to style yourself!
Faux Leather FAQS: Common Questions About Faux Leather
What is faux leather made of?
Faux leather is made of polyurethane plastic polymers that are treated and processed to resemble real leather. Polyurethane is a flexible, synthetic material that can be textured and colored to create a leather-like appearance. The specific materials used can vary between manufacturers and products. Common bases for faux leather include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
How durable is faux leather?
Faux leather can be durable, depending on the quality and intended use. It is water-resistant and stain-resistant, so it holds up well to spills and stains. However, it may crack or fade over time with repeated use or in harsh conditions. Faux leather used in high-traffic areas like automotive seating may only last a few years before needing replacement. Faux leather used occasionally in home furnishings can last much longer with proper care.
Is faux leather breathable?
Faux leather is not as breathable as genuine leather and may not be ideal for warm weather or in hot conditions. The plastic materials used to make faux leather do not allow for airflow and can become sticky in high heat. Some faux leathers are perforated or textured to improve breathability, but they still do not breathe as well as real leather.
Is faux leather vegan?
Yes, faux leather is vegan because it does not contain any animal byproducts. It is made entirely of synthetic, man-made materials. For those following a vegan lifestyle or diet, faux leather is a popular alternative to genuine leather. However, some faux leathers may still use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process, so eco-friendly vegan leather alternatives are also available.
Can You Tell the Difference Between Faux Leather and Real Leather?
It can be difficult to distinguish high-quality faux leather from real leather just by looking at it. However, there are a few signs that can help determine if a product is made of real leather or faux leather:
Leather has visible natural grain patterns, while faux leather has an artificial, uniform grain.
Leather develops a patina over time, while faux leather does not change in appearance.
Leather has an authentic leather aroma, while faux leather has a chemical smell.
Leather is breathable, while faux leather is not very breathable.
Leather burns with an acrid smoke, while faux leather melts with a chemical smell.
Leather develops natural creases, while faux leather cracks.
Leather can be stained, while stains do not penetrate faux leather
