Faux Leather Vs Real Leather

Leather is timeless and widely used around the globe. However, it is best to choose real leather. There are many kinds of leather. They vary in grain, quality, and appearance. And most importantly, their price. Because of its elegant appearance, leather is considered a luxury element. The biggest problem many leather buyers face is discerning between genuine and fake.

Everyone should have an opinion on faux leather vs. real leather. This debate will help you decide which is best for you. When you are able to choose the best one, there are some things you should look out for.

Difference Between Real Leather and Faux Leather

Real leather and faux leather are two very different materials, with their own unique characteristics and properties. Here are some key differences between the two:

• Material: Real leather is made from animal hides, while faux leather is a synthetic material made from plastic polymers, such as polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride.
• Durability: Real leather is generally more durable than faux leather, and can last for many years with proper care. Faux leather, on the other hand, can be more prone to cracking, peeling, and other forms of wear and tear over time.
• Texture: Real leather has a natural texture and grain pattern, which can vary depending on the animal and the tanning process used. Faux leather can be produced in a wide range of textures and patterns, but may not have the same natural look and feel as real leather.
• Breathability: Real leather is a natural material that is breathable and comfortable to wear, while faux leather may be less breathable and can become hot and uncomfortable over time.
• Cost: Real leather is generally more expensive than faux leather, due to the cost of sourcing and processing animal hides. Faux leather can be produced more cost-effectively and is often used as a more affordable alternative to real leather.

What Is Real Leather?

Leather is a fabric that has been around since the beginning. Made from real animal hide, it is one of the oldest materials used to cover human beings. Real leather is a material made from the hides or skins of animals, such as cows, sheep, and goats.

Exotic leather is also made from animal skins, which can be more expensive and luxurious. These include leather from the snake, crocodiles, or any other reptile. It all depends on the rarity of the animal.

Real Leather Different Types

Real leather Types refer to the quality of the leather, which is determined by the part of the hide that is used and the way it is processed. The higher the grade, the better the quality of the leather. There are several types of real leather, each with its own unique characteristics and qualities. Here are some of the most common types of real leather:

Full Grain Leather

This is the highest quality and most durable type of leather, made from the top layer of animal hide. Full-grain leather retains the natural texture and appearance of the leather and is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear. It is the most expensive type of leather.

Top Grain Leather

This type of leather is made from the second layer of the hide and is slightly lower in quality than full-grain leather. It is usually sanded or buffed to remove imperfections and create a smooth, uniform surface. Top-grain leather is still a high-quality and durable option and is often used for furniture and clothing.

Genuine Leather

This is low-quality, uncoated leather. It is created by removing the top hide and bringing out multiple layers. Finally, it’s embossed with a grain to give it a nice appearance.

Split Leather

This type of leather is made from the bottom layer of the animal hide, which is split from the top layer. It is generally less expensive and lower in quality than full-grain or top-grain leather and is often used for suede or other types of leather that require a softer, more flexible texture.

Bonded Leather

This type of leather is made by shredding scraps of leather and bonding them together with a polyurethane or latex adhesive. Bonded leather is the lowest quality type of leather, and is often used for low-cost furniture and accessories.

What Is Faux Leather?

Faux leather is a synthetic or man-made material designed to look and feel like real leather. It is often made from a plastic polymer, such as polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and can be produced in a variety of textures, colors, and finishes to mimic the look of real leather. Faux leather is sometimes called “pleather” or “vegan leather,” and is a popular alternative to real leather due to its lower cost and easier maintenance.

Faux Leather Different Types

Faux, Fake, PU and synthetic are all terms for fabric that doesn’t lay under the leather. This composite material is made of chemically treated fabric and consists mainly of polyurethane that has been bonded to a fabricated base. Although the fabric looks identical to real leather, it has a different quality and feels than real leather. There are several different types of faux leather, each with its own unique characteristics and properties. Some of the most common types of faux leather include:

Polyurethane (PU) Leather

This is the most popular and widely used type of faux leather. It is made from a plastic polymer and is known for its durability, breathability, and flexibility. PU leather can be produced in a wide range of colors and textures and is often used in the production of clothing, footwear, and accessories.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Leather

This type of faux leather is made from a vinyl polymer and is known for its durability and resistance to water and stains. However, it is not as breathable or flexible as PU leather and can crack or peel over time. PVC leather is often used in the production of upholstery and automotive interiors.

Microfiber Leather

This type of faux leather is made from synthetic fibers that are designed to mimic the texture and appearance of real leather. It is known for its softness, durability, and breathability, and is often used in the production of furniture, clothing, and accessories.

Leatherette

This is a term used to describe any type of synthetic leather that is made to look and feel like real leather. It can be made from a variety of materials, including PU, PVC, and microfiber, and is often used in the production of upholstery, clothing, and accessories.

Conclusion

The choice between faux and real leather will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the intended use of the product. If you’re looking for a high-quality, long-lasting material with a natural texture and feel, real leather may be the better option. If affordability and eco-friendliness are a priority, or if you’re looking for a product with a specific texture or appearance, faux leather may be the way to go.