Real Leather vs Faux Leather: Which is Best for You?

We have all been there,  standing in a store or scrolling online, wondering whether to choose real leather or faux leather. The price difference catches your eye, but so do the words “genuine” and “vegan.” One promises unmatched luxury and longevity, while the other offers affordability and a cruelty-free appeal. 

Yet, the choice isn’t as simple as it seems. Both materials have their unique strengths, textures, and environmental implications that influence how they look, feel, and last over time. So, when it comes down to real leather vs faux leather, which one truly fits your lifestyle and values?

What is Genuine Leather / Real Leather?

Genuine leather, being a natural product sourced from animal hides, stands as the epitome of durable and breathable materials for discerning consumers. The unique grain and distinctive texture define each piece, while its colour variations ensure no two items are identical. 

This highest-quality material has remained the go-to choice for clothing and accessories for centuries. Over time, genuine leather develops a beautiful patina, making it increasingly comfortable to wear. Unlike pleather, which lacks authenticity, real leather's natural variations contribute to its remarkable aesthetic appeal. The tanning process, which makes this material durable, ensures it remains distinguished and maintains its luxurious feel throughout decades of use.

What is Faux Leather?

Faux leather, an artificially produced material composed of plastics such as polyurethane and PVC, presents itself as a synthetic alternative and cost-effective substitute for traditional leather. This engineered fabric features a uniform texture and lacks the natural grain characteristic of authentic materials, though it offers impressive resistance to moisture and stains. 

However, faux leather proves less breathable, often causing discomfort during extended wear. While products made from pleather, also known as eco-leather or vegan leather, originated from paper pulp and evolved through various iterations, modern variations include cloth coated fabrics and polyester covered with plastic layers. Today, this material dominates clothing, furniture, and car interiors, though it can never fully mimic real leather authentically.

How Do I Tell the Difference Between the Two?

Distinguishing between authentic and imitation materials requires attention to sensory and physical characteristics. The texture reveals genuine materials feel supple and soft, while counterfeit versions possess a smoother, almost cooler surface. 

When it comes to smell, genuine leather releases a distinctive natural scent, whereas faux leather emits a chemical odour. Breathability differs significantly; authentic materials absorb moisture naturally, while synthetic options promote sweating during wear. 

Examining the grain proves equally revealing; genuine leather displays unique marks varying across each piece, while artificial patterns on faux leather appear mechanically uniform. These characteristics between genuine leather and faux leather help consumers distinguish quality from compromise.

Faux leather vs real leather

Choosing between faux leather and real leather depends on several important aspects. Let’s explore how they differ in quality, durability, environmental impact, and style.

Quality, Durability & Environmental Protection

The quality and durability depend heavily on processing and materials used throughout production. Real leather, when durable with good care, tends to appreciate rather than depreciate. Conversely, faux leather experiences wear and tear, developing cracks and suffering abrasion during intensive use. 

Environmental protection presents complex tradeoffs; while resource-intensive leather production uses chemicals in tanning processes, responsible manufacturers implement environmentally friendly processes utilising chrome-free tanning agents to reduce environmental impact. Faux leather production, conversely, relies upon petroleum-based plastics like polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride, creating serious environmental impacts. 

Neither material proves entirely biodegradable, though authentic leather eventually decomposes, while synthetic alternatives persist in landfills. Sustainability requires examining whether resources represent genuine responsibility, genuine leather, as a byproduct from the meat industry that would otherwise face disposal, and represents sustainability when sourced through responsible animal husbandry. Finite fossil resources underlying faux leather manufacturing create greater environmental impact.

Thickness

Real leather thickness varies considerably based on the types of leather, the type of hide, and the processing techniques applied. These materials suit diverse applications spanning garments, footwear, and upholstery. Authentic leather ranges from 0.5mm to 1.2mm for standard uses, while speciality grades reach 1.4mm, with premium cowhides measuring 5-6mm thick. This natural variation contributes to authenticity and functionality.

Faux leather thickness can be engineered for consistent thickness, appearing more uniform than natural alternatives. However, this manufactured uniformity fails to achieve true, authentic character, as natural variation indicates genuine materials. The ability to control manufactured dimensions in synthetics often signals inferiority to informed consumers seeking genuine products.

Grain

The grain emerges from a natural texture and distinctive pattern etched upon each animal's skin, varying across different types of leather. These distinct grain characteristics substantially contribute to both appeal and value. 

Faux leather gets embossed with an artificial grain pattern attempting to imitate authenticity, yet lacks genuine, unique marks that distinguish truly premium pieces. Consumers must remain vigilant, as lower-quality real leather often gets disguised through aggressive embossing, making discerning purchases essential for ensuring authenticity and securing genuine value from investment.

Style

Timeless style and longevity characterize real leather, forever associated with luxury fashion and high-end interior design. These materials can be dyed into virtually any colours imaginable while still developing that signature, wonderful patina over time. Many appreciate leather's distinctive smell as part of its charm. 

Faux leather offers a wide range of textures, colours, and finishes, even allowing embossed patterns mimicking real leather goods. However, it fundamentally fails to age gracefully; once tears and flakes appear, it rapidly looks cheap. This divergence in aesthetic appeal profoundly influences purchasing decisions between materials seeking sophisticated elegance versus temporary fashion statements.

Cost

Faux leather remains substantially cheaper because manufacturing materials prove remarkably inexpensive and widely available through established supply chains. Real leather pricing reflects the quality of hides, the intricate production process, the country of production, and the market demand dynamics. 

Premium real leather involves small batches, ensuring high-quality standards cannot be compromised for volume. Understanding this price difference helps consumers recognise whether they're making genuine value investments or simply purchasing disposable alternatives lacking substance.

Pros and Cons of Faux Leather and Genuine Leather

Pros and Cons of Genuine Leather

Pros:

1. Showcases natural beauty through its unique grain and develops a distinct patina over time.
2. Breathable material that adjusts to body temperature, ensuring comfortable wear.
3. Durable and long-lasting, with proper care, it can last for decades.
4. Retains or increases in value over time, making it a worthy investment.

Cons:

1. Expensive, often priced higher than synthetic alternatives.
2. Requires regular maintenance to preserve its appearance and durability.
3. Sensitive to environmental factors like moisture, sunlight, and temperature changes.

Pros and Cons of Faux Leather

Pros:

1. Affordable alternative to genuine leather.
2. Appeals to animal-friendly and vegan consumers due to its cruelty-free nature.
3. Easy to clean and maintain, resistant to stains and moisture.
   
   

Cons:

1. Less durable, prone to cracking, peeling, and surface wear over time.
2. Made from petroleum-based plastics and harmful chemicals, which harm the environment.
3. Non-biodegradable, making it unsustainable in the long term.
4. Lacks the authentic look and feel of genuine leather.

Which Leather Should You Choose?

Selecting between these materials demands an honest assessment of personal preferences, intended purpose, and lifestyle requirements. If you prioritise natural materials, durability, and unique grain characteristics, real leather represents the superior choice. 

Those seeking affordable options with easy maintenance may find faux leather acceptable despite compromises. Consider intended use, daily use and high wear and tear situations demand genuine materials proven better choice, as it remains durable while developing a beautiful patina gracefully. Faux leather serves as a practical, casual alternative for occasional use when moisture and dirt exposure concerns exist. 

Formal occasions and special events privilege elegance and style, warranting a preferred choice status for authentic materials. Handbags, wallets, and accessories gain timeless character and a sophisticated touch through genuine craftsmanship. Less formal occasions tolerate fashion statement pieces in synthetics. Ultimately, examining aspects including quality, durability, eco-friendliness, and price enables informed decisions aligning purchases with genuine expectations.

Conclusion

Ultimately, your choice between real leather and faux leather depends on your priorities, whether you value authenticity, longevity, and natural beauty or prefer affordability and low maintenance. Real leather ages gracefully, carrying timeless appeal, while faux leather offers convenience for short-term use. Each has its place, depending on lifestyle and purpose.

If you’re ready to experience the elegance and durability of premium craftsmanship, contact us and explore our exclusive range of leather bomber jackets that combine style with lasting comfort.