Table of Contents
You’ll find faux leather everywhere, from shoes and gloves to jackets and more. It has been increasingly popular among consumers, and it’s surprisingly very budget-friendly while giving you the look and some qualities of real leather.
But is it suitable for you and why should you consider buying it? You’ll know everything you need to know about faux leather in this guide, its pros and cons, its quality, and its comparison with real leather before you buy it.
What is Faux Leather?
Faux leather, synthetic leather, pleather, or artificial leather combines different petroleum-based plastics like polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, and silicone with polyester to create fake leather that looks mostly like genuine leather. No animals are harmed during its production that’s why it’s referred to as vegan leather as well.
What is Faux Leather Made of​
Faux leather is made by applying a plastic coating to a fabric base like polyester, cotton, nylon, or rayon. The plastic coatings used are typically polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which are then embossed to mimic the texture and appearance of genuine leather.
History of Faux Leather
According to many historians, In the 1400s, the Chinese created a parasol-resistant fabric by coating fabric with wax with the qualities of synthetic leather. Then, leather shortages due to rationing led to the development of Presstoff leather in 19th-century Germany, which was made from layered and treated paper pulp and was widely used in World War 2.
It was used for many products, just like natural leather, except for shoes, because it couldn’t survive frequent bending or exposure to moisture as it would peel apart. Another type of faux leather, Rexine, was invented in Britain by coating a cloth base with nitrocellulose, camphor oil, alcohol, and pigment, then embossing it to give a natural leather look. Manufacturers widely used it in bookbinding and as upholstery for vehicles, trains, and other accessories in the early 19th century.
The mid-20th century saw further advancements with the introduction of PU leather in the 1950s and Corfam in 1964, which was made from a plastic coating, usually polyurethane, on a fibrous base layer like polyester, especially for use in shoes. Despite significant marketing efforts, Corfam failed to gain lasting consumer acceptance due to comfort issues and was withdrawn from the market in 1971.
Today, faux leather is predominantly produced using plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU), and also by using plant-based biodegradable materials lately. Faux leather have become widely used in fashion, upholstery, and various consumer goods and gives a versatile and animal-friendly alternative to traditional leather for consumers.
Is Faux Leather Real Leather​?
No, faux leather is not made of animal skin like real leather and doesn’t have qualities like natural textures, blemishes, and patina development.
What’s The Difference Between Faux Leather And Real Leather?
While faux leather is more affordable and requires low maintenance, it lacks the durability and unique aging characteristics of real leather.
Over time, this imitation leather may develop creases or scratches, whereas genuine leather improves with age, develops a distinctive patina, and is more breathable, soft, and durable than faux leather.
How Do You Identify Faux Leather?
Touch the leather, and you’ll see the uniform and smooth texture compared to real leather, which has an uneven and rough texture with imperfections. Real leather smells earthy, while faux leather smells like chemicals and plastic.
Where is Faux Leather Used?
Faux leather is used in gloves, hats, and clothing items like jackets, pants, and vests, furniture items like chairs, and sofas, and even in automotive interiors.
Advantages of Faux Leather
- Very affordable: Faux leather is more affordable than genuine leather which is expensive.
- Very easy maintenance: Its non-porous surface allows for simple cleaning with a damp cloth, reducing the need for specialized care.
- More water-resistant than real leather: The synthetic materials used in faux leather give a higher resistance to water, preventing damage from spills.
- Resistant to stains: The impermeable surface prevents liquids and other substances from penetrating, which makes stain removal easy.
- Resistant to fading: Faux leather maintains its color over time, even when exposed to sunlight, because of its UV resistance and synthetic composition.
- Cruelty-free: As a man-made product, faux leather doesn’t involve animal harvesting, appealing to vegan and animal-friendly consumers.
Disadvantages of Faux Leather
- Less breathable: The lack of natural pores can lead to discomfort in warm conditions, as the material doesn’t allow air circulation.
- Vulnerable to punctures and tears: Faux leather is generally thinner and can be more easily damaged by sharp objects compared to genuine leather.
- Can be allergenic: Unlike real leather, faux leather can potentially cause reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Not as durable as real leather: Over time, faux leather may crack and peel, especially with heavy use, leading to a shorter lifespan.
- Environmental impact: The production of faux leather involves plastics like PVC or polyurethane, which are not biodegradable and can release harmful chemicals which is not good for the environment.
How To Clean Faux Leather
Begin by dusting off any loose dirt or debris using a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth or vacuum. Then, prepare a solution of mild dish soap and cold water. Dampen a soft cloth with the soapy mixture and gently wipe the surface of the faux leather. Avoid soaking the material to prevent damage. After cleaning, use a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture.
How To Wash Faux Leather
For faux leather garments, always check the care label first. If machine washing is permitted, turn the item inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag. Use cold water and a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Avoid using bleach, fabric softeners, or harsh chemicals.
After washing, reshape the faux leather product and lay it flat to dry while keeping it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
It’s better to hand wash the faux leather product, especially if the labels say so. If you’re machine washing it, you must keep the cycle speed as low as possible to protect it from any damage.
How To Get Stains Out of Faux Leather
Dampen a clean cloth with a mix of water and vinegar and gently blot the stained area, avoiding vigorous rubbing. For stubborn stains, a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball can be effective. Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the material. Alternatively, you can use specialized cleaners for faux leather that are designed to remove tough stains from imitation leather.
How To Repair Faux Leather
Minor scratches or scuffs can be addressed using a matching color of acrylic paint or a specialized faux leather repair kit that includes leather filler putty, a flexible, water-based compound used to fix cracks, tears, and peeling areas. The faux leather repair kit also contains colorants to match the repaired area to the original material for a seamless look. For more extensive damage, such as faux leather peeling, cat scratches, or cracking and holes, a leather filler is recommended. This compound is designed to fill and repair holes, tears, cracks, and scratches in leather.
Additionally, faux leather repair tape can be used for quick fixes. These tapes are self-adhesive and come in many colors and textures to match different faux leather items. They are ideal for covering small tears or holes and can be easily applied without the need for specialized tools.
How to Get Wrinkles Out of Faux Leather
To remove wrinkles, lay the faux leather item on a flat surface and place a clean cloth over the wrinkled area to act as a barrier. Set the iron to the lowest temperature. Now, using the cloth, gently press over the cloth-covered wrinkles for a few seconds at a time.
Avoid applying the iron directly to the faux leather, or it will melt and damage your product completely. Alternatively, hanging the item in a steamy bathroom can help relax the wrinkles is a safer way then using the iron, or you can use the hair dryer in low settings from a distance to smooth wrinkles.
Faux Leather vs Bonded Leather
While faux leather is made of synthetic fabric with a plastic coating, bonded leather is made of a mixture of genuine leather scraps, usually, 10% to 20% bonded together with polyurethane or layering latex on a fiber mesh.
In terms of durability, faux leather generally outperforms bonded leather. Bonded leather tends to wear out more quickly, often peeling or flaking over time, especially with heavy use. However, bonded leather is also more affordable than faux leather.
Faux Leather vs PU leather
Faux leather is an umbrella term for materials designed to imitate genuine leather’s appearance and feel without using animal hides.
PU leather, or polyurethane leather, is a specific type of faux leather made by applying a polyurethane coating to a fabric base, such as polyester or cotton.
While it’s more breathable than other faux leather like PVC, it’s generally less durable and more susceptible to peeling, and cracks with wear and tear, especially with heavy use.
Is Faux Leather Vegan?
Yes, no animals are harmed in the production of faux leather, which makes it vegan.
Yes, faux leather stretches, but if you stretch it too much, it can crack because it’s not as supple and thick as real leather.
Should You Consider Faux Leather?
Faux leather is indeed an incredible and affordable alternative to real leather, with many benefits. However, it could be sensitive to some individuals due to it’s usage of chemicals in the production. It also doesn’t last longer like real leather and is less breathable, making it unideal for hot weather. If you’re buying accessories, faux leather is an excellent choice, depending on your budget and needs, it’s also great for apparel products if you like affordable vegan fashion products.
