Our inbox is filled with questions from readers who want to know which is better – natural or faux leather. And our answer is always the same: it depends. Before you read further, we want to make it clear that this article is not about convincing you which one is superior, but rather about highlighting the pros and cons of both materials. Natural and synthetic leather can each be the better choice in different situations. Let us explain it more clearly.
This is one of the first materials ever used for making clothes. In the past, people consumed the meat of animals for food and used their hides to keep warm. Today, the concept is largely the same, with the difference that we now have many more fabric choices. Still, the textile industry continues to process leather on a massive scale. As mentioned above, it is a product derived from animals. Most commonly, it comes from lambs and calves, but in fashion design you may also encounter products made from crocodile or python skin.
Faux leather, also known as eco-leather, is a synthetic product that chemically imitates the appearance of real leather. How is it made? Synthetic leather consists of two layers – a base and a surface. The base can be made from various textiles such as cotton, polyester, viscose, or nylon. On top of this layer, wax or polyurethane is applied, with polyurethane currently providing the most realistic imitation of genuine leather.
| Characteristic | Natural Leather | Faux Leather |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | 10+ years with proper care | 2–5 years, prone to cracking |
| Maintenance | Requires special products | Easy to clean |
| Price | Higher | More affordable |
| Ethics | Animal-derived product | Vegan alternative |
For many people, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between real and faux leather, as imitations are becoming increasingly convincing. However, the more “experienced” among us know how to spot the difference between the original and a fake. Genuine leather should look and behave like the real thing! First, use your eyes and examine the surface of the product. Inspect every detail of the bag or jacket, paying special attention to the raw edges of the material. If the product is well-made, you’ll rarely find raw edges – which is a sign of genuine leather. If you do find such areas, touch the edges near the seams. If the texture feels fuzzy, similar to suede, and it doesn’t peel apart, you are most likely looking at real leather. If you notice fraying or threads sticking out from the base material, it is probably synthetic.
Press gently on the product with your finger. Genuine leather, much like our skin, quickly returns to its original state without leaving “wrinkles” or cracks where you pressed. Faux leather, on the other hand, lacks this elasticity, and you’ll immediately notice permanent deformations. A small side note: during the press itself, the behavior is reversed – faux leather remains shiny and unchanged, while real leather will wrinkle slightly.
Why do we sometimes feel cold and put on more clothes? Because through our skin, the body loses a lot of heat – and what could be more natural for leather than good thermal conductivity? Hold the product in your hands for a while. Genuine leather will warm up and you’ll feel it. Faux leather will not only stay cold but may also make your hand sweat.
This test might be hard to do in a store, but at home, it’s easy to check the authenticity of your leather product. Place a few drops of water on the surface. Real leather will absorb the moisture and darken, while faux leather will simply let the water slide off.
Use all your senses. Smell the product. Genuine leather has a distinctive scent and is difficult to burn. Most genuine leather products come with small samples attached. At home, you can burn the sample to check. Real leather chars and smells like burning hair. Imitations, on the other hand, burn intensely and emit an unpleasant odor, similar to burning clothes. If you’re unsure what that smells like, notice the thick black liquid residue – that’s a sign of faux leather.
And finally, though not always but often, the price is your best guide. Genuine leather products are expensive and luxurious. If someone tries to sell you a cheap item claiming it’s real leather, they’re almost certainly misleading you.
In short, genuine leather offers comfort, uniqueness, and luxury. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that no two animals in nature have identical hides. Genuine leather products are durable and fire-resistant. Instead of aging badly, they become softer and more pleasant to the touch over time and can maintain their structure for at least 20–25 years. What are the disadvantages of genuine leather? Apart from its higher price, genuine leather becomes unstable under the influence of sunlight or water. In other words, it can change color and fade.
The downsides of moisture and sunlight are largely eliminated with faux leather. It does not absorb water and is less affected by sunlight. It is easy to clean and requires almost no maintenance, which makes it attractive compared to genuine leather. Faux leather is also favored by many environmentalists, as no animals are used in its production. But what are the disadvantages of faux leather? The products are not as durable and need to be replaced more often. It burns easily and may pose a fire hazard. Faux leather remains artificial, and this is noticeable both to the touch and by smell. Even the most perfect imitation can affect your confidence if you’re aware of its origin.
It is widely used for making clothes and belts, upholstering sofas in restaurants and chairs in cinemas, theaters, and public transport, as well as for notebook covers and phone cases. These are all places where surfaces get dirty easily and require frequent cleaning.
The textile industry makes use of it extensively. Shoes, jackets, and skirts are just a few examples of products made from genuine leather. It is also used for upholstering furniture and chairs. Genuine leather appeals to connoisseurs of refined taste, but beware – stains from wine or coffee can be extremely difficult to remove.
And since we mentioned stains and cleaning, we are obliged to add a few lines on this subject:
1. Faux leather requires little explanation – as already noted above, it is easy to clean. Simply throw the item in the washing machine and you’re done!
2. Genuine leather, however, is very delicate when it comes to cleaning. Washing machines will not help and can even completely ruin real leather clothing. There are many specialized cleaning services where you can take your valuable leather coat, for instance, for proper care. If you don’t trust professionals, you may try to clean it at home, but only on the surface. You can buy special leather cleaners, or make one at home using liquid soap, water, a sponge, and a cloth (you can also try vinegar with water, but be careful with the proportions). Mix a bit of liquid soap with water, apply it with a sponge, and gently wipe with the cloth. Make sure the sponge isn’t too rough, as it can scratch the leather. For deeper and more stubborn stains, you’ll likely need professional help. Since soap dries out leather, apply a bit of petroleum jelly afterward. As you can see, it’s not too hard to clean light stains from genuine leather, but deep and stubborn ones are nearly impossible to remove on your own. If you’ve never cleaned leather before, it’s better not to experiment and instead trust the specialists.
Genuine leather is an animal product known for its unique texture and smell, while faux leather (PU or PVC) is a synthetic material that imitates the look of real leather.
With proper care, real leather is far more durable and long-lasting compared to faux leather.
Check the pores (genuine leather has irregular ones), the smell (real leather has a distinct aroma), or do a water test – genuine leather absorbs moisture, faux leather does not.
Faux leather is easier to clean – it does not require special products and is more resistant to stains.
The choice depends on your priorities such as price, aesthetics, durability, and ethical considerations – there is no universal answer.