What Is Faux Leather? Everything You Should Know

You’ve probably come across terms like faux leather, synthetic leather, or even pleather.
They all point to the same thing—but what exactly is it?
If you're curious about faux leather in USA—what it is, how it's made, and if it's worth buying—this guide breaks it all down for you.

What is Faux Leather?

Faux leather is a manufactured, fake alternative to natural, genuine leather. Faux leather attempts to mimic the look and feel of real leather. It's a durable, tough, and affordable material. However, it is not considered as durable or insulating as genuine leather.

What is Faux Leather Made Of?

Faux leather fabric is a petroleum-based product. This means that, unlike real leather, synthetic leather does not decompose.
The production process for manufacturing faux leather is reasonably simple and can be summarized in three brief steps:

• Acquire a base material
• Use plastic to bind the pieces
• Use PU (polyurethane) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) to base fabrics

How is Faux Leather Used?

A common misconception is that if faux leather is an alternative to real leather, it must have the same uses.
That’s not quite true.
However, synthetic leather does have its uses.

• Upholstery fabric: Coffee tables, sofas, and seats commonly feature faux leather. However, they will not last as long as real leather upholstery, especially when one has pets at home.
  
• Apparel: Jackets, bags, leather pants, and occasional footwear, such as leather boots. Faux leather jackets in USA are widely popular, especially in urban areas during shoulder seasons. Faux leather clothing can provide good accessibility to leather fashion for new leather wearers.
  

Types of Faux Leather

There are plenty of different types available.
Some of these include:

1. Polyurethane (PU) Leather:

• PU leather is one of the most common types of faux leather. It is made by coating a fabric base, typically polyester or cotton, with a layer of polyurethane.
• This type of faux leather is known for its softness, flexibility, and durability. It can closely mimic the look and feel of genuine leather.
  
• PU leather is commonly used in fashion accessories, upholstery, and automotive interiors.

2. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Leather:

• PVC leather, also known as vinyl leather, is another popular type of faux leather. It is made by coating a fabric backing with layers of polyvinyl chloride.
  
• PVC leather is highly resistant to moisture and abrasion, making it suitable for outdoor applications and items that require waterproofing.
  
• While PVC leather can be less breathable and flexible compared to PU leather, it is often more affordable and easier to clean.
  
• It is commonly used in furniture upholstery, car interiors, and bags.

3. Microfiber Leather:

• Microfiber leather is a synthetic material made from microfiber fabric that is processed and treated to resemble genuine leather.
• This type of faux leather is praised for its breathability, lightweight feel, and environmental friendliness. It is often considered more eco-friendly than PU or PVC leather.
  
• Microfiber leather is known for its high durability and resistance to wear and tear. It is also easy to clean and maintain.
  
• It is commonly used in upholstery, footwear, and accessories.

4. Sustainable Faux Leathers:

• With increasing awareness of environmental issues, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional faux leather.
  
• Some manufacturers are developing bio-based faux leather materials using natural fibers, plant-based polymers, or recycled materials.
  
• These sustainable faux leathers aim to reduce reliance on petroleum-based materials, minimize environmental impact, and offer cruelty-free alternatives.
  
• Examples include faux leathers made from pineapple leaves (Piñatex), mushroom-derived materials (Mylo), and recycled plastics.
  

5. Natural Fiber-based Vegan Leathers:

• In addition to synthetic options, there are also faux leather alternatives made from natural fibers such as cork, cork leather, and apple leather.
  
• These materials offer a unique texture and appearance while providing a cruelty-free and sustainable alternative to genuine leather.
• Natural fiber-based faux leathers are often biodegradable and renewable, making them appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
  
• While not as widely available as synthetic options, these materials are gaining popularity in the fashion and design industries.
  

Each type of faux leather has its own unique characteristics, advantages, and considerations. When choosing a faux leather material for a specific application, factors such as durability, aesthetics, sustainability, and cost should be taken into account.

How is Faux Leather different from Real Leather?

Faux leather is not real leather. It's a synthetic copy of a real animal hide that is cheaper, but will wear out quickly.
However, to what extent is it not real? What makes fake leather artificial? Here’s the characteristics that make natural leather real and synthetic leather artificial.

1. Source of Leather

Real leather is obtained from cow, buffalo, goat and even oxen hides. You name a cattle, and its hide can be used to create the most beautiful sheets of leather that would be eventually used to produce leather products.

On the other hand, faux leather is a product of plastic, wax, and dye – everything fashion enthusiasts and smart shoppers warn about.

2. Texture

Faux leather has a uniform or smooth texture.
On the other hand, real leather’s texture is not uniform, as it is made from a real cow’s hide that has a unique texture with distinctive, uneven marks.  This gives more character to the leather product.

In a nutshell, each mark on real leather tells a story that only true leather enthusiasts can understand.

Additionally, real leather develops more character over time and has pores, while faux leather does not have pores. Pores are also a sign of quality, as they help absorb excessive sweat and oil.

3. Color

Fake leather comes in multiple colors. Each color has an even tone – unlike real leather, which has the same color as the animal, in varying degrees and tones of colors.

How do I Clean Faux Leather?

Faux leather is pretty easy to clean. But since it is not as durable as regular leather, special care is required.
If you drip ranch sauce on your glossy faux leather accessory, reach for a non-abrasive, clean cloth and wipe gently in circular motions. If the smudge is stubborn, a damp cloth can be sprayed with a spray bottle for a squeaky-clean shine.
If the stain becomes relentless, you’d have to pull up your sleeves and bring in some warm water, baking soda and dish soap. Rubbing alcohol is another option for very difficult stains.
Use a few drops of washing liquid mixed with water and gingerly rub the stain away. Afterward, use a fiber cloth to wipe the faux leather and clean any extra solution or residue, and let it air dry.

Pros of Faux Leather

Faux leather has become a multi-billion-dollar industry. So, it stands to reason that there are positives with faux leather.
From faux leather’s durability to its luxurious feel, let’s break down what benefits synthetic leather offers or doesn’t offer!

1. Cost-Effective

Unlike real leather, which is rare and pricey, faux leather is significantly cheaper. Thus, if you are looking for an affordable option, faux leather might be a good start.

2. Versatile

Faux leather is tremendously versatile, which means you can have a leather jacket in any color and finish, whether gloss or matte. Faux leather might not be real, but it is versatile!

3. Stain Resistant

Given the use of PVC in its manufacturing, faux leather repels stains well, and it's resistant to cracks too.

4. Water Resistant

Just like real leather, faux leather is water resistant. A few small spillages won’t be any problem. But, just like genuine leather, synthetic leather is not waterproof. Be careful not to get your goods too wet.

Cons of Faux Leather

While there are quite some pros of faux leather, it is essential to consider the cons before we start to believe it is the ideal alternative to natural leather.

1. Breathability

Faux leather is uncomfortable and does not suit people’s skin. It is because of its lack of breathability.

2. Gloss

Even though faux leather offers both a gloss shine and a matte finish, neither finish is durable. No matter how good the quality of faux leather is, the shine and gloss always fade with time.

3. Fabric Quality

The toughest faux leather is also susceptible to the slightest punctures and tears.

4. Hypoallergenic

Many materials cause an allergic reaction. Suppose you have ever had a rash or an allergy after using a particular type of fabric. In that case, it means the fabric was non-hypoallergenic.
Faux leather is also non-hypoallergenic. This means wearing faux leather can cause a skin rash or undesirable allergic reaction.

5. Longevity

Faux leather is only a good option if you want to use a leather accessory or a bag for a few weeks or months. Since faux leather rarely lasts long at all.

6. Fake Leather

Faux leather is easy to detect. Thus, no matter how good one might think faux leather is, an observer can easily pick fake leather.
If you don’t want to be called out for knock-off brands, there’s no reason to be called out for faux leather either.
As you can see, faux leather is not real leather, but a bunch of plastics and chemicals combined to mimic leather.

Faux Leather vs. Real Leather

Still unsure which leather is right for you?
Let’s compare faux leather and real leather point by point.

1. Real Leather’s Strength

Real leather contains collagen fiber, giving it unmatched strength and longevity. It's not uncommon for a real leather bag to last decades—faux leather, not so much.

2. Real Leather’s Abrasion Resistance

Real leather is tough against punctures and wrinkles. It grows stronger and develops patina over time. Faux leather wears down quickly.

3. Long-Term Value

Faux leather’s low price might be appealing, but its poor longevity means you’ll keep replacing it.
Real leather costs more upfront but offers serious value over time.

4. Uniqueness

Every piece of real leather is different. Faux leather is mass-produced and lacks uniqueness. Owning a real leather bag in USA means owning something one-of-a-kind.

Types of Real Leather

Fake leather gives you few choices.

Real leather, on the other hand, offers countless options!

Different animals offer different leather. Moreover, many processes go into producing natural leather. Each different process results in a different kind of leather.

Two of the most used leather types that we recommend are:

• Full-grain leather
  
• Top-grain leather
  

These two leather types are high-quality choices for different accessories, especially handbags and wallets.

We recommend staying away from lower quality grades of real leather such as bonded leather, suede, and undefined genuine leather.

The Environmental Effect

While both genuine leather and faux leather have environmental implications, genuine leather often has a lower environmental footprint when considering the full lifecycle of the material.

Genuine Leather

Animal Impact

Genuine leather is a byproduct of the meat industry, utilizing hides that would otherwise go to waste. While animal agriculture has significant environmental challenges, utilizing byproducts like leather can minimize waste.

Tanning Process

Traditional leather tanning involves the use of chemicals such as chromium, which can pose risks to human health and the environment. However, advancements in eco-friendly tanning methods, such as vegetable tanning, are reducing the environmental impact of leather production.

Biodegradability

Genuine leather is biodegradable, meaning it can break down naturally over time, reducing its impact on landfills and the environment.

Faux Leather

Plastic Pollution

Faux leather is typically made from petroleum-based plastics like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), contributing to plastic pollution. The production and disposal of faux leather materials can release harmful chemicals and microplastics into the environment.

Resource Use

Faux leather production requires fewer natural resources compared to genuine leather. However, the extraction and processing of petroleum-based materials still have environmental consequences, including energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

End-of-Life Disposal

Faux leather is not biodegradable and may persist in landfills for extended periods, contributing to environmental degradation. Proper recycling options for faux leather are limited, further exacerbating its environmental impact.

While genuine leather has its challenges, advancements in sustainable sourcing and production practices are making it a more environmentally responsible choice.

However, consumers should consider factors such as durability, longevity, and end-of-life disposal when making decisions about leather products.

Full-Grain and Top-Grain Leather for Bags

Now that you’ve learned the difference between full-grain and top-grain leather, it’s easier to see why these two are recommended for bags. Full-grain gives you unmatched durability and a natural look that ages well over time. On the other hand, top-grain leather offers a smooth, refined finish if you prefer something more polished and put-together.

Both types come with their own advantages, and it really comes down to what you value more—toughness or a cleaner, luxury feel. Either way, you’re in a much better place to make a choice that fits your style and use. A good leather bag isn't just about looks—it’s about picking something that will last and stay useful for years.

FAQs

1. What is faux leather made of?

Faux leather is usually made from plastic-based materials like PU (polyurethane) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). These are applied to a fabric backing to mimic real leather. Many faux leather jackets in USA are made with PU since it's softer and more flexible than PVC.

2. Is faux leather good quality?

Yes, faux leather can be good quality—especially PU leather, which feels more like real leather. It won’t last as long as genuine leather, but it’s affordable, easy to clean, and animal-free, making it a popular choice across USA.

3. What is the lifespan of faux leather?

On average, faux leather lasts 3 to 5 years depending on how often it’s used and how well it's cared for. In USA weather, especially with colder climates, proper storage is key to avoiding cracks or peeling.

4. Is faux leather environmentally friendly?

Faux leather isn’t the most eco-friendly material because it’s made from plastics. But it avoids animal use, and some brands in USA now use recycled or plant-based alternatives to lower environmental impact.