Real Leather Vs Faux Leather

Leather is a staple in both men's and women's fashion. But not all leathers are the same – in fact, there are several different types, which makes it difficult to determine which leather goods are real and which are faux. And whether you’re budgeting for areal leather bag or a faux leather bag, or investigating whether you’re looking at a knockoff or true leather bag, we’re going to help you differentiate between the two. 

What’s the difference between real leather and fake leather? 

Real leather is made from animal hides, and it’s durable, breathable, and develops a unique patina over time. It has a natural, irregular texture and can show imperfections. Fake leather, also known as faux or synthetic leather, is made from plastic materials like polyurethane or PVC. It’s less durable, doesn’t age the same way, and often has a uniform, artificial look and feel.

 

And from a cost perspective, real natural leathers are more expensive than faux or artificial leathers, making the decision between the two an extremely important one, especially if you’re choosing between areal leather tote bag and a faux leather tote.

 

Let’s get into how you can spot the differences between real and faux leathers. 

 

Real, Natural Leather

Genuine leathers are made from the skins of animals, such as cattle, goats, sheep, and camels. There are many types of leather; here are the main ones: 

• Full-Grain Leather: The highest quality leather that features the natural grain of the hide. Made from the outermost layer, it’s highly prized in the fashion & furniture industries for its durability and development of unique patinas.
  
  
• Top-Grain Leather: Sanded and finished leather from the hide's second outermost layer, its surface is smooth and pliable.
  
  
• Genuine Leather: Lower quality leather made from leftover layers of the hide, often used in less expensive products.
  
  
• Bonded Leather: A mix of leather scraps and fibres bonded together, resulting in a lower durability and cheaper material.
  
  
• Suede: Soft, napped leather made from the underside of the hide, known for its delicate texture and higher maintenance needs.
  
  
• Faux Leather: Synthetic leather made from plastic-based materials, designed to imitate the look and feel of real leather without using animal hides.

With this many types of leather, differentiating between natural leathers and faux leathers becomes even more difficult. This is especially true when you factor in other types of leather such as nubuck, split, patent, exotic, chrome-tanned, vegetable-tanned, oil-tanned, reconstituted, and vegan leathers.

But here’s the deal – leather can be further classified into three subtypes: aniline, semi-aniline, and pigmented. 

 

• Aniline Leather: Dyed exclusively with soluble dyes, retaining the hide's natural surface and grain, making it soft and supple but prone to stains and fading because no protective treatment is applied.
  
  
• Semi-Aniline Leather: Semi-aniline leather is lightly coated with a protective top layer, combining the natural look of aniline leather with increased durability and resistance to stains.
  
  
• Pigmented Leather: Pigmented leather is coated with a layer of pigment for uniform colour and enhanced protection, making it more resistant to wear and easier to maintain, though less natural in appearance.

All that said, here are the quick notes to remember about real leather.

Advantages

• Each piece has unique characteristics and offers an aura of luxury and prestige.
• Becomes softer and more attractive over time while maintaining a smooth, firm texture.
• Simple to care for with regular wiping and often treated to resist stains.

Disadvantages

• More expensive than synthetic alternatives.
• Colour may fade with constant sunlight exposure.
• Prone to stains because of its porous and absorbent construction if not regularly wiped

 

Now, onto faux and artificial leathers.

Faux and Artificial Leathers

Faux leather is made from a fabric base chemically treated with wax, dye, or polyurethane (PU) for colour and texture. Ultimately, it is manufactured and exists to give the look and feel of genuine leather at a substantially lower cost. The most common type of faux leather is PU leather, a plastic fabric manufactured to look like leather. 

 

This plastic in particular is non-recyclable, which is a common complaint that many have against natural leathers – they’re bad for the environment. But the truth is, faux leathers are worse.  Not only that, but artificial leathers are lighter and less restrictive than genuine leather and can be dyed in any colour. Faux leather comes in many forms such as leatherette and vegan leather, some of which are better than others. 

Advantages

• Similar look and feel to genuine leather at a lower cost.
• No animals are harmed in the production process.
• Even colour, fade-resistant, and available in various colours.

Disadvantages

• Doesn't fully replicate the texture and ageing of genuine leather.
• Can wear out and crack faster than natural leather.
• Often made from plastics, contributing to environmental concerns.

Now, how do you tell the difference between the two? 

 

How to Spot Faux Leather Goods

The main differences between natural and faux leather are the quality and durability. It can be challenging to spot the difference between faux and real leather because they can look very similar. Here are the best ways to identify faux leathers: 

1. Look at the labels

While it may sound obvious, looking at the label on the product is an easy way to identify the type of leather. Products made of genuine leather will proudly say so on the label. If the label reads "manmade materials" or "PU materials," etcThe product is not made of genuine leather.

1. Inspect the edges

Look at the edges of the leather products. Faux (Artificial) leather products will have a perfect-looking edge that feels foamy or plastic. Authentic or Real leather will have a rough-around-the-edges look.

1. Examine the pores

When making a leather purchase, closely examine the fabric's pores. Faux (Artificial) leather will have pores in a consistent pattern, while genuine leather will have pores that need to be more consistently placed.

1. Feel the leather

Depending on the quality, genuine leather can feel coarse or smooth or anywhere in between. Leather is also flexible and soft. If the item in question feels smooth or similar to plastic, it is likely fake leather. Faux or Artificial leather also tends to stretch more than genuine leather. To become familiar with the feel of real and faux leather, go to a reputable leather store and compare it to the feel of genuine leather.

1. Smell the leather

Smell the object for the distinct leather smell. Synthetic materials cannot replicate the smell of genuine leather. It may help to go to a department store and smell genuine faux leather items to become acquainted with the smell.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is faux leather better than real leather?

Faux leather is more affordable and animal-friendly, but it lacks the durability and authentic ageing of real leather. The choice depends on individual preferences and priorities.

How can you tell faux leather from real leather?

Real leather has a distinct, natural texture and smell, while faux leather feels more uniform and lacks the unique characteristics of natural hides. Faux leather also tends to have a more plastic-like scent.

What are the disadvantages of faux leather?

Faux leather can wear out and crack faster than real leather, and it often lacks the authentic look and feel. Additionally, it is usually made from plastic, which raises environmental concerns.

What lasts longer leather or faux leather?

Real leather typically lasts longer than faux leather due to its superior durability and ability to develop a patina over time.