What Is Faux Leather? Pros and Cons of Faux Leather Fabric

Faux leather, also known as vegan leather or leatherette, is a cost-effective, versatile alternative to genuine leather. For those wondering what faux leather is, it's a synthetic material designed to mimic the look and feel of genuine leather. Its inviting texture, exceptional durability, and easy maintenance have become a sought-after material in fashion and accessories, including leather bags. 

Let's explore why this material has become famous for clothing, furniture, and more.

What Is Faux Leather?

Faux leather is primarily made from polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PU leather is known for being budget-friendly, easy to maintain, and available in various colours. However, it's less durable than full-grain leather. While less common, PVC leather is well-suited for heavy-use items like furniture. 

Faux leather resists stains and UV damage, making it suitable for upholstery, clothing, and accessories like handbags and car seats. It sometimes appeals to consumers looking for ethical vegan leather options.

Origins of Faux Leather

The US Rubber Company first developed faux leather in the 1920s with the creation of Naugahyde. With the rise of petroleum-based plastics in the 19th century, faux leather became more accessible, providing an alternative to genuine leather.

Types of Faux Leather

There are several types of faux leather, each offering unique benefits:

• PU leather: Made with a PU film over fabric backing, PU leather is affordable, easy to care for, and offers a soft texture, though it's less durable than PVC.
• PVC leather: Composed of a PVC film over fabric backing, PVC leather is more durable than PU and resistant to wear, making it ideal for furniture.
• Leatherette: Featuring a synthetic finish without animal products, leatherette is cost-effective, versatile, and common in fashion.
• Vegan leather: Free of animal products, vegan leather is an ethical choice for animal-friendly fashion and furniture.

Manufacturing Process

The production of faux leather involves multiple stages, resulting in a durable, leather-like material. Faux leather starts with a fabric base — usually polyester or another synthetic material, which gives it structure. The manufacturer then coats the fabric with a plastic-based compound. PU and PVC are the most common materials, each offering different benefits. 

Once the material is coated, it's cut into the desired shapes and sizes. Additional finishing techniques, like embossing or pigmentation, help mimic the appearance of genuine leather.

Characteristics of Faux Leather

Appearance and Texture

Faux leather closely mimics the look and feel of genuine leather, offering a wide range of colours and finishes. It provides a uniform texture without the natural imperfections found in genuine leather.

Durability and Longevity

While faux leather is durable and resistant to stains and UV light, its lifespan depends on the quality of the manufacturing process. High-quality faux leather can withstand wear and tear, but lower-grade versions may peel or crack over time.

Water and Stain Resistance

Faux leather is water-resistant, making it easy to clean. You can wipe away spills with a damp cloth, and the material is less prone to warping or cracking than genuine leather.

Cost-Effectiveness

Faux leather is more affordable than genuine leather. The price varies depending on the type and quality, but people generally appreciate it for its value.

Pros and Cons of Faux Leather

Faux leather presents a range of advantages and disadvantages, making it essential to carefully consider your priorities when deciding between faux and genuine leather. 

Pros

• Ethical: One of the main benefits of faux leather is that it is a moral choice, as it contains no animal products and is considered cruelty-free. 
• Affordable: It is cheaper than genuine leather, making it a cost-effective option for those on a budget. 
• Versatile: Faux leather is also highly adaptable and available in various colours and finishes, allowing for greater design flexibility.

Cons

• Not long-lasting: Although it can be somewhat durable, it is generally less robust than genuine leather and may peel or crack over time, which affects its longevity. 
• Not eco-friendly: Another significant concern is that faux leather is not eco-friendly, as it is made from petroleum-based materials, contributing to environmental problems.

Versatile Applications of Faux Leather

Multiple industries use faux leather due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness.

Fashion Accessories

• Bags: Faux leather bags are stylish, affordable, and cruelty-free, offering an animal-friendly alternative to leather handbags. However, faux leather shoulder bags will have a shorter lifespan than full-grain leather shoulder bags.
• Belts: Faux leather belts combine functionality with a polished look, making them popular for casual and formal wear. However, faux leather belts will not develop a patina over time, unlike full-grain leather belts.
• Shoes: From high heels to sneakers, faux leather shoes provide comfort and durability at a lower cost, although they may not be as durable as full-grain leather products.

Furniture and Upholstery

People widely use faux leather in furniture, providing a sleek, modern look at a fraction of the cost of genuine leather. It's also easy to clean and maintain, although not as long-lasting.

Automotive Interiors

Faux leather is a common material for car seats and interiors, offering a look similar to leather without the cost.

Faux Leather vs. Real Leather

Several factors come into play when deciding between faux and genuine leather. The chart below shows the similarities and differences.

Characteristic	Faux Leather	Real Leather
Durability	Less durable, can peel or crack over time	Extremely durable, becomes more flexible and attractive with age
Look and feel	Imitates real leather but may feel more synthetic or plasticky	Genuine, natural look with a unique patina that develops over time
Environmental impact	Made from synthetic materials (PU, PVC), non-biodegradable, can release toxins	Resource-intensive process (animal farming, tanning), but biodegradable
Breathability	Limited breathability, may trap heat	Naturally breathable, adapts to temperature changes
Cost	More affordable, ideal for budget-friendly products	Requires an investment that reflects the craftsmanship and longevity
Maintenance	Easy to clean, resists stains but sensitive to extreme heat or sunlight	Requires regular care to prevent drying or cracking

Faux Leather Care: Tips for Long-Lasting Style

To extend the lifespan of faux leather products, follow these general care and storage tips for leather:

• Clean it regularly: Clean faux leather with mild soap and warm water. To prevent damage, avoid harsh chemicals and ensure the material is thoroughly dry afterwards.
• Avoid harsh light: To prevent faux leather from fading or cracking, keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Condition it often: Apply oils like coconut or baby oil to prevent peeling and cracking. Regular cleaning and conditioning will help maintain the material’s softness and appearance. 

To keep a faux leather product in the best condition possible, always follow the manufacturer’s care recommendations.

The Ethical and Eco-Friendly Debate

Faux leather presents both ethical and environmental challenges. First, it is made from petroleum-based materials, which contribute to pollution during manufacturing. Second, the energy consumption involved in the manufacturing of faux leather is typically higher compared to that of more sustainable materials.

Unlike genuine leather, faux leather has synthetic components that are not biodegradable and can take centuries to decompose, raising environmental concerns. Due to those same synthetic components, recycling faux leather is also challenging, limiting its eco-friendly disposal options. Improper disposal of faux leather can lead to long-term environmental damage, contributing to landfill waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is faux leather?

Faux leather is a synthetic material made from PU or PVC, designed to mimic the look and feel of genuine leather.

How do you maintain faux leather?

Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is sufficient to maintain faux leather. Avoid harsh chemicals to prolong its life.

What are some uses of faux leather?

Due to its affordability and versatility, faux leather is often found in fashion accessories, furniture, automotive interiors, and upholstery.

Is faux leather eco-friendly?

While faux leather is cruelty-free, its petroleum-based composition makes it less eco-friendly than natural leather.

How long does faux leather last?

With proper care, faux leather can last 2 to 5 years, depending on its quality. This contrasts with full-grain leather, which can last decades if properly maintained.

Why does faux leather peel and crack?

Faux leather can peel and crack due to exposure to extreme temperatures, sunlight, and poor maintenance.