We see faux leather all of the time in our everyday lives on all kinds of different objects, from belts, shoes, and handbags to wallets and other accessories. The possibilities are endless! What is faux leather? Where is it made from? How is it constructed? Here, we will break down the process of making faux leather into simple terms so that even those who have no experience with this product will understand!
The Process of Making Faux Leather
Faux leather, also known as synthetic leather, begins with a base fabric – often made out of polyester. This fabric has been coated with polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), dyes, or special waxes to give it an appearance and texture that mimics real leather. By doing this process, manufacturers are able to create a leather-style finish that has a consistent and smooth look.
What is faux leather?
Faux leather looks like leather, but its surface has a much more uniform look. The textures look identical and consistent, which is evidence it has been manufactured on a machine. It also has a different feel to it than real leather. Faux leather usually feels much colder, harder, and more artificial. For instance, when you press your finger into a piece of leather, the leather responds to your finger's pressure by flexing, creasing, and bending; however, the indentations on faux leather do not create any of these effects. The last difference is that faux leather does not have any skin-related scents; in fact, faux leather usually has a very strong chemical or plastic smell.
For a more thorough discussion of the two materials, check out our blog post on comparing real leather and faux leather.
How does faux leather wear compared to real leather?
While faux leather is inexpensive compared to real leather, it doesn't offer the same level of durability as genuine leather. It tends to wear down much quicker and often peels, cracks, or begins flaking off over time, and in many cases, it is not possible to repair a faux leather material. While it may initially appear cheaper, faux leather requires much more frequent replacement than genuine leather.
An Authentic Solution for Faux Leather
Genuine leather is the best option if you want something that will last and look great while giving you value in the long run. Full-grain leather develops a stunning patina over time and also ages gracefully. When properly maintained, full-grain leather will last you longer than you may ever need it to.
Discover the difference with our top-of-the-line line of genuine leather handbags and other products!