Faux Leather vs PU Leather – Which is Better?
What is the difference between PU leather and faux leather
Faux Leather vs PU Leather- The age-old debate – which is better, faux leather or PU leather? As plant-based and animal-free alternatives gain more interest, these leather alternatives have become go-to options for many brands and consumers. But with so many materials out there, it can get confusing about which is truly the better choice.
In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what faux and PU leather are.
What is Faux Leather?
Faux leather, often referred to as vegan leather, is an animal-free alternative to real leather. Rather than being made from animal hides, faux leather is created from synthetic materials. The most common base materials used are polyester, nylon, or cotton, which then has a plastic coating applied to give the look and feel of real leather. The faux leather meaning refers to leather made from synthetic materials rather than animal hide, with “faux” meaning false or imitation in French.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a synthetic polymer, is the most common type of made-up leather. Different forms of it may engage polyurethane (PU) and other synthetic polymers. Basically, the synthetic variety employed to produce fake leather is termed “faux leather” diversely.
Some key attributes of faux leather include:
- Animal-free and vegan
- Less expensive than real leather
- Wide range of looks and textures
- Not as breathable as real leather
- Durability varies by quality
What is PU Leather?
The term PU leather refers to polyurethane leather, a synthetic substitute for animal leather. The non-hide leather uses synthetic materials, specifically, polyester on which polyurethane is placed as an artificial coating.
This material gives PU leather a very smooth look and feel that closely mimics high-quality real leather. The polyurethane used often contains no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) making it a less toxic option than PVC-based faux leathers.
Some details about PU leather:
- Animal-free vegan leather
- Has leather-like texture and appearance
- Smooth surface and consistent texture
- Durability varies by quality
- More expensive than other faux leathers
Faux Leather vs PU Leather Comparison
Appearance
PU leather is the best when imitating how genuine leather looks and feels. Its sleek surface and delicate layering make it nearly undetectable from a few pricey authentic leathers. Other faux leathers have a more obviously synthetic appearance.
Durability
PU leather usually has more longevity than typical synthetic leather because of its thicker layer of polyurethane. This added thickness not only enhances its durability, making it more resistant to wear, abrasions, and scratches but also contributes to the material’s water-resistant properties, often leading people to ask, “Is faux leather waterproof?”
Breathability
Neither material breathes as well as real leather. Faux leather though is slightly more breathable, whereas PU leather doesn’t allow air to pass through. For products worn close to skin, faux leather may be more comfortable.
Care and Maintenance
PU leather is easier to clean as liquids don’t absorb into the surface. Faux leather needs more specialized care, like vinyl cleaners, to prevent damage. Conditioners and protectants also help maintain faux leather.
Cost
Usually, PU leather costs more than regular faux leather. The process to apply the polyurethane coating is more complex, so PU leather is priced closer to real leathers. Faux leather is generally the more budget-friendly option.
Sustainability
Both synthetics, neither material is biodegradable. Faux leather is considered slightly better as some forms use renewable plant-based materials. PU leather production consumes more resources and energy.
Which is Better?
Considering what was discussed, which faux leather alternative comes out on top for you?
For unbeatable performance, endurance, and visual similarity to real leather, PU leather has the advantage. It’s a great option for luxury goods and fashion accessories. For more casual use or if you’re on a tighter budget, regular faux leather is decent quality for the price.
Consider what factors matter most too – if you want maximum breathability and comfort, faux leather wins. For low maintenance, PU leather is easier to clean. Both materials are vegan, though faux leather may be deemed more eco-friendly.
