Choosing between real leather and faux leather for your handbag can be complex. With so many options available, it’s understandable to feel unsure. That’s why we’re here to help. In this post, we’ll delve into five key differences between real leather and faux leather, providing you with the clarity you need to make a confident choice.

There are a few critical differences between genuine leather and faux leather. These differences include how they look, feel, last, impact the environment, and cost. Real leather is made from the hides of animals and has a unique look and feel, lasts longer, and costs more. Faux leather is made from synthetic materials, costs less, doesn’t last as long, has a different feel, and impacts the environment differently.

Now, let’s dive deeper into these differences to help you choose the right material for your handbag.

What is the difference between real leather and faux leather?

The primary distinction is that genuine leather is produced from animal hides like cows, buffalo, or oxen.

Faux leather, on the other hand, is manufactured from a plastic base and then treated with wax, dye, or polyurethane to create the desired color and texture.

Real leather is known for being natural.

It comes from the hides of different animals, which are then tanned to preserve them and add strength and flexibility.

This natural origin gives real leather unique characteristics, such as grain variations, markings, and color variations.

These variations add to its appeal and individuality.

Faux leather, on the other hand, is entirely artificial.

It is made by coating a base fabric with a plastic polymer, usually polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The coating is then treated to look like real leather.

This manufacturing process allows for greater control over the look and feel of faux leather, resulting in a more uniform and consistent product.

Which is better: genuine leather or artificial leather?

Real leather will last longer and be more durable.

Take full-grain leather, for example.

Since there is no synthetic layer on the surface, it is more rigid and more robust.

If the leather dries out after repeated use, you can apply beeswax to restore its luster, shine, and durability.

One of the things that makes real leather great is its durability.

It can take years of use, but it still keeps its shape and look.

This makes it perfect for things that you want to last a long time, like purses, shoes, and furniture.

The natural fibers in real leather make it strong and more resistant to wear and tear than anything synthetic.

Faux leather, while less durable, has its own set of advantages.

It is stain and fade-resistant, which makes it easier to keep clean.

Also, it’s often less expensive than real leather, which can be a big deal if you’re on a budget.

However, it doesn’t have the natural give of real leather and will crack and peel over time.

What are the disadvantages of faux leather?

Faux leather is less durable than real leather.

Over time, it tends to crack and peel, with cheaper pieces losing their finish in just a few months.

Once faux leather starts peeling or cracking, it’s irreversible, and there’s no way to fix it.

Your handbag will continue to fall apart.

Another disadvantage of faux leather is that it doesn’t breathe.

Unlike real leather, which allows air to flow, faux leather can trap heat and moisture.

This can make things like handbags and clothing uncomfortable, particularly in warm weather.

The lack of breathability can also contribute to the material cracking and peeling, as trapped moisture can weaken the synthetic fibers over time.

Faux leather also lacks the character of real leather.

Because faux leather is uniform, it lacks the natural variations and imperfections that give real leather its unique and distinctive look and feel.

This can be a big drawback for those who appreciate the individuality of real leather.

However, there are now more sustainable alternatives, such as vegan leather made from plant-based materials, that mimic the look and feel of real leather.

Durability of Real Leather vs Faux Leather

When it comes to durability, real leather and faux leather are very different.

Real leather, made from animal hides, is known for its incredible durability.

It doesn’t crack or peel over time, making it perfect for products that you want to last.

Faux leather, on the other hand, is made from synthetic materials and is more likely to crack and peel, especially if you use it a lot.

This stark contrast in durability should reassure you in your choice of a long-lasting, reliable product.

Real leather is a material that can endure a lot and still maintain its appeal.

This is why it’s a popular choice for items like purses, shoes, and furniture that are subjected to significant wear and tear.

The natural fibers in real leather contribute to its resilience, making it a material that resists damage and ages gracefully.

As it ages, it develops a patina that adds character and charm.

Faux leather, while it may be cheaper at first, isn’t as durable.

Over time, the synthetic materials can get brittle and crack, especially in areas that bend or stretch a lot.

That means faux leather products don’t last as long, and you end up having to replace them sooner, which can make them more expensive in the long run, even though they’re cheaper upfront.

So, while the initial cost of a real leather product may be higher, its durability can save you money in the long term.

Appearance and Texture: Real Leather vs Faux Leather

Real leather is a sensory experience that sets it apart from its synthetic counterpart.

Its unique, natural look with variations and imperfections adds character, while its smooth and supple feel is a testament to its quality.

In contrast, fake leather, while designed to mimic real leather, often has a more uniform texture and can feel more like plastic, lacking the tactile appeal of real leather.

Real leather is a testament to nature’s artistry, with each piece bearing unique variations.

These variations, such as differences in grain, color, and markings, directly result from the animal hide’s natural characteristics.

This individuality is a key part of real leather’s allure, as it ensures that no two pieces are ever identical.

Fake leather, in contrast, is meticulously crafted to be uniform and consistent.

While this can be advantageous for achieving a specific aesthetic, it lacks the unique charm of real leather.

The texture of fake leather can also feel less natural, often resembling plastic more than real leather’s smooth, supple feel.

Despite significant advancements in manufacturing techniques, fake leather still bears noticeable differences from those familiar with the real thing.

Environmental Friendliness: Real Leather vs Faux Leather

There’s a raging debate about which is more environmentally friendly.

Leather is a natural material that requires a lot of resources to produce.

Still, it’s biodegradable and can last for many years.

Faux leather is made from plastics that aren’t biodegradable and will sit in landfills forever.

However, it requires fewer resources to produce.

While leather’s environmental impact is undeniable, it’s essential to consider its sustainability over its lifespan.

Raising animals for leather production requires land, water, and feed, and the tanning process can involve chemicals.

However, leather’s durability and longevity, especially when well-maintained and used for many years, can make it a sustainable choice.

The environmental impact of faux leather is primarily linked to its production process.

Faux leather is made from synthetic materials, and the production of the plastic polymers used in it requires a significant amount of energy and releases pollutants.

Furthermore, faux leather doesn’t biodegrade, leading to long-term landfill waste.

However, proponents argue that its production doesn’t involve animal raising, making it a more ethical and potentially environmentally friendly alternative.

Price Comparison: Real Leather vs Faux Leather

Price is a significant factor when choosing between real leather and faux leather.

Real leather is more expensive due to the intricate and resource-intensive manufacturing process.

Faux leather is more affordable, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.

The higher cost of real leather is justified by several factors, including the cost of raising animals, the tanning process, and the craftsmanship involved in working with natural hides.

These factors contribute to a higher-quality product that offers unique benefits such as durability, a distinctive appearance, and a sense of prestige.

This is why buyers of real leather products are often willing to pay a premium.

Faux leather, being made from synthetic materials, is not just less expensive to produce.

This lower production cost translates to lower prices for consumers, offering a budget-friendly alternative.

For those who want the look of leather without the higher cost, faux leather is a great option that doesn’t compromise on style or quality.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Real Leather vs Faux Leather

Cleaning and maintaining real leather requires more effort than maintaining faux leather.

Real leather needs to be treated regularly to prevent drying out and cracking.

Approved leather cleaners should be used to maintain its appearance.

Faux leather, being less porous, is easier to clean and does not require as much maintenance.

Real leather products benefit from regular conditioning, which keeps the material supple and prevents it from becoming dry and brittle.

This involves using specialized leather conditioners and cleaners designed to nourish the leather and maintain its appearance.

While this maintenance routine can be more time-consuming, it helps ensure the longevity and beauty of real leather products.

Faux leather, by contrast, is more effortless to care for. It does not absorb liquids, making it more resistant to stains and spills.

Cleaning faux leather typically involves wiping it down with a damp cloth, and it does not require the same level of conditioning as real leather.

This makes faux leather a more convenient option for those who prefer low-maintenance materials.

Is fake leather better than real leather?

There are pros and cons to comparing a PVC leather fabric (fake leather) to real animal leather.

Fake leather is stain—and fade-resistant and comes in a wider range of color options, but it doesn’t feel as good and lasts less time than real leather.

Does fake leather last longer than real leather?

Fake or vegan leather products will not last as long as real leather products.

Over time, fake leather will start to break down or crack.

What are the disadvantages of fake leather?

Synthetic leather has a few disadvantages compared to animal leather.

It is not as durable, hypoallergenic, or breathable as real leather.

Additionally, the process of making fake leather creates a lot more environmental waste than the process of making real leather products.

Summary

When deciding between real and fake leather for your next purse, think about what you care about most:

How long it lasts, how it looks, the environment, how much it costs, and how much you have to take care of it.

Real leather looks and feels fantastic and holds up well, but it costs more and requires more care.

Fake leather is cheaper and easier to care for, but it doesn’t last as long and doesn’t look or feel nice.

Think about what you care about most and make a good decision.