Fake leather, also known as PU leather or vegan leather, is a synthetic material made from plastic.

In this article, we will explore what PU leather is, how it is manufactured, and its advantages and disadvantages.

What Is PU Leather Made Of? What Material Is PU Leather?

PU leather, also known as polyurethane leather, is a synthetic fabric made from plastic that is crafted with a textured pattern to resemble natural animal skin.

Unlike genuine leather, it is available in various colors and textures.

PU leather and vinyl are two different materials.

Vinyl is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic and is commonly used in industrial furniture, outdoor seating, and awnings.

On the other hand, PU leather is a plastic coating designed to closely resemble real leather in look and feel.

It is often used for indoor furniture, leather bags, car upholstery, and clothing.

Here are some names that artificial leather goes by:

• PU leather
• Polyurethane leather
• Pleather
• Faux leather
• Fake leather
• Synthetic leather
• Bonded leather
• Bicast leather
• Reconstituted leather
• Corrected grain leather
• Vegan leather
• PVC (vinyl) leather
• Silicone leather or sileather

In addition to these descriptors, there are dozens of tradenames for patented faux leather products, such as Naugahyde and Ultraleather.

Is PU Leather Vegan?

Vegan leather is PU leather, but not all PU leather is vegan.

Completely vegan leathers are 100 percent PU, meaning both the face and backing are made from synthetic plastics.

Some PU leathers are bonded or bi-cast leathers, with a backing material made from natural animal products, usually leftover genuine leather, coated with polyurethane to make a composite fabric.

How Does PU Fabric (Synthetic Leather) Compare to Genuine Leather?

Suppose you want to determine whether your product is PU leather or genuine animal hide.

In that case, you can conduct a simple water test.

Just take a damp rag and press it into the material.

If any water is absorbed, even just a little, it’s natural leather.

PU, on the other hand, will not absorb any water.

You can also analyze the texture.

Despite its quality, PU leather’s texture results from the manufacturing process, so it tends to be even and uniform, often displaying a repeating pattern.

On the contrary, animal leather is never uniform and consistently exhibits natural imperfections.

Here are some PU leather pros:

• PU leather costs less than real leather
• It comes in more colors and textures than real leather
• It is truly waterproof
• Easy to clean and doesn’t dry out over time
• It can be vegan and free of animal products
• Does not use harsh polluting tanning agents and chemicals that some leathers do

But, on the downside, there are some PU leather cons:

• It does not breathe as well as real leather
• Harder to clean than vinyl
• Often has an unpleasant plastic or chemical smell when new
• May crack and chip with age
• It looks fake, with a repeating grain pattern that lacks natural character
• It does not age or build a patina like real leather does
• It is a plastic derived from petroleum chemicals that will not decompose or takes several hundred years to decompose, making it not eco-friendly

Is PU leather as good as real leather?

Faux leather, also known as PU leather, is not genuine leather, so it does not have the same feel or age the same way as genuine leather.

However, it has its advantages.

It is typically much more affordable, making it a great option if you are on a budget.

Additionally, it is easier to clean because it does not absorb stains or liquids.

Therefore, it is an excellent choice for items like furniture, bags, and clothing that are likely to be used frequently and may encounter spills.

However, if you are in search of luxury or a product that will gain character over time, genuine leather is the ultimate choice.

It will transform and acquire a unique character that synthetic materials cannot replicate.

Is PU leather a good quality?

PU leather can vary in quality depending on how it’s made and what it’s made from.

High-quality PU leather can closely resemble genuine leather in look and feel, making it an attractive, durable, and cost-effective alternative for many products.

It is commonly used in fashion and upholstery for those who desire the appearance of leather without the high cost.

On the contrary, low-quality PU leather can feel like plastic and is prone to quick wear and tear, including cracking, peeling, and fading.

When considering PU leather items, it’s important to carefully review the specifications and read product reviews to ensure you choose a good-quality option that suits your requirements.

Does PU mean fake leather?

PU (polyurethane) leather is a type of synthetic leather made from a plastic polymer.

It mimics the look and feel of real leather, but it is a more affordable and animal-friendly alternative.

PU leather offers advantages such as a wider range of colors and finishes, and it doesn’t involve the use of animal products.

However, it’s important to note that PU leather lacks some properties of real leather, such as breathability and aging characteristics.

What’s the difference between faux leather and PU leather?

Faux leather is a broad term encompassing various types of artificial leather, including PU leather, PVC leather, and silicone leather.

PU leather is a specific type of faux leather made from polyurethane.

PVC leather is another common type of faux leather.

Due to its durability and water resistance, it is often used for more industrial applications such as outdoor furniture and car interiors.

Silicone leather is a newer type of synthetic leather that is highly durable and offers some environmental benefits.

However, it can be more expensive.

Every kind of faux leather has unique characteristics, and the choice between them depends on the product’s specific requirements, such as texture, flexibility, durability, and environmental impact.