Whether it is leather office chairs or sofas, it can be hard to determine the differences between genuine leather and faux leather by eye. When the budget is limited, high-quality artificial leather is the preferred choice. But what exactly is artificial leather? Are all types of faux leather good?
What is PU leather
Faux leather, also called artificial leather, is divided into PVC, PE, and PU leather according to the materials. The advantages of faux leather include cost-effectiveness, excellent waterproofing, a well-groomed border, high durability, and high customization. PU leather is an artificial leather with the highest cost-effectiveness, which is also a special type of faux leather.
PU refers to Polyurethane, the plastic polymer used as the coating. The method of manufacturing PU leather involves coating a fabric backing with a layer of polyurethane. This layer can be applied in various thicknesses and embossed with different grain patterns (like cowhide, ostrich, etc.) to mimic real leather. Compared with PVC leather, PU leather has a more realistic feel and is less toxic.
In the market, artificial leather has below types:
- PU Leather
- Bicast Leather
- Split Leather
- Vegan Leather
- Bonded Leather
- Reconstituted Leather
- Corrected Grain Leather
PU leather VS. real leather
Differences between PU leather and genuine leather
Here's a detailed comparison of PU Leather vs. Real Leather, highlighting key differences in materials, properties, cost, maintenance, and ethics:
1. Material & Construction
PU leather is a synthetic material; the surface grain is embossed artificially to mimic real leather. Real leather is always made from treated animal hides (cow, goat, lamb, etc.) through tanning, retaining the natural grain and imperfections of the hide. Therefore, PU leather is cheaper than real leather.
2. Initial Softness
For initial softness, PU leather often feels softer and more pliable right out of the box than some new real leathers. But less supple over time. Oppositely, the softness of genuine leather will improve with age and even produce patinas.
3. Properties
Unlike real leather, PU leather has lower breathability and is prone to cracking or peeling after 5 years. Some inferior PU leather may not last for more than a year.
4. Maintenance
Unlike PU leather, which is easy to clean, real leather requires conditioning and oiling regularly.
5. Eco-Impact
100% PU leather is plastic-based, which is non-biodegradable. However, this also demonstrates that it is vegan.
Before buying, ask yourself.
- How long do I want this item to last?
- How much will it be used and abused?
- Is vegan/cruelty-free essential?
- What's my budget?
- Am I okay with it potentially peeling/cracking in a few years?
If low cost, vegan ethics, and initial look are top priorities, PU leather (100% PU) can be a good option. If longevity, durability, and natural materials matter most, invest in genuine leather.
Types of PU leather
PU leather is designed to mimic genuine leather's look and feel while being more affordable and vegan-friendly. Here's a breakdown of its types and key aspects.
100% Polyurethane (PU) Leather
Generally, 100% PU leather is more flexible, breathable, and environmentally friendly than PVC leather. Feels softer and closer to real leather. It is commonly used in apparel (jackets, skirts, bags), shoes, upholstery, and accessories. It is the most durable among other artificial leathers.
Bicast Leather (PU-Coated Split Leather)
Bicast leather uses a real leather base, but specifically the fibrous, lower-quality "split" layer left after the top-grain is separated. This split leather is heavily sanded, then coated with a thick layer of polyurethane and embossed. It has a very uniform, plastic-like surface.
However, bicast leather is less breathable and flexible than 100% PU leather. Prone to cracking and peeling over time as the PU layer separates from the weak leather base. It is applied to lower-cost furniture, book bindings, and low-end accessories.
Bonded Leather
Bonded leather is the least durable "leather" product, made from shredded leather fibers and dust (leftover from leather production) bonded together with latex or PU binders onto a fabric backing.
The surface is coated with a thin layer of polyurethane and embossed. Due to its thin layer, it tends to flake or peel off relatively quickly, revealing the unattractive fibrous base. You can see it on desk accessories or book covers.
Pros and cons of PU leather
While purchasing, you may think, “Is PU leather good or not?” Whether PU leather is "good" depends entirely on your priorities, budget, and intended use. It's not universally good or bad – it has significant advantages and disadvantages compared to genuine leather and other materials.
PU Leather Pros
- PU Leather costs less than genuine leather because it is easier to manufacture.
- PU leather offers a consistent, flawless appearance without natural leather's variations or imperfections.
- PU doesn’t absorb water, which makes it easy to clean.
- 100% PU leather is vegan.
- PU leather can be made into a variety of colors and styles.
- Unlike leather, PU leather doesn’t dry out over time.
- Better for sustainability because it uses fewer resources to make.
PU Leather Cons
- It isn't breathable like genuine leather.
- It doesn't last as long as genuine leather.
- Can smell chemicals or plastic.
- Easily wears over time and can crack.
- Unlike real leather, the PU leather will loss its luster with time.
- Not all PU leathers are vegan because some contain leftover genuine leather, like bicast leather.
- It is hard to degrade and not environmentally friendly.
Conclusion
PU leather is generally softer, more flexible, more breathable, and considered more eco-friendly than the older PVC type. When shopping, if something is labeled just "faux leather," it could be PU or PVC (or another type). Ask the seller if you want to know specifically.
In addition, it must avoid confusion PU leather with "Bicast Leather", which is real leather (often split leather) that has been coated with a layer of PU or PVC to give it a uniform, plastic-like surface. It's a hybrid, not pure faux leather.
Tracking Order
Help Center
Buying Guide
Blog
