What is Faux Leather?

Faux leather has many names that is why people often get confused and think that any leather is real except the one that comes under the name “faux”. However, faux or fake leather is also referred to as Leatherette or vegan leather. This type is not very reliable and is considered the lower-cost alternative to real leather. Those who are not much familiar with the types of leather often wonder which one would be the best pick for them as per their requirements. The truth is that there are pros and cons for both. Real leather is the best leather without a second thought but it could be a bit pricey and you might find faux leather a better alternative. Also, leather furniture hardly ever comes in pure leather because of the extremely high price and the texture therefore, to make it more resistant to any kind of damage, car interior and home accessories are made from a mixture of real and faux leather.

In other words, faux leather is not all bad, in fact, it is extremely useful and popular for a number of reasons that we will be discussing in this post.

What Is Faux Leather Made Of?

Faux leather has a plastic base and is treated with oils, waxes, dye, or polyurethane. These treatments give it a leather-like texture and color. As mentioned earlier, any leather that is not made from 100% real leather is faux leather. Similarly, vegan leather also comes under this category because it’s made out of plant leaves including oak and pineapple, etc. Faux leather is processed with chemicals and heavy machinery is used in the making which makes the final product too perfect to be anything like the real leather. So if you’re out in the market to buy a real leather jacket, bag or wallet, look for the ones that have imperfections on the surface. Stretch marks, wrinkles and a vintage look is what real leather is all about.

Difference Between Real And Faux Leather

Real Leather	Faux Leather
Real leather has imperfections and irregularities on the surface that represent the natural product.	Faux leather has a very regular, unnaturally even texture pattern.
On pressing a finger into the surface, wrinkles appear on the real leather.	On pressing a finger into the surface, the faux leather simply depresses under it while still retaining its shape.
Real leather does not catch fire.	Faux Leather catches fire easily because of the plastic that is used as its base.
Real leather is made from animal hide and has characteristics like human skin. This is why it can absorb a small amount of water.	Faux leather does not absorb water.
Real leather, when it has too much heat exposure, can get stiff and lose natural moisture.	Faux leather is very likely to tear off.
Real leather is so much more reliable and long-lasting as compared to faux leather.	Faux leather is cheaper and not durable.
Real leather is much more expensive.	Faux leather is waterproof to some extent because of the plastic used in its manufacturing.
Real leather is unique and no two hides can be identical.	Faux leather is machine-made and can be replicated many times.

Is Faux Leather Waterproof?

Faux or fake leather is made out of plastic and is treated with oils and waxes. All these elements, when coming together, make it waterproof to some extent. It can safely be said that faux leather is more water-resistant as compared to real leather because the latter is made out of animal skin and is more likely to absorb moisture.

How To Clean Faux Leather?

People choose faux leather over real leather for many reasons; lower prices, animal rights, and fashion purposes, etc. no matter what, a clean leather jacket or a bag is essential. Faux leather is mostly plastic hence can be cleaned with soap or detergent solution. However, you might need to be extra careful with some inner linings. It is recommended to avoid throwing your faux leather accessory into a washing machine. They should rather be hand washed gently. Make sure that the water temperature is moderate; not too hot, not too cold. Use a mild detergent and don't use it directly on your leather jacket or bag, dilute it by adding some water to it.

Lastly, after rinsing it with cold water, hang it in a corner with no direct sun exposure, and don't use a hairdryer, let it dry naturally.

Disadvantages Of Faux Leather

• Faux leather is made out of chemicals; polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, or polyamide microfiber which makes it damaging to the environment.
• Faux leather made out of PVC is known to be harmful to health and the toxic elements in it can have a bad effect on you.
• Unlike real leather, faux leather does not age well. Although it is easier to clean, many people complain of it peeling or cracking as time goes on.
• Faux leather loses its elasticity and is extremely prone to punctures or tears.