Faux Leather vs Real Leather: Pros, Cons & Key Differences

March 28, 2025

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Faux Leather vs Real Leather: Pros, Cons & Key Differences

Every jacket lover, whether men or women, loves the look and feel of leather. If you are in the market for a leather jacket you will always pick the high-quality leather. However, if you are like many and have some questions about real leather vs. synthetic leather. Or you can say real vs. faux leather and how they differ from each other. Continue reading this blog and you will find the answers of all these questions which help you to understand the key difference between leather and faux leather and what are the pros and cons of leather.

What is Faux Leather

Faux leather comes in various types and each one of them is made to replicate the appearance and texture of real leather. Ranging from affordability to sustainability, these alternatives are used to produce different products like furniture, leather bags and other fashion accessories.

Types of Faux Leather

There are different types of fake leather available in the market and each is designed to replicate the look and the feel of real leather.

Polyurethane Leather

It is made by coating a fabric base with polyurethane to replicate real leather. This type of leather is soft, flexible and more breathable than PVC and less durable than real leather.

Polyvinyl Chloride Leather

The PVC leather is made by adding plasticizers and stabilizers which makes it more rigid and waterproof. It requires low care but is less breathable and durable.

Microfiber Leather

Next, microfiber which is a creation of woven synthetic fibers. It is highly durable, and a premium alternative to traditional faux leather.

Recycled Faux Leather

This type of leather is made from repurposed synthetic or real leather scraps. It is less eco-friendly and lacks durability than other leathers.

Vegan Leather

The vegan is a creation of plant-based materials like pineapple leaves, mushrooms, or apple peels. It is a sustainable alternative but it is also less durable like faux one.

What is Real Leather

Genuine leather is made from different animal hides such as cows, goats, crocodiles and buffalo. This type of leather is commonly used to make different leather products including men’s leather jackets and leather boots. Besides, the real leather comes in different types but full-grain and top-grain leather are the two and highest-quality options among them.

Types of Real Leather

Real leather has different types and each offers unique characteristics. Therefore, understanding each of them helps you in choosing the right leather for fashion accessories and furniture.

Full Grain

This is the best quality which is made from the top layer of the hide without alterations. It is quite durable and offers a mind-blowing experience.

Top-Grain

Top grain leather is slightly processed to remove imperfections in its top layer by sanding, giving it a smooth and refined surface. Top grain leather tends to be softer and more flexible than full grain.

Genuine Leather

Genuine leather is created from the lower layers of hides. It is affordable and can be worn for years to come.

Suede Leather

Suede leather comes from the underside of the hide, giving it a soft and velvety texture. Though luxurious in feel but moisture and stains will easily damage it.

Sheepskin Leather

Sheepskin leather is soft, lightweight, and naturally insulating, making it an ideal material for leather jackets for women. It is highly breathable and comfortable to wear, but it requires proper care to retain its original texture.

Key Differences between Real and Faux Leather?

Now that we have seen a brief description of each type of leather. Now, let’s talk about some key differences between real and faux leather such as texture, appearance. and cost.

Feature Real Leather Faux Leather
Material Made from animal hides (usually cowhide). Made from synthetic materials like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Feel Soft, flexible, and develops a unique texture over time. Smooth and sometimes plastic-like; doesn’t change much over time.
Durability Long-lasting, becomes better with age, but requires maintenance. Less durable, can crack or peel over time.
Appearance Has natural grain and imperfections, making each piece unique. More uniform in texture and color, sometimes too perfect.
Smell Has a distinct, rich leather smell. Often has a chemical or plastic-like smell.
Maintenance Needs conditioning and special care to prevent drying out. Easy to clean with a damp cloth, no conditioning needed.
Cost Expensive due to quality and durability. More affordable but less long-lasting.
Sustainability Biodegradable but requires animal farming, which impacts the environment. Made from plastics, not biodegradable, but doesn’t require animal farming.

However, if you are curious about the differences between leather and denim, check out our detailed guide: Leather Jacket vs Denim Jacket: Which One Suits Your Style Better?

Pros of Real Leather

Real leather stands out for its timeless appeal, durability, and luxurious feel, making it a premium choice for those who value quality and longevity.

  • Real leather Lasts for decades with proper care
  • It is Breathable, softens with age, and molds the user
  • Rich texture and natural variations make each piece unique and impressive

Cons of Real Leather

Real leather, known for its premium quality, still has some drawbacks, which is important to know before making a choice.

  • Huge cost due to quality and craftsmanship.
  • Requires conditioning to prevent drying and cracking.
  • It can absorb water and stain if not properly treated.
  • Involves animal byproducts, which may not align with vegan lifestyles.

Pros of Faux Leather

Faux leather is a popular alternative to real leather. It offers a stylish and budget-friendly option and is easier to maintain than a real one.

  • Costs significantly less than genuine leather.
  • Easy to clean and did not require too much conditioning.
  • More resistant to stains and moisture.
  • No animal products are used in production.

Cons of Faux Leather

Faux leather offers affordability but some limitations must be kept in mind when choosing it over real leather.

  • Over time, it tends to peel and crack.
  • It feels stiff or sticky especially in warm weather.
  • Made from plastics (PU/PVC) and not biodegradable.
  • Doesn’t develop patina and often looks synthetic.

Conclusion

Now that you have learned about real leather vs. faux leather and have enough information which helps you to decide which material is right for you. Consider your personal preference and the facts shared above before you start your shopping. However, if you prefer real leather jackets and are looking for a premium retailer, look no further! At Genuine Jacket Store, we offer top quality leather jackets at pocket-friendly prices.

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