There are different types of products known as "Leather", but do you know the difference between PU Leather (Polyurethane Leather) and Real leather? Let us explain it to you and help you make informed choices about leather types.

It's clear genuine leather is a preferable material for a wide range of products. It's known for its sturdiness and its attractive appearance. Real leather, also known as natural leather or animal leather, is made from animal hide and is prized for its durability and leather-like appearance. There are many inexpensive knock-offs that are meant to mimic the genuine offer in look just. These goods are made from cheaper materials that can't endure the test of time. As a buyer, it is essential to comprehend the difference between genuine leather and imitation products-- especially PU leather and other faux leathers.

Key Takeaways

• Real leather, derived from animal hide, is durable, long-lasting, and develops a unique patina over time. In contrast, PU leather, a synthetic alternative, is cheaper, lightweight, and vegan-friendly but lacks durability and natural appeal.
• It’s affordable, easy to clean, and available in various textures and colors. However, it’s prone to cracking, peeling, and doesn’t age well like real leather.
• PU leather addresses ethical concerns by being cruelty-free but may have environmental downsides due to the use of plastic polymers and chemicals during production.
• Genuine leather often has imperfections, absorbs water, and emits a natural smell. PU leather has a plastic-like texture, chemical smell, and doesn’t absorb water.
• PU leather requires simple cleaning with mild soap and water, avoiding sharp objects and heat exposure. Genuine leather, on the other hand, benefits from occasional conditioning to maintain suppleness and prevent brittleness.

What is PU Leather?

PU leather, also known as synthetic leather or artificial leather, it's an imitation of the real leather created from polyurethane, a plastic with a similar feel and aspect to the leather, but without involving animals. 100% PU leather is an artificial material or synthetic alternative that does not involve animal products. PU leather is considered vegan leather and is a popular choice for those with ethical concerns about traditional leather production.

The most common way to create PU leather is using a layer of polyurethane or a polyurethane coating and apply it to a base fabric (generally polyester). This manufacturing process allows for a wide variety of colors and textures. The PU leather can be combined with real leather to make something called "bicast leather" or "double-cast" leather. The "double-cast" leather can use a base of split leather which later is covered by a PVC or PU layer.

The PU leather generally has the same texture as the animal skin (real leather), but in most cases, it's lighter, and at the same time it is not as durable as real leather and tends to tear easily. It is also more resistant to sunlight, and this is why it is frequently used to cover car seats and faux leather furniture. However, it's important to note that PU leather may have a lower level of water resistance compared to genuine leather.

When considering leather alternatives, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons. While PU leather offers a cost-effective alternative and addresses some environmental concerns associated with leather production, it may have its own environmental implications due to the use of plastic polymers and potential toxic chemicals in the production process. Additionally, PU leather may lack the durability and air circulation properties of natural leather.

For those seeking a leather alternative, there are various options available, including other types of synthetic leather, such as PVC leather, and more sustainable alternatives like vegetable-tanned leather or bio-based polyurethanes. These alternatives aim to provide a similar look and feel to genuine leather while addressing ethical and environmental considerations.

When caring for PU leather products, it's important to use proper care techniques. Cleaning with mild soap and warm water is generally sufficient, but avoid using excess water as it may damage the material. Unlike genuine leather, PU leather doesn't require leather conditioner, but it's essential to protect it from sharp objects and exposure to heat to maintain its appearance and durability.

How Can You Identify PU Leather?

Depending upon whether you are searching for PU leather or authentic leather, it is best to understand how to discriminate between them. Say you are buying a leather bag, the simplest method to discriminate is by looking at the tag or description. In some cases, products might not have a tag, so being able to know the distinctions will be useful.

The primary difference you will find is the expense. PU leather will normally be less expensive than genuine leather since it is simpler to produce and a much cheaper material. For instance, while a PU leather backpack might cost significantly less, our Vernon Backpack, made from genuine crazy horse leather, represents an investment in quality that will last for years.

PU leather will have a unique smell to it since it is a synthetic material. PU will have a plastic or chemical smell to it that real leather will not have.

Doing a water test is also an easy way to figure out if it is real or fake leather. Although it wouldn't be advised to do a water test to an item you do not own, genuine leather will absorb the water. PU leather will not absorb the water.

If you have a keen eye, you may be able to tell the difference just by looking at the product. Real leather will have some imperfections and have a genuine grain, this is what gives our bags their vintage look. PU leather will in fact look phony, and will almost have an ideal, patterned texture look.

What is Faux Leather?

Faux leather is one of several names given to artificial or synthetic leather. These names are often used to describe specific end uses of synthetic leather products such as faux leather (sofa, chair and headboard upholstery), leatherette (auto upholstery, clothing), and koskin (consumer goods). There are two primary types of faux leather construction: polyurethane ("PU"), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Is PU Leather the same as Synthetic Leather?

The short answer is, yes. PU leather, also known as synthetic leather, is a synthetic version of real leather. It looks like real leather and has the same feel and appearance but it doesn't hurt animals in any way. However, it does not last nearly as long as real leather and will begin to crack over time.

Pros & Cons of PU Leather

When it comes to purchasing a leather product, there are a lot of considerations to make. The most basic question of course is what type of leather do you want? There is of course genuine leather, but there are also synthetic materials like pleather that are made to look like leather; and there is PU leather, which is not technically leather at all.

Does PU Leather Peel?

Real leather does not peel, chip or flake. While it may just be an unstable finish or after-market paint that is flaking away, more often, peeling leather is actually a cheap polyurethane (PU) synthetic called faux leather. 

How Do You Prevent PU Leather From Cracking?

In such areas, the PU leather starts cracking and becomes sticky. Therefore, regular cleaning and maintenance is very important. When required, PU leather should be dusted with a dry or slightly damp lint-free cloth.

Is PU Leather as Good as Real Leather?

PU leather is made from synthetic polymers, which are created by adding plasticizers, colorants, and oils to a polymer resin. There is no question that real leather is better than PU leather. Real leather not only looks better, but it is also more durable. Real leather is also full of character and will age beautifully. 

PU leather, on the other hand, is not as durable and will crack and peel over time. The main advantages that people see with PU leather are lower cost, ease of maintenance, and the ability to have the leather look and feel of various types of animals. The biggest downside of PU leather is that it won't last as long as real leather, because it is not made from natural animal hide. It will also likely have much less of a vintage look, which is a big part of the reason people are buying leather, to begin with.

How to Clean PU Leather?

When it comes to most stains, you want to choose a gentle detergent for the fabric first. Some of the stronger cleaners can actually damage the fake leather! For specific spills such as coffee or juice, it's best to clean with a mild detergent and sponge off when you're done.

What is Genuine or Real Leather?

Real leather, also known as genuine leather, is crafted from animal hide, which in our case is cowhide, and must be tanned to avoid decomposition and become usable leather. It can last a long time and generally gains a nice texture as it ages. If given proper care, a genuine leather product can last between 10 and 20 years. This type of leather is difficult to tear or puncture and is also much more breathable and humidity-resistant than most artificial leathers or synthetic alternatives, which can begin to crack and warp in just a few years. And also, unlike synthetic leather or faux leathers, some genuine leathers have hypoallergenic features, which means they repel certain allergens.

The maintenance of leather is a little more complicated than that of polyurethane leather (PU leather). You can clean leather with mild soap or warm water using a damp cloth, but if it gets stained with oil or sweat you will need a special leather cleaner. Genuine leather may need a leather conditioner applied from time to time to keep it supple, or it will become stiff or brittle. This is because the natural oils in leather dry out over time.

When considering leather types, it's important to understand the differences between natural leather and synthetic materials. While real leather is made from animal products, there are various vegan alternatives available, such as polyurethane leather and PVC leather. These synthetic leathers are often more affordable and come in a wide variety of colors and textures.

However, it's worth noting that some synthetic leathers, like bicast leather, which has a polyurethane coating, may have a shorter lifespan compared to genuine leather. Additionally, the production process of synthetic leathers often involves the use of plastic polymers and may have a greater environmental impact due to the use of fossil fuels and potential release of harmful chemicals.

What are the Benefits of Real Leather?

In addition to their impressive durability, here are several reasons why many individuals prefer authentic leather over cheaper synthetic alternatives: Authentic leather offers water resistance, possesses natural breathability, and features a classic aesthetic that remains timeless. Furthermore, authentic leather is significantly more resilient, ensuring it withstands the test of time.

True leather tends to be more durable than other materials and is much more resistant to wear and tear. The reason for this is the natural oils in leather, which help keep the leather flexible and strong. This also gives real leather an elegant look that is difficult to achieve with other materials like vinyl or plastic. Pure leather also tends to age beautifully, giving a unique look to whatever it is made into.

A perfect example of genuine leather craftsmanship is our Hagen Backpack, which showcases the superior qualities of real leather. During its development, we specifically chose high-quality crazy horse leather for its ability to develop a beautiful patina over time. The natural creases and lines throughout the leather give each backpack a unique antique appearance, demonstrating how genuine leather products tell their own story. With dimensions of 14.6" X 12.2" X 5.1" and a capacity of 20-35 liters, this backpack exemplifies how real leather can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The leather-lined comfortable grab handle and ergonomically-designed adjustable straps show how genuine leather can be engineered for both durability and comfort.

Other Types of Leather

When it comes to leather options, there are various types that cater to different preferences and needs. Vegan leather, often referred to as synthetic or PU leather, offers an alternative made from plastic-based or nature-based materials, providing a cruelty-free and eco-friendly option that mimics the appearance of genuine leather.

Faux leather, while similar in look and feel to real leather, is actually a synthetic material that doesn't use animal hides and can be a more affordable and environmentally conscious choice.

Bonded leather or bicast leather, made from leather scraps bonded together with a plastic adhesive, presents another option, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional leather but with some durability concerns.

Top grain leather and full grain leather represent the highest quality of leather, each offering its own unique characteristics, with full grain leather being particularly prized for its durability, authenticity, and luxurious texture.

Vegan Leather

Vegan leather is also known as synthetic leather or PU Leather or PU leather vegan. While real leather is made from animal hide, vegan leather is made from either plastic-based materials or nature-based materials. Although vegan leather, looks similar to genuine leather, it is so much different than the latter.

Faux Leather

It looks like leather, it feels like leather but is it real leather? From its name, faux leather is not leather. Conclusively, “faux” is a French word that means “fake”. Therefore, faux leather is fake leather. Many also refer to it as leatherette and/or vegan leather. Since it is fake it is, therefore, inferior to real leather products. It does, however, have its advantages. Get to know the advantages and disadvantages of faux leather as we go along. Faux leather is considered vegan leather since it does not use any real animals in the process. Many therefore use fake leather as a cruelty-free alternative to owning accessories such as handbags and furniture. It is however important to consider the environmental concern that pvc leather brings. Since the making of fake leather involves a plastic base such as PVC, many raise its ecological impacts. There are however many brands that produce fake leather that is innovating to keep the ecological impacts low.

Bonded Leather / Bicast Leather

Bonded leather is a combination of leather scraps, shredded leather, leather leftovers, and a bonding agent (typically plastic). It is then pressed into sheets that can be used as is for upholstery or to be made into finished leather goods. The use of bonded leather has been controversial for many years. While it is cheaper, easier to produce, and closer to the look and feel of actual leather, it is not considered real leather by many people. The primary reason for this is that the bonded leather is not an original part of the animal, but rather a manufactured material that can lack durability and often looks different from real leather. It is also sometimes referred to as split leather.

Top Grain Leather

Top grain leather is the second-highest quality of leather among all leather types. This excludes faux leather since faux leather is technically not leather. Furthermore, among all leather types top grain leather is probably the most commonly used. This is because among all other types top grain leather offers a pristine look.

Full Grain Leather

Full grain leather is the best among all leather types. Moreover, only the highest quality of animal skin can be made into full-grain leather. This may also be the reason why full-grain leather is expensive and that is because of its quality. Just like top grain leather, full-grain leather comes from animal skins. Full-grain leather however will not go through the sanding, burning, shaving process. Therefore it is safe to conclude that full-grain leather is made of the entire thickness of the grain. Likewise, the scars, grains, pores, and other textures are left intact.  

Steel Horse Leather only uses full grain leather in our products.

Differences Between PU Leather and Real Leather

Now, let's list the most important features of each, and compare. 

Strength and Durability

Being this the biggest difference between them, despite both types of leather have a very similar texture, the leather made with PU material (also known as polyurethane leather or synthetic leather) is usually thinner, which means that it has less durability as it can be torn more easily and unlike real natural leather or genuine leather, the PU leather tends to crack and bend over the course of a few years. This is one of the primary concerns when comparing artificial leather to real leather.

Resistance to Sunlight

On the other hand, PU leather is more resistant to the sun's rays than animal leather, which is why it is often used for couches, armchairs and for car and motorcycle seats in the furniture and automotive industries. This resistance to sunlight makes it a popular choice for outdoor leather furniture and auto upholstery.

Maintenance

While PU leather has a greater variety of thicknesses, colors, and textures than traditional leather, and often has brighter finishes, it is also easier and more convenient to maintain. Cleaning requires only the occasional wet cloth with mild soap and warm water, while animal hide tends to dry out and always needs care to prevent deterioration. This ease of maintenance makes PU leather an attractive option for those seeking a low-maintenance leather alternative.

Transpiration

Although PU leather is more breathable than other synthetic leathers such as PVC leather (made from polyvinyl chloride), it is much less breathable than genuine leather. This lack of air circulation can be a drawback for certain applications, particularly in clothing items like leather jackets where breathability is important.

Aging

While PU leather will always maintain the same feel and appearance, genuine leather tends to become softer and way more attractive over time. This aging process is one of the leather pros that many enthusiasts appreciate about real leather products.

Environmental Considerations

When choosing between real leather and faux leathers, it's important to consider the environmental impact. While genuine leather production has its own environmental concerns, synthetic leather manufacturing often involves plastic polymers and potentially harmful chemicals. However, some newer types of synthetic leather, including some polyurethane leathers, are being developed with more sustainable practices and bio-based materials to address these environmental implications.

Versatility and Applications

PU leather, as a versatile material, is used in a wide variety of products, from handbags and shoes to furniture upholstery. Its ability to mimic the appearance of genuine leather at a lower cost makes it a popular alternative in the fashion industry and for various leather items. However, for those seeking the durability and unique characteristics of real leather, genuine leather products remain the preferred choice for many high-wear areas and luxury items.

Making Informed Choices

When deciding between genuine leather and synthetic alternatives like PU leather, it's essential to consider factors such as durability, maintenance requirements, environmental impact, and intended use. By understanding the differences between these leather types, consumers can make informed choices that best suit their needs and values.

Price

One of the reasons, perhaps the main one, why people are choosing PU leather over genuine leather or full grain leather is that the first one is significantly cheaper. This is the most effective way to find out if the product you are buying is made of one material or another. Even so, if you are doubting, you only have to look at the composition that should appear on its label.

However, if you're looking for a lasting experience that you can wear practically all the time, more comfortable and with a more classic look, real leather is your best option by far. We have partnered with many online companies to provide discount codes .

Conclusion

Which one do you think is better? If you're on the team of full grain leather, either because you are a big fan of its vintage look or you are in the search of things that last forever, you should put an eye to our backpacks!

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