Understanding faux leather takes more than a glance. In the decision between genuine leather vs. fake leather, you will find surprising benefits and environmentally impactful truths about the genuine option. The next time you buy a belt, wallet, jacket, or furniture, take the following points into consideration first.

What Is Fake Leather?

Multiple types of fake leather exist. However, they're all made from manmade and potentially carcinogenic chemicals like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In other words, the fabric that you might believe is more eco-friendly is actually made from petroleum or plastic.

These non-renewable sources require complex treatments to make them feel and look anything like leather, and they will never break down or biodegrade completely when their usable life is over. The simplest way to answer the question, 'What is imitation leather?' is with a simple answer: toxic chemicals that make a substandard product that cannot be recycled and are bad for people and the earth itself.

What Is Genuine Leather?

This completely natural material comes from animal hides or skins, primarily cows, which are already a huge part of the world's product production in dairy and meat farming. The hides are tanned so they are supple, water-resistant, safe, and comfortable for the wearer. Real leather is a renewable resource that can be recycled in a much more efficient manner than any attempts to reuses PU or PVC options. In fact, some genuine leather items are made from recycled materials to begin with.

What's the Difference Between Leather and Faux Leather?

You already know some of the important points in the artificial leather vs. real leather debate. Now, take a closer look at the specific things that affect your decisions when it comes to buying a new coat, pair of gloves, or other fashion accessory or home décor item.

Durability and Longevity

There's simply no contest when it comes to real leather vs. fake here. A genuine leather jacket will easily last 20 years or more, becoming softer and acquiring a luxurious patina that only adds style. A faux leather jacket will look worn or break down within five years, making it a definite "fast fashion" problem. Instead of looking better, it will crack and fade.

Comfort and Style

While two different details to consider, comfort and style always go hand in hand for fashion. Genuine leather feels better with a rich, natural texture that only gets more supple and unique over time. It's also breathable, which means that air and moisture passes through the natural fibers to help you regulate temperature. Of course, you should treat your leather outerwear and accessories to avoid outright damage.

PVC or other fake leather stands up to the rain, but that's where its comfort benefits end. It will never get softer or mold more comfortably to your body. Instead, it will remain rigid and even crease permanently in some spots. When it comes to style, no one looks good in a stiff, misshapen jacket or a belt that was broken groove marks etched into it.

Impact on the Environment

Responsibly sourced real leather outpaces its chemical counterpart in a big way when it comes to eco-friendly products. It's a byproduct of the meat industry and utilizes hides that would otherwise go to waste. You cannot source polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride in a sustainable manner, and the fact that they exist at all is harmful to the earth.

The short lifespan mentioned above also scores points for the natural product in the real vs. fake leather debate. A jacket that lasts 20 years is obviously more environmentally sound than one you will have to throw out in less than five. You cannot recycle that one either, so into the landfill it goes. It will last virtually forever in some form, introducing harmful chemicals and microplastics to the world.

Health Considerations of Faux Leather vs. Real

Did you know wearing a clothing item made of fake leather could actually affect your health? The chemicals used in production may release harmful compounds such as dioxins and phthalates. While certain ones are not an issue during regular product use, things like excess heat can trigger them. Scientific research has shown that others can affect hormonal health from prolonged skin contact. People with allergies or sensitive skin may have issues with faux leather vs. real leather, too.

Conclusion in the Real vs. Faux Leather Question

In the end, any decisions between real vs. fake leather do not cause much of a debate. The more sustainable, eco-friendly, healthy, comfortable, and durable option stands out. Yes, it is true that the fake materials cost less in the beginning, and are made without any animal products, the synthetic origins, environmental impact of both the creation process and after-use breakdown, and its much shorter lifespan makes it a poor choice for those who care about the world.

Real leather outpaces the competition in all ways. This renewable resource looks, feels, and simply is better for those who value sustainability, comfort, and quality. It's no surprise that the natural material – pure, genuine leather – wins out every time.