Leather vs Faux Leather: Differences, Durability and Care
Compare real and faux leather by origin, grades, durability, feel and care, and learn how to read labels like full-grain, top-grain and genuine leather.
Key takeaways
- Real leather is animal hide that has been tanned. Faux leather is a plastic coating on a fabric backing.
- Good leather develops character and can be repaired, while the coating on faux leather can crack and peel.
- Full-grain is the highest quality grade, and the label genuine leather often means a lower grade.
Leather and faux leather can look similar in a shop, but they behave very differently over years of use. Knowing how each is made helps you judge price, durability and care.
What real leather is
Leather is animal hide, most often from cattle, that has been tanned. Tanning stops the hide from decaying and makes it flexible and durable. Chrome tanning uses chromium salts and is fast and common. Vegetable tanning uses plant tannins, takes longer and gives a firmer leather that darkens with age.
Leather grades
| Grade | What it means |
|---|---|
| Full-grain | Uses the whole top layer of the hide with natural markings. The strongest and most durable grade |
| Top-grain | The top surface is sanded and finished for a more uniform look. Slightly less durable than full-grain |
| Genuine leather | Real leather but usually made from lower layers of the hide. Quality varies widely |
| Bonded leather | Scraps of leather fibre bonded with adhesive onto a backing. The lowest quality, and it can peel |
What faux leather is
Faux leather, also called synthetic or vegan leather, is a fabric backing coated with plastic. The two common coatings are polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is cheaper, animal-free and available in many colours. Some newer plant-based alternatives use ingredients such as mushroom, cactus or fruit waste, but they are often combined with synthetic binders or coatings.
Leather and faux leather compared
| Property | Real leather | Faux leather |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Can last decades with care | Usually shorter, as the coating can crack and peel |
| Breathability | Some, as it is a natural material | Low |
| Ageing | Develops a patina | Tends to wear out rather than age |
| Repair | Often repairable and refinishable | Hard to repair once the coating fails |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Animal-free | No | Yes |
How to care for real leather
- Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth and let it dry naturally.
- Condition it once or twice a year with a leather conditioner.
- Keep it away from radiators, direct sun and soaking wet conditions.
- Stuff shoes and bags with paper to hold their shape during storage.
How to care for faux leather
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth and a little mild soap.
- Avoid heat, solvents and alcohol-based cleaners, which can damage the coating.
- Do not fold it tightly or store it in hot places, because creases can crack the surface.
Which should you choose?
If you want a jacket, bag or shoes to last many years and can afford the upfront cost, good real leather offers the longest life. If you need an animal-free option, want a low price or want a fashion piece you will wear for a season or two, faux leather can make sense. In both cases, check the finish and stitching. For help with care symbols, see our care label guide.
