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

By Khurram Shehzad

on April 10, 2025

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. Faux 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.

Or you can say real vs faux leather and how they differ from each other. Continue reading this blog and you will get answers to all these questions that help you understand the key differences between leather and faux leather and what are the advantages and disadvantages of leather.

The key difference between real and faux leather lies in their materials—real leather is made from animal hides like buffalo or cattle, while faux leather is synthetic, crafted from materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane. With that in mind, let’s break down the comparison between faux leather and real leather.

What is Faux Leather

Faux leather, also known as imitation leather, leatherette, and vegan leather, is one of the most popular materials used to make high-fashion clothing, shoes, handbags, and home furnishings today.

The surface of synthetic leather is uniform. A very regular, even texture pattern is a sign that it’s a machine-made piece. When you run your fingers across faux leather, it feels cold and unnaturally even. Also, when you press your finger into the surface, it doesn’t act like skin. Rather than stretching or wrinkling, the synthetic material simply depresses under your finger while still retaining its shape.

Now, smell it. There is no reliable way to fake the smell of real leather. If you smell a plasticky, chemical odor, you can bet it’s synthetic.

Types of Faux 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 recycled scraps of synthetic or genuine leather. It i\ less environmentally friendly and lacks the durability of 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 other leather products. 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

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 tends to be softer and more flexible than full grain.

Genuine Leather

Genuine leather is made from the lower layers of hides. It is cheaper.

Suede Leather

Suede leather comes from the underside of a hide, which gives it a soft and velvety texture.

Sheepskin Leather

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

Key Differences between Real and Faux Leather?

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.

Pros and cons of Real Leather and Faux Leather

Product Name	Pros	Cons
Real Leather	Genuine leather lasts for decades. It is Breathable, softens with age, and molds the user. Unique texture and natural beauty.	Costly Conditioning is needed to prevent drying and cracking. Prone to water damage and staining without proper treatment. Not suitable for vegan lifestyles due to animal byproducts
Faux Leather	Much less expensive than real leather. Faux leather is easy to clean and requires little to no conditioning. no animal products used. More resistant to stains and moisture.	Over time, it peels and breaks. It feels hard or sticky, especially in hot weather. Non biodegradable. Made from plastics (PU/PVC. Patina is not developed and often looks artificial.

Final Verdict

Now that you know about real leather vs. faux leather and have enough information to help you decide which material is right for you, consider your personal preference and the facts mentioned above before you start your shopping.

However, if you prefer genuine leather jackets and are looking for a premium retailer, look no further! At LeatherHub, we offer high-quality leather jackets at pocket-friendly prices.