Differences between Leather and Leatherette
Contents
Leather vs. Leatherette[edit]
Leather and leatherette are common materials for products such as furniture, vehicle upholstery, and clothing.[1] Leather is a natural material produced from the tanned hide of an animal, most often a cow.[2][3][4] Leatherette is a synthetic material, also known as faux leather, that is engineered to imitate the appearance of leather.[1][4] It is produced by coating a fabric base with a plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU).[1][2][4] The materials differ in their composition, durability, cost, and maintenance requirements.[1][5]
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | Leather | Leatherette |
|---|---|---|
| Source Material | Animal hide[1][3] | Synthetic fabric base with a plastic (PVC or PU) coating[1] |
| Durability | Highly durable, can last for decades, and may develop a patina over time[1][5][4] | Less durable, can crack or peel with heavy use, and does not develop a patina[1][5] |
| Cost | Typically more expensive[1] | Less expensive, often half the price of real leather or less[1] |
| Maintenance | Requires periodic cleaning and conditioning to prevent drying and cracking[4] | Generally easy to clean with a damp cloth; waterproof and less porous than leather[1][4] |
| Breathability | Porous and breathable, which helps it stay cool in warm weather[1][4] | Non-porous and not breathable, can feel hot or sticky in warm weather[1][5] |
| Scent | Has a distinct natural scent | May have a chemical or plastic odor |
| Aging | Becomes softer and more flexible with age[1] | Does not soften; the top layer can crack or wear away over time[1] |
Material Properties[edit]
The primary difference between the two materials is their origin. Leather is a natural, porous material that allows air to pass through, making it more comfortable in varying temperatures.[1][5] Leatherette, being a plastic-coated fabric, is not porous and does not breathe well, which can cause it to become hot and sticky in warm climates.[5]
With proper care, genuine leather is highly durable and can last for more than 15 years.[1] Over time, it often softens and develops a patina, a desirable characteristic resulting from use and age.[1][4] Leatherette is less durable and may begin to crack or peel, particularly in areas of high use.[5] It does not age in the same way as leather and can appear more worn as the plastic coating deteriorates.[1]
Maintenance for leather involves regular cleaning and the application of conditioners to restore natural oils and prevent the material from drying out.[4] Leatherette is simpler to care for, as its non-porous surface is waterproof and can typically be cleaned with a damp cloth.[1]
Environmental Considerations[edit]
Both materials have environmental impacts. Leather production is associated with the environmental effects of animal agriculture, including greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation for grazing land.[3] The tanning process can also involve the use of chemicals, such as chromium, which can be polluting if not managed properly.[3]
Leatherette is a petroleum-based product, which relies on fossil fuels, a non-renewable resource.[3] Common plastics used in its production, such as PVC and PU, are not biodegradable and can release harmful chemicals during manufacturing.[3] However, the production of synthetic leather generally has a lower carbon footprint and uses significantly less water than cow leather.
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 "sohoconcept.com". Retrieved October 25, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "myroik.com". Retrieved October 25, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "sustainacompany.com". Retrieved October 25, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 "rustictown.com". Retrieved October 25, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 "fcilondon.co.uk". Retrieved October 25, 2025.
