While you usually see it called vegan leather, PU leather is becoming more common in the fashion world. Even high-end designers recognize the desire to provide cruelty-free, high-quality products to customers who want to avoid animal products like leather. Fortunately, PU leather has come a long way since its early days, and it can be difficult to distinguish from genuine leather. Here's everything you need to know.
It's Not Leather
Even though leather is right there in the name, PU leather contains 0% leather. Instead, it's an imitation leather made from polyurethane (plastic). During the production process, PU leather is given the same kind of texture found in leather, although it tends to be a lot more uniform than the naturally occurring patterns found in leather. PU leather is considered a synthetic leather. The only exception is a PU leather made of bicast leather.
Related: How to Tell Something Is Real Leather: An Easy Guide
Bicast leather is the only PU leather that is not vegan. If something is made of bicast leather, it actually uses genuine leather in the process. Genuine leather is used to emboss the PU so the pattern appears more natural. If you are seeking vegan leather, avoid bicast leather.
Other Than Bicast Leather, PU Leather Is 100% Vegan
If the PU leather you are considering is 100% PU leather, then it is classified as vegan. Since no animal is used in any part of the creation of the PU leather, it qualifies as being vegan.
It's Usually Not as Durable as Genuine Leather
When compared to leather, PU leather won't last as long. PU leather doesn't retain moisture. The lack of moisture means the PU leather will be susceptible to cracking and tearing, unlike leather.
It's Less Likely to Stain or Get Water Damage Than Real Leather
PU leather isn't breathable, whereas leather is very breathable. So it doesn't absorb water or stains — if you get a PU leather item wet or dirty, you can usually wipe the stain away without any residual. On the other hand, leather stains easily, even with water.
PU Leather With Plasticizers Is Unlikely to Peel
If the PU leather uses plasticizers in its processes, it will most likely not peel. Not all PU leathers are going to be the same quality, just as all leathers aren't the same quality, so a lower quality, poorly made PU leather may crack and peel, but high-quality, well-made PU leathers are much less likely to do so.
It's Non-Toxic
PU leather is vegan and made with natural plant chemicals, so it isn't considered a toxic leather like PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) leather. PVC is made from chemicals and can have some off-gassing. These chemicals are considered toxic in large amounts.
PU Leather Isn't the Same Thing as Faux Leather
The PU leather base is made of polyurethane while the faux leather base is made of fabric. The faux leather fabric is given a textured leather finish. The textured finish is created by using one or more methods, such as dyeing, waxing, PU coating, and even PVC coating. Some faux leather bags are also made of bicast leather. PU leather is often called a type of faux leather, but is recognized in the handbag industry and listed as PU leather instead of faux leather.
PU Leather Tends to Be More Durable Than Faux Leather
Most PU leathers are more durable than faux leather. PU leather doesn't peel or crack as easily as faux leather. It's also more flexible. Faux leathers are easier to pierce or tear, although PU leather can suffer damage from perforation or tearing. You must take into account the quality of the PU leather and faux leather when comparing durability.
It Won't Develop a Patina Over Time
Over time, real leather develops a desirable patina, and it tends to get softer and more pliable, which many people feel is highly desirable. This doesn't happen with PU leather — it will never develop a patina finish.
It May Smell Like Chemicals and Have a Uniform Finish
Real leather will have a definite leather smell. PU leather often has a chemical smell. The PU leather has a uniform grain texture finish, while the leather grain is random and natural looking.
It's Cheaper Than Leather
If you want the style of genuine leather but don't want to pay as much for it as genuine leather costs, PU leather is a good alternative. It tends to be much more affordable than genuine leather while still looking great.
PU Leather Can Be a Good Leather Alternative
Depending on what your goals are, PU leather can be a good alternative to natural leather — especially if you're looking for a good quality vegan leather piece. It's definitely worth trying a piece or two to see how well it holds up to your lifestyle.
