Faux Leather vs Real Leather: What’s the Difference Really?

Let’s be honest. Picking between real leather and faux leather feels like choosing between a juicy burger and a plant-based patty. Both look the part. Both have fans. But which one is truly right for you? Whether you’re shopping for custom leather patches, leather jackets, or custom leather labels, knowing the difference can save you time, money, and regret. We will specifically address the differences between faux and genuine leather in the context of custom leather patches and custom leather keychains, as that is our specialty.

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Article Summary

1. The Main Differences Between Real and Faux Leather
2. Leather Production and Manufacturing Process
3. Yeah, But How Do They Look, Smell, and Feel?
4. Types of Leather You’ll See in Stores
5. Which One Is More Durable?
6. Leather Jackets, Bags, and Accessories
7. The Ethical Debate
8. Wrapping It Up: The Real Deal

The Main Differences Between Real and Faux Leather

What Is Real Leather Made Of?

Real leather, also called natural leather, is made from animal hides. Cowhide is the most common, but we have also seen leather produced from sheep, goats, and even pigs. It’s known for its grain pattern, unique texture, and long-lasting qualities. When properly cared for, genuine leather goods, such as your favorite messenger bags or camera bags, can last for decades. Additionally, real leather has a wonderful, rich, genuine smell that cannot be replicated with faux leather.

You may hear terms like full-grain leather or top-grain leather tossed around. Here’s the gist:

What Is Faux Leather?

Faux leather, also known as synthetic leather, is a man-made material. It’s usually made from leftover pieces of genuine leather that are ground up and then coated with polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The beauty of faux leather is that its color can be dyed to match specific colors, allowing you to meet your brand standards. Some people refer to faux leather as imitation leather or artificial leather.

It’s popular for being affordable, available in numerous color options, and can even be produced without animal products. Faux leather products encompass a wide range, from vegan leather travel bags to plastic leather messenger bags. We use them very commonly to add custom-branded leather patches to trucker hats.

Leather Production and Manufacturing Process

The Production Process of Real Leather

Making real leather is complex. It starts with the tanning process—vegetable tanning is the traditional method, using natural materials. It’s slower but gives the leather a distinct smell and feel. One drawback to real leather and the tanning process is that every batch of leather does turn out slightly different from the next. If you are looking to match the color perfectly, that can be tough. Other methods, like chrome tanning, are faster but may raise ethical concerns or consume more resources.

The Manufacturing Process of Faux Leather

Synthetic materials, such as polyurethane leather or PVC leather, are pressed onto a fabric or scrap leather base. A machine-made piece can be made in bulk, quickly. This process uses fewer resources but also creates a plastic material that may be less durable over time. This allows for the same leather color to easily be produced every time, over and over again.

Yeah, But How Do They Look, Smell, and Feel?

Leather Smell Differences 👃

Ever walked into a store and caught that earthy smell of real leather goods? That’s the smell of animal origin, natural fibers, and years of tradition. Faux leather doesn’t have that, it smells more like, well… new plastic, if they have a smell at all. Genuine leather takes the crown when it comes to smell.

Leather Looks and Texture

The surface of the leather reveals a great deal. Real leather has natural imperfections. Faux leather often has smoother, almost too-perfect patterns. The texture of real leather feels warm and slightly inconsistent. Synthetic leather can feel cold and a bit stiff.

Feel of Real Leather vs Faux

Natural leather softens with wear. It shapes to your body. Faux leather stays the same. That’s not always bad, and can mean less wear and tear, but it lacks the lived-in feel. For branded labels and inexpensive branding gifts faux leather is the answer.

Types of Leather You’ll See in Stores

1. Full grain leather: Highest quality. Most durable.
2. Top grain leather: Smooth, still natural.
3. Genuine leather: Lower quality, still real but split from the hide.
4. Patent leather: High gloss, usually used in fashion.
5. Buffalo leather: Thick and rugged.
6. Vintage leather: Aged and stylish with a retro feel.

Faux leather can be labeled as vegan leather, polyurethane leather, or PVC leather. They all fall under the category of synthetic materials.

Which One Is More Durable?

Real leather is undoubtedly more durable. Full grain especially. It handles wear and tear beautifully. Faux leather? Not as much. It can crack or peel with time. Some newer vegan leather materials hold up better, but overall, real leather wins here. That said, synthetic leather is easier to clean. If you’re buying for kids, pets, or messy adventures, like throwing travel bags into the back of a van, faux leather is a solid choice.

Leather Jackets, Bags, and Accessories

Real Leather Accessories

Great for luxury goods, real leather bags, camera Bags, or messenger Bags scream quality. Leather Jackets made from full-grain or top-grain leather age like fine wine. Oftentimes, luxury furniture and even automotive seats are crafted with authentic, genuine leather.

Faux Leather Products

Vegan leather is a popular choice for individuals who avoid animal products. Faux leather handbags or jackets still look stylish, even if they don’t last quite as long. If you are looking to add a rustic look to your next hat project, faux leather patches is the perfect answer.

The Ethical Debate

Animal Products vs Manmade Material

Let’s talk personal preference. If you avoid animal products, faux leather (also known as artificial leather) is a convenient option. It aligns with vegan values and is made without the use of animal hides. However, here’s the twist: manmade materials can include chemicals, polyvinyl chloride, and microplastics. So the ethical concerns can go both ways. My personal opinion is that choosing PU leather patches, which are crafted from genuine leather scraps and bonded together with polyurethane material, is a good choice.

Longevity and Cost

Real leather needs proper care. Condition it. Keep it dry. Let it breathe. If you do, it will last forever (well, almost). Genuine leather does cost more. It’s just the way it is. You’re paying for craftsmanship, animal origin, and longevity.

Faux leather is low maintenance. Wipe it clean and you’re done. Here is an article all about how to clean leather patches. But it might need replacing sooner. Plus the added bonus of a lesser expensive price than the real stuff.

Tip: Read product descriptions carefully. Look for terms like top grain leather, full grain, or manmade material. That one word can change your whole experience.

Wrapping It Up: The Real Deal

If you’re shopping for the hat best sellers or new products on a budget, faux leather might make sense. But if you want the real thing with that signature leather smell, natural material feel, and high-end finish—genuine leather is your go-to. So, what’s better: faux leather vs real leather? It depends. Both have their pros. Faux leather is an excellent option for those concerned about ethics and style on a budget. Real leather? It’s unmatched in feel, smell, and durability.