What Is Faux Leather? Benefits, Types, and How to Care for It

Faux leather is a popular substitute for genuine leather. In recent years, faux leather (sometimes called vegan leather, pleather, imitation leather or fake leather) has surged in popularity for clothing, furniture, and accessories. It offers a stylish leather-like appearance while being budget-friendly, making it an attractive choice for many consumers.

What Is Faux Leather?

Faux leather is designed to resemble real leather in texture and appearance. One distinction between faux leather and genuine leather is their composition.

Real leather is made from animal hide and has natural variations in grain, texture, and even smell. Faux leather, being synthetic, tends to have a more uniform texture and often lacks the distinct leather scent (sometimes it even has a slight plastic or chemical odour).¹

Faux leather also does not develop the same patina or softness over time that real leather does. Instead, it maintains a consistent look throughout its life—which can be a pro or con, depending on your preference.

In short, faux leather is an imitation leather that offers a leather-like aesthetic without using animal products, though it doesn’t completely replicate all of genuine leather’s properties.

What Is Faux Leather Made Of?

Faux leather is made from synthetic materials rather than animal skin. Most faux leather is created by applying a layer to a fabric base (like polyester or cotton) with a layer of plastic, typically polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This process creates a material that looks and feels similar to leather but is entirely artificial.

Types of Faux Leather

There are several types of faux leather, each made in a slightly different way. The most common varieties include:

• PU (Polyurethane) Leather: PU leather is one of the most popular types of faux leather. It’s created by layering a polyurethane coating onto a base fabric such as polyester. The result is a soft, flexible material that can closely mimic the look and feel of real leather. PU leather is used in everything from jackets and handbags to car interiors. It’s known for being lighter and more breathable than other faux leathers, and it often has a smoother, less “plasticky” feel than PVC leather.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Leather: PVC faux leather (often just called “vinyl”) is another widely used imitation leather. It’s made by bonding PVC onto a fabric backing. PVC leather tends to be a bit stiffer than PU and not as breathable, but it’s extremely durable and water-resistant. This makes it a common choice for things like marine upholstery, outdoor furniture, or budget-friendly faux leather couches. On the downside, PVC leather can feel less like natural leather (it might be less supple) and sometimes has a more noticeable plastic look or smell.
• Microfiber Leather: Microfiber leather is a newer type of faux leather made by combining microfiber (very fine synthetic fibres) with a polyurethane resin finish. This type is praised for being lightweight and breathable. It often has a very soft touch and can be made to a high-quality standard. Some consider microfiber leather more eco-friendly than standard PU or PVC leather since it may use less harmful manufacturing processes. It’s used in products that want a closer approximation to genuine leather’s feel.

Each of these faux leather types comes in various colours and finishes. Manufacturers can emboss patterns or grain textures onto them to imitate different leather styles. No matter the type, all faux leathers are man-made materials created to serve as a substitute for real leather.

PU Leather vs. Faux Leather: Is There a Difference?

You might have seen labels like “PU leather” on a jacket or sofa and wondered how that differs from plain faux leather. The truth is that PU leather is a type of faux leather, not a completely separate category.

Essentially, PU leather is faux leather made with a specific plastic (polyurethane). The term “faux leather” is broad and can refer to various synthetic leathers (PU, PVC, etc.), while PU leather refers specifically to a product using a polyurethane coating. Many people use the terms interchangeably because PU leather is so prevalent as an imitation leather material.

There’s no major difference in quality implied by the two names alone—it mostly tells you what the material is made from. For example, a fake leather jacket labelled as “PU leather” is informing you it’s polyurethane-based. Meanwhile, a product just labelled “faux leather” could be polyurethane or another material like vinyl.

TL;DR? Here’s A Comparison Table

Uses of Faux Leather

Faux leather’s versatility and affordability have made it popular in many areas of fashion and design. Here are some common uses:

• Clothing and Fashion: One of the most visible uses of faux leather is in apparel. Faux leather jackets are a staple in many wardrobes, providing that cool “leather jacket” look without the high price tag or animal products. You’ll also find faux leather used in skirts, pants, and even “pleather” leggings. Because faux leather is easier to dye and produce in different finishes, you might see bold colours (red, blue, etc.) that are less common in genuine leather jackets.
• Furniture Upholstery: Many sofas, couches, and chairs are upholstered with faux leather (often PU or PVC leather). This imitation leather furniture is popular because it’s typically cheaper than genuine leather furniture while still looking upscale. Faux leather upholstery can be found in home couches, recliners, bar stools, and even in car interiors (sometimes marketed as “leatherette” in vehicles). Keep in mind, however, that furniture covered in faux leather may not age as gracefully—after a few years of heavy use, you might notice peeling or cracks if the material isn’t high quality.
• Accessories: Faux leather is common in accessories like handbags, leather wallets, belts, and shoes. Many affordable “leather” boots or purses are actually made of faux leather. These items benefit from faux leather’s easy-care and water-resistant surface. The automotive industry also uses a lot of faux leather for car seat covers and dashboards—it provides a luxe look without the full expense of real hide.

Durability and Longevity

Naturally, one big question people have is: Is faux leather durable? The answer is that faux leather is reasonably durable, especially good-quality versions, but it generally doesn’t last as long as real leather.

Faux leather can withstand everyday use, and items like jackets or bags made from it are usually tough enough for regular wear. It’s also resistant to spills and stains (since it’s non-porous), which adds to its durability in messy situations. However, because faux leather is made of artificial materials, it doesn’t have the innate strength of genuine animal hide. Over time, you might see issues like the surface cracking or peeling, especially on lower-quality faux leather or if it’s exposed to harsh conditions.

How Long Does Faux Leather Last?

With proper care, good-quality faux leather can last anywhere from 2 to 5 years.² Some higher-end faux leathers, like those used in luxury car interiors or designer bags, can last even longer—often up to ten years with regular maintenance.

How to Clean Faux Leather

One of the advantages of faux leather is that it’s relatively low-maintenance. Unlike genuine leather, which requires special conditioners and careful cleaning, faux leather is water-resistant and easy to wipe clean. Here are some leather maintenance tips:

• Frequent Wiping: Wipe with a damp cloth to clear away dust and small spills.
• Mild Soap for Stains: A small amount of mild soap with water can help clean tougher spots. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia.
• Avoid Abrasives: Use non-abrasive cleaning tools like microfiber cloths or sponges.
• Air Dry & Protect from Heat: Let faux leather items air dry naturally and keep them away from direct sunlight to avoid fading or cracking.

Final Thoughts

Faux leather offers a stylish, budget-friendly alternative to real leather, making it a popular choice for fashion, furniture, and accessories. While it doesn’t have the same longevity as genuine leather, proper care can extend its lifespan. But if you own real leather pieces that need expert cleaning, repair, or restoration, Love Your Leather can help. From reviving faded jackets to repairing cracked upholstery, our specialists restore leather goods with professional care. Get a free quote today!

References

1. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Leather | History and Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Feb. 2025, www.britannica.com/topic/leather.
2. 张才 et al. “Waterborne shiny leather.” (2013).