The Leather Debate: Genuine vs. Faux And Which Is Better?

Leather is a timeless material that has been used for centuries in the fashion industry. There are two types of leather: genuine and faux. While both have pros and cons, many people choose to go with genuine leather because it looks more sophisticated and authentic. However, there is so much more to consider when buying your next piece of clothing or accessory.

Differences Between Genuine Leather And Faux Leather.

The difference between genuine leather and faux leather is that the former comes from animals while the latter is created in a lab. However, both are made of different materials with varying qualities to suit their fashion or furniture use purposes.

Genuine leather can be defined as animal skin that has undergone tanning processes to be manipulated to withstand extreme conditions. It is also known as “virgin leather,” which can refer to a number of different kinds of animal skins, including cowhide or pigskin.

Faux leather, also known as imitation leather, does not come from animals as it is created in a lab with various materials. It is designed to look and feel like genuine leather, but it has several limitations, such as not being able to withstand extreme conditions.

The advantages of genuine leather are that it can be stretched up to three-quarters its original length without breaking or tearing, while faux leather starts showing signs of wear at one-third the actual size. Genuine leather is also more durable and resistant to stains, water, mold, or mildew.

The disadvantages of faux leather are that it wrinkles easily and can’t be stretched without tearing. In addition, faux leather has a much shorter life span meaning you might have to replace the material up to five times as often as genuine leather, which can last for decades.

Cleaning And Preserving.

When purchasing your new leather item, such as a leather bag, it is crucial to ask the salesperson for advice on how to care for leather bags. The correct caring process will assist you in keeping your new genuine leather piece in the best possible condition. While faux leather is simple to clean with mild soap or detergent and lukewarm water on a soft cloth or sponge, the lifespan of imitation leather is only a few years in comparison to genuine leather, which could be 20+ years. Therefore, it is highly recommended to use products specifically designed for your leather item, as this could drastically increase your item’s lifespan.

Conclusion…

This is not a complicated debate. While it may be true that some faux leather items are made of quality material, the cheaper price tag usually means you’re sacrificing on other factors like longevity and sustainability. If you’ve got your heart set on new furniture or apparel, then go for genuine leather.

Some people prefer genuine leather because it’s more durable than its synthetic counterpart, plus it has an organic feel that can’t be reproduced by imitation. There’s something to be said for having furniture that lasts generations and clothes made with the same materials as our ancestors wore.