Real Leather vs. Faux Leather

Over the years, the faux leather industry has seen a wave of so-called “advancements” and manufacturing upgrades. It’s even gone through a bit of a rebranding, thanks to the trending term “vegan leather.”

But let’s be clear: the key difference between faux leather and genuine leather is this—real leather comes from animal hides, typically buffalo or cattle, while faux leather is made from synthetic materials like polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). One is natural; the other is not. With that in mind, let’s break down how faux leather really stacks up against the real deal.

Physical Characteristics

Real Leather

Start with the surface. Real leather is crafted from natural animal hide, which means it won’t look flawless. It will have minor blemishes, creases, and character—these imperfections are actually a good sign. Touch it, and you’ll feel a texture that isn’t perfectly smooth. Press your finger into it, and it’ll stretch and wrinkle like skin. And the smell? It’s unmistakable. Genuine leather has a warm, organic scent that no factory can truly replicate.

Faux Leather

Faux leather, on the other hand, is manufactured to be uniform. That super-smooth, almost too-even surface is a giveaway. It often feels cold to the touch, and when you press on it, it doesn’t flex or wrinkle—it just pushes in and bounces back like plastic. The scent is usually chemical or plasticky, and there’s no mistaking it for the real thing.

Durability

Real Leather

One of the best things about real leather is how well it ages. Instead of breaking down, it develops a rich patina and becomes even more beautiful over time—especially if you take care of it. In fact, a well-maintained leather item can last for decades.

Faux Leather

Faux leather isn’t built for the long haul. Sure, it doesn’t require much upkeep, but that comes at a cost—it just doesn’t last. And when it does begin to wear, it often looks worn out, not worn in. You can wipe it clean with mild soap and water, but over time, the surface starts to crack and peel, and there’s no coming back from that.

Environmental Impact

Real Leather

Surprisingly to some, when leather is sourced responsibly—like from ranches that raise cattle for meat and dairy—it can actually be more sustainable than faux leather. These hides would otherwise go to waste, and natural tanning methods minimize environmental harm. Of course, this doesn’t apply to all leather, but high-quality, ethically sourced leather has a much smaller environmental footprint than many assume.

Faux Leather

Most faux leather is made using synthetic materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane. If you're only looking at whether animal hides are used, then yes—faux leather might seem like the more eco-friendly choice. But there's more to the story. The chemicals and processes involved in producing faux leather can be harmful to the environment, impacting not just people but animals as well. On top of that, faux leather doesn’t last nearly as long as real leather. It tends to wear out quickly and needs replacing far more often, which only adds to the environmental burden. In contrast, real leather, when cared for properly, can last for decades.

No matter what you choose, it’s important to understand what you’re investing in. When it comes to faux leather versus real leather, we’ll always stand by the premium quality of genuine leather—the kind we proudly use in our leather bags and accessories at The Leather Jacket Company.