For centuries, leather has been a vital component of fashion and design due to its strength, adaptability, and classic appeal. There are leather goods everywhere, ranging from opulent handbags to tough jackets, each providing a special fusion of fashion and utility.
However, there are a tonne of options when it comes to leather selection. Is the leather you’re observing synthetic or natural? Knowing the distinctions between the two can assist you in making a choice that is consistent with your needs and values.
In order to help you better understand what makes natural and artificial leather different and which type might be best for you, this article will examine the main features of each material and highlight the benefits and drawbacks of each.
- PU leather: what is it
- How PU fabric is made
- Where it is used
- Differences between natural and artificial material
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- How to distinguish genuine leather from leatherette
- Genuine leather with a polyurethane coating or artificial leather #leatherwork #leather #sewing
PU leather: what is it
We can state with confidence that this product is not a leatherette, but rather a natural product. This is polyurethane, a premium polymer with a structure similar to that of genuine leather. Polyurethane leather is a cutting-edge, sophisticated material with superior qualities.
- The top layer is polyurethane, which is superimposed on the base.
- The base is two or three layers consisting of natural defective material, specially processed.
- One of the layers is pressed natural leather.
- The second base is made of cotton fiber.
The outermost layer is decorated, dyed, and treated with different chemicals. The fabric has greater strength and does not stretch because the inner layers of the base are not touched. Since the material’s structure is porous, air can freely pass through it. Though it doesn’t look as good as natural leather, its qualities are on par with or better in some cases.
Artificial leather mixed with natural is called polyurethane. Because high-quality and environmentally friendly raw materials are used in its production, it is also known by the name "eco-leather." Completed goods are hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and safe for use.
Knowing the main distinctions between natural and synthetic leathers is crucial when researching leather. Natural leather, derived from animal hides, has a special aging process that improves its appearance over time, as well as strength and breathability. On the other hand, artificial leather, which is frequently composed of synthetic materials like polyurethane, is less expensive and requires less upkeep, but it doesn’t have the same durability and authenticity. Understanding these variations enables you to balance sustainability, affordability, and quality when selecting the best kind of leather for your requirements.
How PU fabric is made
The process of producing the material in question involves multiple technological stages and is labor-intensive and complex. There are multiple layers to the skin, with cotton, knitted fabric, or any other thin material—even non-woven materials—serving as the base.
It is covered with a thin layer of natural material made from leftovers and damaged sections of natural raw materials that have undergone special processing. To give this layer strength, it is impregnated with complex polymer mixtures. The third and final layer of coating, polyurethane, is what gives the material its texture. A layer of natural leather is technologically coated with polyurethane at a temperature between 130 and 160 degrees. The properties inherent in natural materials are retained in finished products. Although polyurethane is regarded as a synthetic material, consumers adore it because it makes it possible to dye PU leather in the most amazing colors, patterns, and prints.
- resistance to severe frosts;
- withstands heavy mechanical loads;
- has super strength and elasticity, clothes made from it will only tear at the seams;
- has no synthetic smell.
This material has a pleasant, soft structure to the touch. It weighs a lot less than leatherette or real leather.
Where it is used
Leather has many uses because of its excellent technological qualities. Designers enjoy working with this material because of its wide surface, which allows for the implementation of many interesting design concepts.
- watch straps;
- cases for laptops, cameras and mobile phones;
- jackets for men and women, down jackets;
- bags for women and men, wallets;
- footwear – surface and sole: boots, ballet flats, sneakers;
- upholstery for furniture;
- sports equipment: balls, gloves, sports shoes, protective face masks.
The material is used to make automotive seals because of its strong resistance to mineral oils. The high quality of the material used to make the shoes should be indicated if the boots or shoes have the STIKS series printed on the label. This ensures excellent durability for both the upper portion of the shoes made of the relevant material and polyurethane soles.
Sports equipment, furniture, clothing, and other accessories, as well as automobiles and other items made of PU leather, will last their owner a long time without fading or altering from the original appearance.
Differences between natural and artificial material
- Drop a drop of water on the surface of the product. If the material is natural, the water will be quickly absorbed and the leather will darken in this place. Leather substitute will not absorb water and there will be no stains.
- Naturalness can be checked by deformation. The material must be bent: if folds appear at the bend, which then quickly disappear, then the material is natural.
- The cut of the natural material is slightly thicker than that of the substitute, since it is made on the basis of thin fabric. It is recommended to check the cut, if the item you are purchasing has one.
- You can put your palm on the surface. Genuine leather heats up immediately and begins to give off heat, simultaneously absorbing moisture. Leatherette cools the palm and does not absorb moisture.
The naturalness can be determined by scent. Natural raw materials have a distinct scent that cannot be mistaken. However, synthetic materials have a plastic or oilcloth odor. However, producers have figured out how to deal with scents that overpower the aroma. As a result, it is essential to verify every parameter.
A flammability test is an additional test. When fire comes into contact with genuine leather, it will not burn; artificial leather will melt. The product’s weight is another test. A piece of leather will weigh significantly more than "leatherette" When you compare the weight of outerwear, this becomes evidently apparent.
It’s still not entirely clear if polyurethane is leather or not. This material is artificial because it is made with sophisticated chemical processes. Despite its excellent qualities, the material is porous and absorbs moisture much like real leather. It lasts for a considerable amount of time and is not afraid of low temperatures. Even with the extremely high-quality layer of processed real leather, it is still an artificial material.
| Characteristic | Description |
| Source | Natural leather comes from animal hides, while artificial leather is made from synthetic materials like polyurethane or PVC. |
| Durability | Natural leather is typically more durable and develops a patina over time. Artificial leather is less durable and may crack or peel over time. |
| Breathability | Natural leather is breathable, allowing air to pass through, while artificial leather is less breathable and may feel warmer. |
| Cost | Natural leather is usually more expensive due to its quality and production process. Artificial leather is more affordable. |
| Environmental Impact | Natural leather involves animal farming, which has a significant environmental impact. Artificial leather is made from plastics, which can be less eco-friendly |
The purpose and desired qualities of the material should be taken into account when deciding between artificial and natural leather. Natural leather is the material of choice for premium goods because it is breathable, long-lasting, and elegant. On the other hand, it costs more and needs more upkeep.
Conversely, synthetic leather offers a more cost-effective and adaptable substitute. It is frequently utilized in a variety of products, is less difficult to maintain, and is stain- and scratch-resistant. But it doesn’t have the durability or opulent feel of real leather.
In the end, your choice should be based on your own requirements, financial constraints, and moral principles. Both natural and artificial leather have their own advantages, whether you choose the authenticity of the former or the practicality of the latter.
