When customers shop for a leather jacket or bag, they often see the words real leather, faux leather, or PU leather in product descriptions. At first glance, these terms may sound interchangeable, but in reality, they represent very different materials. The type of leather used directly impacts durability, comfort, appearance, and long-term value.
Most online guides keep the explanation very surface-level: real leather is “natural,” faux leather is “synthetic,” and PU leather is “a type of faux leather.” While this is technically true, it doesn’t provide enough detail for a shopper who wants their purchase to last. A jacket that looks fashionable today may peel or crack within a few months if it’s made of poor-quality faux leather. On the other hand, someone may spend extra money on “genuine leather” without realizing that the term covers multiple grades, some of which are far less durable than buyers expect.
This article takes a deeper approach. It goes beyond the basics and explains how each material is made, how it performs in real-world conditions, how to identify quality at a glance, and which type suits different lifestyles best. By the end, shoppers will have the knowledge to confidently choose jackets, accessories, or footwear that truly match their needs.
Real Leather: The time honored mark of quality
Real leather is made from animal skins mostly that of cows, but not all real leather is the same. The grade of the leather determines its performance and value.
Full Grain Leather This is the best option which uses the full hide with all natural grain left on. It is very durable and as it ages it develops a patina.
Top quality Leather which has been sand and treated for a better finish. Also very durable but in terms of look is more consistent than full grain.
From the under layers of the hide. It is less durable and often used for suede
Bonding of Leather we take leftover scraps and fibers press them together with polyurethane. What we have is technically leather but in terms of strength it doesn’t match the better quality options.
Expert Tip: Many of the products that are labeled as “genuine leather” are in the lower quality categories like split or bonded leather. If a brand does not specify full grain or top grain customers may not get the durability they are expecting.
Faux Leather: Economical, Trendy, and Against Animal Testing
- Faux leather is a man made material which typically is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or similar plastic based materials.
- Pros Go easy on the pocket, for the vegan conscious consumer and which also comes in a wide array of colors and finishes. Also great for short term or fashion trends.
- Disadvantages See also issues of cracking, peeling which also which in some cases may wear out in as little as a few years. Also they do not breathe which in turn may reduce comfort in use.
- Expert Tip: Faux leather is a great choice for those that value affordability and ethical issues. It does well for fashion which you are constantly updating but do not think of it as a piece which will last you a very long time.
- PU Leather: Above average faux
- PU leather which is a type of fake leather designed to look and feel like the real thing.
- Pro’s Gently softer, lighter in weight, and very flexible as compared to PVC based faux leathers. Also very much in the look of real leather.
- Disadvantages Although PU outlasts regular faux leather it still does not come close in terms of durability and breathability to real leather.
- Expert Tip: PU leather jackets are a great choice for fashion at a more affordable price point. Also they do very well for the casual wearer which may want that leather look without the care that real leather requires or the price. Making leather jackets for womens from premium leather will last long.
- How to tell between good and bad quality leather at first glance
Shoppers do not have to wait until their jacket breaks in or wears out to know what is real or synthetic. There are a few easy tests which will tell you the quality of the leather right away:.
- Smell out the difference Natural leather has a earthy smell. Faux and PU leather have a more chemical, plastic like smell.
- Touch which leather has a warm, flexible feel to it and is also textured. Synthetics on the other hand are usually cold and have that unnatural smoothness.
- Natural Variation in texture and grain is a feature in real leather which is not present in synthetic leather which has engineered and identical patterns.
- Real leather will crease a little when folded; faux leather does not give or crease naturally.
Which Leather Is Best for Jackets?
For Timelessness our full grain or top grain leather is used. We see these as investments which pay off in terms of durability for generations, visit boneshia fashion for perfect and real leather jackets.
For affordable fashion PU leather is the choice
For Ethical Consumers’ benefit we present faux leather which is free of animals and comes in very trendy designs though do keep in mind it’s a bit less durable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is your leather from PU water resistant?
PU leather does repel water but is not completely waterproof. Over time, in depth contact with water may cause issues. As for natural leather, we recommend using water repellent sprays and treatments.
Q2: Does faux leather wear out easily?
Yes, also in high temperature and humidity. Faux leather does not have the natural oils present in real leather which causes it to crack more.
Q3: How do I know if my jacket is real leather or PU?
Check out the texture and smell. Real leather is soft, uneven, and warm, while PU leather is smoother and often has a chemical smell. Also note the edges real leather has a rough look, PU has more even cuts.
Q4: Is what is “genuine leather” worth the price?
Not always the case that. “Genuine leather” is a marketing term which may actually be of a lower grade like split or bonded leather at times. If you want best quality go for “full grain” or “top grain” instead.
Q5: What is the easiest to care for leather?
PU and fake leather also require little maintenance they do not absorb oils or moisture but on the other hand natural leather does need work which in turn produces very durable results.
Q6: Does age improve real leather?
Yes. High quality real leather will develop a patina a natural darkening and softening which brings character. Synthetic leathers do not age in this way instead they degenerate.
Q7: What is the greenest choice?
This varies. Faux and PU leathers are free of animal products which in turn impacts the environment in different ways. Natural leather is a more eco approach but that which is used is of the animal product variety. If as a buyer you are into sustainability do check out the source of the leather.
Q8: Are your leather jackets worth it?
Full grain and top grain leather jackets may see you out a few decades so they are the best in terms of investments. Faux or PU leather jackets do the trick if your looking at it from a budget perspective but they won’t have that same lasting quality.
Final Thoughts
The differences between real, faux, and PU leather go far beyond simple labels. Real leather offers unmatched durability and character, PU leather provides a stylish middle ground, and faux leather caters to affordability and ethical choices.
For customers, the key is to match the material to their lifestyle. If they want a jacket that can be worn for years and even passed down, real leather is the way to go. If they want affordable, stylish, or cruelty-free options, PU and faux leather offer alternatives.
By understanding these distinctions, shoppers can avoid common mistakes, make smarter purchases, and enjoy jackets and accessories that deliver exactly what they’re looking for.
