Genuine leather is of good quality and durable, but it is expensive. Therefore, many artificial synthetic materials that imitate the appearance and texture of genuine leather have emerged to replace it at a more affordable cost. PU leather is one of them. PU leather is a commonly used material in the manufacturing of fashion bags and other products. PU stands for polyurethane and is a type of plastic. It contains no animal skin, so PU leather is regarded as vegan leather.
Faux leather is a general term covering various types of artificial leather, including PU leather (polyurethane leather), PVC leather (polyvinyl chloride leather), and bio-based leather, etc.
This article will explore what the differences are between faux leather and PU leather? If it is for making bags, which material is better?
- What is PU leather?
- What is faux leather?
- PU Leather vs Faux Leather (General)
- The main differences between PU leather and faux leather
- Which is better for making bags, PU leather or faux leather?
- FAQs of PU leather VS faux leather
What is PU leather?
What is PU leather mean?
PU leather, also known as polyurethane leather or artificial leather, is a synthetic material that is applied to a base material like fabric to imitate the appearance and texture of genuine leather. One of the main drawbacks of PU leather is its insufficient durability. Frequent use can lead to cracking and peeling of the material, thereby significantly shortening its service life.
PU leather is a vegetarian-friendly and cost-effective alternative to genuine leather, commonly used in fashion bags, clothing and furniture, etc. Therefore, for those seeking ethical and sustainable alternatives to animal leather, PU leather has become a popular choice.
The advantages of PU leather
Affordable
The greatest advantage of polyurethane leather lies in its affordable price positioning. Compared with genuine leather products that often cost over a thousand yuan, the price of PU leather products is usually only one-third or even lower.
Environmental protection
As a 100% artificial material, PU leather uses no animal ingredients at all, making it an ideal choice for strict vegetarians.
Daily maintenance is simple
PU leather can be cleaned simply by wiping it with a slightly damp cotton cloth. For common liquid stains such as coffee and juice, timely wiping will basically leave no marks. This maintenance-free feature is particularly suitable for urban people with a fast-paced life.
Good waterproof performance
The polyurethane coating forms a perfect waterproof barrier and performs exceptionally well in rainy and snowy weather. Tests show that the inner layer of PU leather products can still remain dry after being continuously exposed to rain for 2 hours.
The colors and styles are diverse
PU leather can have different types of appearances and styles. PU leather has a wide range of uses and is suitable for industries such as fashion bags, furniture and footwear.
The disadvantages of PU leather
Limited durability
After 18 to 24 months of daily use, the PU coating is prone to edge peeling, especially in areas that are frequently bent. High-temperature environments will accelerate the aging of materials. The risk of cracking for PU products exposed to the sun increases by 300%.
Insufficient air permeability
Material density tests show that the breathability of PU leather is only 15% of that of genuine leather. Wearing it continuously for 2 hours in an environment above 30℃, the internal temperature will be 4 to 6℃ higher than that of genuine leather products, which can easily cause a stuffy and hot feeling.
The issue of environmental burden
Each square meter of PU leather production requires 2.5 kilograms of petroleum-based raw materials, and its biodegradation cycle can last up to 500 years. When disposed of, microplastics are also released. According to statistics from environmental protection organizations, 35% of microplastic pollution in the fashion industry comes from synthetic leather.
Poor user experience
Over time, PU products will only experience mechanical wear and tear and fail to develop the characteristic aged texture of genuine leather.
What is faux leather?
Faux leather is a synthetic material designed to imitate the appearance and feel of genuine leather, without using animal-derived ingredients. Faux leather is a general term covering various types of artificial leather, including PU leather (polyurethane leather), PVC leather (polyvinyl chloride leather), microfiber leather and bio-based leather (such as pineapple leather, mushroom leather, banana leather).
The advantages of faux leather:
Morality and crueltiness: No use of animal products.
High cost performance: Usually 50-70% cheaper than genuine leather.
Consistency: Consistency in texture and appearance (unlike the changes in natural leather).
Low maintenance: Easier to clean and more stain-resistant/water-resistant.
Vegetarian and cruelty-free: No animal skins are used.
Diversity: It has colors/textures that genuine leather cannot replicate.
Disadvantages of faux leather:
Less durable: Faux leather may crack or fade over time.
Not breathable: It doesn’t feel very comfortable in hot weather.
Environmental issue: Faux leather is not biodegradable and may release harmful chemicals during the production process.
Less durable: It will peel off/crack over time (lasting for 2-5 years, while real leather lasts for more than 10 years).
Non-breathable: It will feel sticky at high temperatures.
Ecological impact: Most are plastic products (except for plant products).
PU Leather vs Faux Leather (General)
| Feature | PU Leather | Faux Leather (General) |
| Material | Polyurethane coating over fabric | PU, PVC, or microfiber-based materials |
| Animal-Free | Yes (if not bonded) | Yes (unless it’s bonded leather) |
| Durability | Moderate (can peel or crack over time) | Varies by type (PVC = tough, microfiber = strong) |
| Feel/Texture | Soft and leather-like | Can be smooth, rough, stiff, or soft |
| Breathability | Moderate | Depends—PU is more breathable than PVC |
| Cost | Affordable | PU is cheaper than real leather; PVC is often cheaper than PU |
| Environmental Impact | Less eco-friendly (plastic-based) | Similar, but microfiber can be more eco-conscious in some cases |
The main differences between PU leather and faux leather
PU leather is a type of faux leather. PU leather is definitely faux leather, but faux leather is not necessarily PU leather. Therefore, “PU leather” and “faux leather” can sometimes be used interchangeably, but sometimes they cannot. So, what are the differences between them?
Material composition
PU leather and faux leather are both substitutes for artificial leather. PU leather, also known as polyurethane leather, is made by coating flexible polymers on backing fabrics such as polyester fibers and then subjecting them to treatment to make them look more like animal skin. Faux leather, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses all types of artificial leather, including PU, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), microfiber leather, etc.
Texture
Both PU leather and faux leather strive to achieve the same appearance as genuine leather. Faux leather has a similar “smooth” texture to PU leather, but its grain texture is fine enough to imitate natural leather.
Maintenance and upkeep
Learn how to properly clean and maintain each type of alternative leather introduced here. Unlike PU leather, faux leather is easy to maintain. Just wipe it with a damp cloth. Please check whether you can follow the recommended maintenance guidelines to avoid damaging the quality of the leather. However, they have relatively weak resistance to scratches, punctures and ultraviolet damage.
Durability
If you are only looking for fashionable or occasional products, faux leather is a good choice. If you are looking for a material that can withstand high-intensity use, you can consider PU leather. PU leather is renowned for its weather resistance and is a good choice. PU leather is usually more flexible, breathable and has a softer touch than another common faux leather, PVC leather, making it feel closer to genuine leather.
Environmental impact
Both materials have their own environmental risks. The production of PU leather involves the use of toxic chemicals and the material itself is not biodegradable. Although PVC is more durable, highly toxic chlorine is used in its production process and it is not biodegradable. Faux leather made from more environmentally friendly materials such as plant-based polymers has begun to emerge.
Which is better for making bags, PU leather or faux leather?
Whether to choose PU leather or faux leather depends on each person’s preference, budget and financial capacity. You can choose the product that suits you based on your environmental awareness or your preference for specific textures. If you are in the bag business, you can choose the appropriate materials to make bags based on your brand positioning.
Fashionable bag
For bags with styles such as fashion, softness and realistic appearance, PU leather might be the best choice. It has a luxurious texture and is very suitable for making handbags, fashionable backpacks and accessories.
Durable and affordable bags
For durable, waterproof and affordable bags, PVC in faux leather might be a better choice. It is tough and durable, and is suitable for bags that need to withstand high strength.
Eco-friendly bag
For environmentally conscious bag brands, choosing bio-based leather from faux leather might be more in line with sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
FAQs of PU leather VS faux leather
Does PU mean fake leather?
Yes, PU (polyurethane) leather is a fabric that imitates artificial leather. After dyeing and texture treatment, it imitates the texture and appearance of genuine leather. It is often used to make bags, clothes and furniture.
What are the differences between faux leather and PU leather?
The two can often be mentioned together. But PU leather is a kind of “faux leather” made of polyurethane plastic. In addition to PU, there are other types of faux leather, including PVC and bio-based leather, etc.
Which is better, PU leather or PVC leather?
PU leather is generally regarded as better than PVC leather because it feels softer, is more flexible and has a more environmentally friendly production process. The texture of PU leather is closer to that of genuine leather and it is less prone to cracking, while PVC leather is more durable and waterproof. However, PVC leather feels harder and, due to the use of chemicals in its production process, has a greater impact on the environment.
How does the environmental impact of faux leather compare with that of genuine leather?
Faux leather usually has a smaller environmental impact than genuine leather because it does not require animal breeding and uses fewer natural resources. However, people are still concerned about the use of plastics and chemicals in its production process.