When shopping for leather products, it can be hard to determine the differences between real leather and artificial leather. Some people may be looking for genuine leather, while others may want to take the cheaper route and choose an artificial leather. PU leather is a common option for artificial leather. But what exactly is PU Leather?
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What is PU Leather Video
What is PU Leather?
PU leather, or polyurethane leather, is an artificial leather made of thermoplastic polymer used for making furniture or shoes. 100% PU leather is completely artificial and is considered vegan. There are some types of PU leather called bicast leather that have actual leather but has a polyurethane coating on top. This type of PU leather takes the fibrous part of cowhide that are leftover from making genuine leather and put a layer of polyurethane on top of it.
PU leather also goes by a few names. Whether you are looking for artificial leather or looking to avoid it, it is best to know the many names that make up artificial leather. When looking at tags, artificial leather can be called:
- PU Leather
- Bicast Leather
- Split Leather
- Bonded Leather
- Reconstituted Leather
- Corrected Grain Leather
Pros & Cons of PU Leather
If you are on the fence when it comes to deciding if you want artificial over genuine leather, it is best to look at the pros and cons of PU leather.
PU Leather Pros:
- PU Leather costs less than genuine leather because it is easier to manufacture.
- PU doesn’t absorb water which makes it easy to clean.
- 100% PU leather is vegan.
- PU leather can be made into a variety of colors and styles.
- Unlike leather, PU leather doesn’t dry out over time.
- Better for sustainability because it uses fewer resources to make.
PU Leather Cons:
- Can look fake and synthetic.
- Isn’t breathable like genuine leather.
- Can smell of chemicals or plastic.
- Easily wears over time and can crack, which means it doesn’t last as long as real leather.
- Can puncture or tear easily unlike genuine leather.
- PU leather doesn’t develop the same luster or patina as real leather over time.
- Not all PU leathers are vegan because some contain leftover genuine leather.
- Even though it uses fewer resources to make, plastics don’t decompose and aren’t the most eco-friendly.
How to tell if it is PU Leather
Depending on whether you are looking for PU leather or genuine leather, it is best to know how to tell the difference between them. Say you are buying leather furniture, the easiest way to tell the difference is by looking at the tag. Sometimes products may not have a tag, so being able to know the differences will be useful.
The main difference you will find is the cost. PU leather will generally be cheaper than genuine leather because it is easier to produce.
PU leather will have a distinct smell to it. PU will have a plastic or chemical smell to it that genuine leather will not have.
Doing a water test is also an easy way to determine if it is real or fake leather. Although it wouldn’t be advised to do a water test to a product you don’t own, genuine leather will absorb the water. PU leather will not absorb the water.
If you have a keen eye, you may be able to tell the difference just by looking at the material. Real leather will have some imperfections and have a genuine grain. PU leather will actually look fake, and will almost have a perfect, patterned texture look.
Bottom Line
PU leather is also known as polyurethane leather that is artificial. If you are someone looking for a cheaper option, something vegan, or comes in a variety of colors, PU leather will be a great option for you. But if you are looking for genuine leather, PU leather will be something you will want to avoid. There are numerous ways to tell the difference between PU leather and genuine leather to help you in your furniture buying process.
James A. Ritchie
I don’t think the makers of this video know what “genuine leather” actually is, either. A hide has several layers. The top layer is best, simply because it’s tougher., and far more beautiful. The correct name for this layer is “Top Grain”. It shows everything the animal went through in its life, including scars from cuts, etc.
The very bottom layer is the worst layer, but some marketer had a genius idea, and named this layer “Genuine Leather”. When you see a product such as a belt, or boots, etc., that has “Genuine Leather” stamped on it, this actually means it’s made from the bottom layer of the hide. There’s even a layer that seude is made from.
Instead of saying “Genuine Leather”, you should be saying something is made from “real leather”.
Re ally, it’s amazing how many furniture manufacturers, luggage manufacturers, etc., fall for the words “Genuine Leather”. Well, it is genuine leather, meaning it’s real, but it is not what people think it is. You need to know which layer your product is going to use, and you’ll pay accordingly, but the quality you get will be much better. Unless, of course, you decide to make your product from “Genuine Leather”.
To be fair, if “Genuine Leather is carefully selected, and if it is given the correct tanning, it can be useful and fairly durable, but it isn’t remotely as beautiful or as durable as top grain or full grain leather.
Carole Cowles
does the smell go away on pu leather
Virginia
Thanks for the great presentation. Bought a jacket from Vintage Stylists and they said Genuine Leather 3 times but once they added (PU) after it. When I received the jacket the fabric content and care tags were clearly cut out. Won’t be tricked again thanks to you.
ELLEN LAGRASSA
Great presentation. Answered all my questions.