There’s nothing quite like the feel of leather. Whether you’re talking about a leather jacket, a pair of shoes, or a bag, real leather has a certain appeal that synthetic materials just can’t replicate. But what if you’re on a budget? Is it worth it to buy a faux leather jacket instead of a real one? In this article, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of both faux leather and real leather jackets and help you decide which is the better option for you.
Why Choosing the Right Leather Jacket is Important
It is no secret that a leather jacket is one of the most stylish and versatile garments you can own. Leather jackets never go out of style and can be worn in a variety of ways, making them a wardrobe staple for both men and women.
With so many different types and styles of leather jackets on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Do you want a real leather jacket or a faux leather jacket?
To help you make the best decision, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on faux leather vs. real leather jackets. We’ll cover the pros and cons of each type of jacket, as well as some tips on how to care for your leather jacket so it will last you for years to come.
What is Faux Leather and How It’s Different From the Real Leather
There are two main types of leather: genuine leather and synthetic leather (like faux leather). Genuine leather is made from real animal hide, while synthetic leather is made from materials that resemble leather.
Faux leather is a man-made fabric that resembles leather in appearance but is not actually made from animal skin. It is usually made from polyurethane (PU), which is a plastic material, or from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is also a plastic. It’s usually cheaper than real leather, and doesn’t require the same level of care.
Real leather is a material created through the tanning of animal hide. The process of tanning leather has been around for centuries, and the result is a durable, long-lasting material that can be used in a variety of ways.
Comparison of Faux Leather Jackets and Real Leather Jackets
Now that we’ve covered the basics of faux leather and real leather, it’s time to compare the two materials side-by-side.
When it comes to deciding between a faux leather jacket or a real leather jacket, there are a few key factors you need to consider, including price, durability, comfort, and style.
Texture
Real leather has a unique feel that is hard to replicate. Many people enjoy the soft, luxurious feel of real leather. It is also said to improve with age, developing a patina that gives it character and depth.
Faux leather, on the other hand, can feel cheap and plastic-like. It is often stiffer than real leather, which can make it less comfortable to wear. And while some faux leather products are made to look like they will develop a patina over time, this is usually not the case.
You will also notice that faux leather isn’t porous like real leather. This means that it won’t absorb moisture as easily, which can be both a good and bad thing. On the plus side, this means your faux leather jacket is less likely to stain if you get caught in the rain. But on the downside, it also means that the jacket won’t be as breathable, which can make it more uncomfortable to wear in warm weather.
Comfort
There’s no denying that real leather is the more comfortable option when it comes to jackets. The natural material conforms to your body temperature, making it ideal for both cold and hot weather conditions. Real leather also breathes better than its synthetic counterpart, which means you won’t have to worry about feeling sweaty and uncomfortable in your jacket during warmer months.
On the flip side, faux leather can be quite stiff and inflexible, which can make it feel quite uncomfortable to wear. Additionally, because it doesn’t breathe as well as real leather, you may find yourself feeling a bit hotter than usual when wearing a faux leather jacket in warm weather.
Appearance
Real leather has a natural look that is difficult to replicate with faux leather. Leather is made from the skin of an animal, so it has unique markings that give it character. These markings can include things like scars, stretch marks, and wrinkles.
Leather jackets also have a natural sheen that faux leather jackets cannot copy. This is because real leather is treated with oil during the tanning process, which gives it a subtle shine.
Faux leather is made from synthetic materials, so it lacks the natural imperfections that make real leather so beautiful. In many cases, faux leather products are made to look like they have these imperfections, but they are usually just printed on the surface.
Maintenance
Leather jackets are one of the most popular wardrobe items for both men and women. They are stylish, timeless, and can be dressed up or down. But leather jackets come with a big downside – they require a lot of maintenance.
Since leather is a natural material, it is susceptible to staining, fading, and drying out. This means that you have to be extra careful when wearing your leather jacket. You’ll need to avoid getting it wet, exposing it to direct sunlight, and keeping it away from heat sources.
Leather jackets also require regular cleaning and conditioning. You should clean your jacket at least once a month with a mild soap or leather cleaner. You’ll also need to condition the leather regularly to keep it from drying out and cracking.
All this maintenance can be a pain, but it’s worth it for the style and durability of a leather jacket. Just be prepared to put in the work if you want to keep your jacket looking its best.
Faux leather jackets, on the other hand, are much easier to care for. Since they’re made from synthetic materials, they aren’t as vulnerable to moisture and direct sunlight. You can clean your faux leather jacket with a damp cloth and gentle soap. And there’s no need to condition faux leather – it will stay soft and supple without any extra effort on your part.
Smell
The smell of a new leather product is one of the most intoxicating scents in the world. It’s no wonder that people are willing to pay top dollar for luxury goods that exude this scent. The smell can be described as rich, earthy, and musky. It’s a scent that is often associated with wealth and success.
The smell of real leather partially comes from the tanning process. Leather is tanned using various chemicals and oils, which give it its distinct smell. Faux leather, on the other hand, is made from synthetic materials like polyurethane or PVC. As a result, it doesn’t have the same natural scent as real leather.
Longevity
Leather is a natural product that is durable and long lasting. When cared for properly, a real leather jacket can last you 10+ years.
Faux leather, on the other hand, as we mentioned, is made from synthetic materials that are not as durable as real leather. While a faux leather jacket may last for a few years with careful use, it is not likely to withstand the test of time like a real leather jacket.
Value
Leather is known to be a luxurious material and has been used for centuries to make some of the most iconic clothing items, such as jackets. Leather is made from the skin of an animal, which makes it a natural product.
The value of real leather comes from its durability, natural appearance, and luxurious feel. Leather jackets are one of the most popular wardrobe items for both men and women because they are stylish, timeless, and can be dressed up or down.
While faux leather can be made to look like real leather, it doesn’t have the same natural properties. As a result, faux leather jackets are not as valuable as real leather jackets.
Variety
There is a wide variety of leather jackets available on the market, ranging from high-end designer labels to more affordable options.
Color option wise however, leather jackets don’t offer as much variety. You’ll mostly find them in shades of black, brown, and tan. Faux leather jackets, on the other hand, come in a much wider range of colors, from bright red to sleek white.
Price
Now that we’ve gone over the key differences between faux leather and real leather jackets, let’s talk about price. A high-quality real leather jacket will typically cost you more than a faux leather jacket. However, the price difference is not as drastic as you might think.
A good quality real leather jacket will set you back anywhere from $250 to $1,000. Meanwhile, a high-quality faux leather jacket will cost you around $100 to $300. So, while real leather jackets are more expensive, the price difference is not that significant.
The reason for this is that faux leather is made from cheaper materials and does not require the same amount of processing as real leather. Real leather is a natural product that must be tanned and treated before it can be used to make clothing. This process is time-consuming and requires the use of expensive chemicals. [2], [3]
Faux Leather vs. Real Leather Jacket: Making the Right Choice
Choosing between a faux leather and a real leather jacket is a decision that can impact style, durability, and ethics. In the table below, we’ll compare the key differences between these two types of jackets to help you make an informed choice.
| Aspect | Faux Leather Jacket | Real Leather Jacket |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Synthetic, often made from polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) | Animal hide, typically cowhide, lambskin, or goatskin |
| Cost | Generally more affordable | Often more expensive due to the cost of genuine leather |
| Appearance | Can mimic the look of real leather but may lack the same depth and natural variations | Has a genuine, rich texture and natural variations in color and grain |
| Durability | Less durable than real leather, may wear out more quickly | Highly durable and can last for many years with proper care |
| Comfort | Lighter and less stiff, may be more comfortable initially | Sturdy and can become more comfortable over time as it molds to your body |
| Ethical Considerations | Cruelty-free and doesn’t involve animal products | Involves the use of animal hides, which may raise ethical concerns for some individuals |
Explanation of the Table:
- Aspect: Lists key aspects for comparison between faux leather and real leather jackets.
- Faux Leather Jacket: Describes characteristics and advantages of faux leather jackets.
- Real Leather Jacket: Describes characteristics and advantages of real leather jackets.
Your choice between a faux leather and a real leather jacket depends on your priorities, including style, budget, durability, and ethical considerations. Faux leather offers affordability and ethical appeal, making it a popular choice among those who prefer cruelty-free options. Real leather, on the other hand, provides unmatched durability, a genuine appearance, and a classic style that can last for many years with proper care.
Consider your values and preferences when making this choice, as both options have their unique advantages and can be stylish additions to your wardrobe.
FAQ
Is real leather better than faux leather?
The answer to this question is not as simple as a yes or no. It depends on what you are looking for in a jacket. If you are looking for durability, then real leather is going to be the better option. Real leather is more durable and will last longer than faux leather. Faux leather is made from plastic and vinyl, so it is not as breathable as real leather. This can make faux leather jackets uncomfortable to wear in warmer weather. Real leather also has a nice sheen to it that faux leather cannot replicate.
Which leather is best for jackets?
There are many types of leather, but the two main types used for jackets are genuine leather and faux leather. Genuine leather is made from animal skin, typically cowhide. Faux leather, on the other hand, is a man-made fabric that mimics the look and feel of real leather.
If you’re concerned about animal welfare, or if you’re looking for a vegan option, faux leather is the way to go. It’s also a good choice if you’re on a budget, as it’s usually cheaper than genuine leather.
Does faux leather last longer than real leather?
No, generally speaking, faux leather does not last as long as real leather. Real leather is a natural material that can last for decades if properly cared for, while faux leather is a man-made material with a much shorter lifespan. However, there are some exceptions. Certain types of faux leather, such as PU (polyurethane) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), can be quite durable and may outlast real leather in some cases.
How long will a fake leather jacket last?
A good quality faux leather jacket can last anywhere from 3 to 5 years with proper care. However, a real leather jacket will last much longer – up to 10 years or more.
So, if you’re looking for a piece that you can wear for many years to come, a real leather jacket is a better choice. But if you’re on a budget or prefer not to wear animal products, a faux leather jacket is still a great option.
What are the key differences between a faux leather and a real leather jacket?
The key differences between a faux leather and a real leather jacket lie in the materials used, cost, durability, and ethical considerations. Real leather jackets are made from animal hides, offer exceptional durability, and have a natural look and feel. Faux leather jackets are made from synthetic materials, cost less, may have a shorter lifespan, and are considered more ethical and sustainable.
Is a real leather jacket more durable than a faux leather jacket?
Real leather jackets are generally more durable than faux leather jackets. Genuine leather is a natural material that can withstand wear and tear over time and often develops a desirable patina. Faux leather, being synthetic, may be less resistant to long-term use and can show signs of wear sooner.
Which type of jacket is more environmentally friendly, faux leather, or real leather?
Faux leather jackets are considered more environmentally friendly than real leather jackets. Real leather production involves raising animals, which has a significant environmental impact, while faux leather is typically made from synthetic materials, reducing the need for animal farming. However, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of the production process and disposal of synthetic materials in the case of faux leather.
Are there ethical concerns associated with real leather jackets?
Yes, there are ethical concerns associated with real leather jackets, primarily related to the use of animal hides. Some people choose faux leather to avoid supporting the leather industry, which involves raising and slaughtering animals for their hides. Faux leather provides an alternative that is considered more ethical by some individuals.
Which type of jacket offers a more budget-friendly option, faux leather, or real leather?
Faux leather jackets are generally more budget-friendly than real leather jackets. Faux leather is less expensive to produce, making it a more affordable choice for those looking for the look of leather without the higher cost associated with genuine leather.
Do faux leather jackets require different care compared to real leather jackets?
Yes, faux leather jackets may require different care compared to real leather jackets. Faux leather is often easier to clean and maintain, as it is less prone to staining and can typically be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Real leather may require special leather cleaning and conditioning products to maintain its appearance and suppleness. Always follow the care instructions provided with your specific jacket.
Useful Video: Leather jacket|Real leather vs fake leather jacket|What is real leather jacket?
Conclusion
Leather jackets can be pretty pricey. So, before you shell out the big bucks, it’s important to know what you’re getting. Real leather jackets can especially become a luxurious clothing item that come with a hefty price tag. For this reason, many people opt for faux leather jackets as an alternative.
However, how do you know if a faux leather jacket is right for you? Faux leather is a man-made fabric that looks and feels like real leather. It’s often made from polyurethane, PVC, or PU. These materials are cheaper to produce than real leather and as a result, faux leather jackets usually come with a lower price tag.
However, faux leather jackets are often made with cheaper materials, which can make them look and feel less substantial than real leather jackets. Still, there are also some high-quality faux leather jackets available that provide a similar look and feel to real leather at a fraction of the price.
Real leather jackets are made from the skin of an animal, usually a cow. The leather is then treated and dyed to create the finished product. Real leather is more durable than faux leather and it often looks and feels more luxurious. Still, this comes at a price—real leather jackets can be quite expensive.
In short, real leather is better than faux leather. It’s more durable, more comfortable, and ages better. However, faux leather has come a long way and can be a great option if you’re looking for a more affordable jacket.
If you do decide to go with real leather, make sure to buy from a reputable source. And, be sure to take proper care of your jacket to ensure it lasts for years to come. Do you have a leather jacket? What kind do you have? Let us know in the comments below!
References
- https://www.yarwoodleather.com/latest-news/leather-vs-faux-leather-2/
- https://www.leathercult.com/blog/genuine-vs-faux-leather-jacket-which-should-i-choose/
- https://independencebrothers.com/blogs/leather-jackets/real