Leather is a durable item that has been into the fashion industry since a long time ago. Apart from durability, it is also able to give certain textures to the clothes making them trendy and fashionable. An alternative of leather is the faux leather which is designed to replicate the look and feel of the real leather and to make it cruelty-free and less costly option.
Genuine leather is derived from animal skin while the faux leather is completely made of polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are meant to provide a good look and feel of actual leather. With latest technology, the faux leather has become more refined and currently it’s difficult to distinguish between the two.
There are many reasons as to why this material has been added in the list of fashionable items. It is affordable, it doesn’t come from animal skin, it is accepted globally. This is now being used in all items from jackets to faux leather fit jeans to handbags . The latest styles of these jeans are perfect example of how it can be edgy and stylish pieces can come out of this material.
The debate between faux leather and real leather will continue but the important thing is to understand the differences between the two and what are the things to look out for as a consumer of leather. Let’s compare the two in the following section.
Faux Leather vs. Real Leather: How Do They Compare in Fashion?
Both faux leather and real leather are equally important for the industry but they are used with different preferences and different priorities. Real leather, on one hand, has been a key element of luxury while the faux leather is a symbol of affordability and ethics.
Durability and Longevity
One property that will help us in this comparison is the durability. Real leather comes from animal skin hence the strength and its ability is very long lasting. If cared properly, it can go for decades. Faux leather on the other hand, is of course artificial, hence is less durable as compared to animal skin. It is also susceptible to wear and tear but the style statement remains the same.
Fashion Applications: Where Are They Used?
Faux leather is very much used in fashion items like jackets, skirts, handbags, etc. One of the most popular items for this category is the faux leather fit jeans which is a sleek and edgy alternative over others. The real leather on the other hand is majorly preferred for handbags, footwear and jackets as a statement of luxury and longevity.
Why Is Faux Leather So Popular?
The reason why it has become a go-to material for many brands is because of the consumer’s preferences towards affordable leather. Many people also preferred it because this is a cruelty free option where animals were not harmed.
Moreover, instead of using the synthetic chemicals and incorporating plant-based materials, faux leather becomes a go to choice for the environment friendly people.
Why Real Leather Is Still a Luxury
Despite of all the popularity of faux leather, the real leather will always hold its status as a luxury material because of its timeless nature. Genuine leather goods often become heirloom pieces, gaining character over time and retaining their value.
The two types of leather: real leather and faux leather, both are important for fashion industry because of their own benefits. While one is the symbol of luxury and longevity, the other one is the symbol of affordability and ethical considerations. Modern fashion choices are likely to use both the materials and faux leather to showcase a perfect example of how it can be used with style.
The industry is all about consumer preferences and it is up to the consumers whether they want to opt for real leather or faux leather. The fashion on the other hand will follow its track of continuous evolution and different styles will continue coming out of both.