The main difference between synthetic leather and genuine leather is their composition. Synthetic leather is made of synthetic materials like plastics, whereas genuine leather is made of animal hides and skins.
If you are planning to buy a leather product, you should be able to identify the difference between synthetic leather and genuine leather. In general, you can identify genuine leather by its softness, natural texture, and distinctive smell.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Synthetic Leather
– Definition, Properties
2. What is Genuine Leather
– Definition, Properties
3. Difference Between Synthetic Leather and Genuine Leather
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Leather, Genuine Leather, Synthetic Leather
What is Synthetic Leather
Synthetic leather or artificial leather is a synthetic material that has the appearance of leather. However, it is not 100% similar to leather. It is not as strong, durable, or as flexible as real leather. Nevertheless, synthetic leather tends to be less expensive than leather. Also, products made with synthetic leather are usually much easier to care for. One of the reasons for this is that synthetic leather is usually made from plastics. Especially, polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are the plastics mostly used to manufacture synthetic leather. The manufacturing process of synthetic leather is also much simpler.
We mostly use synthetic leather for clothing, shoes, luggage, cases, and upholstery. Generally, synthetic leather products can only last for a few years. After a few years of use, they will start to weaken and crack. However, when compared to real leather, synthetic leathers have a wider color and style range.
What is Genuine Leather
Genuine leather or real leather is a strong and durable material we obtain from tanning or chemical treatment of animal skins and hides. Manufacturers obtain leather from the skins of various animals like sheep, goats, cattle, buffaloes, pigs, seals, and alligators. Leather is useful in the production of clothing, handbags, footwear, sports equipment, and furniture. Leather has a high demand due to its water resistance, durability, insulative properties, flexibility, and softness. Moreover, leather is available in different colors, styles, and grades. Some of these grades include top-grain leather, split leather, and bonded leather.
Top-grain leather is made from the outer layer of the hide, so it has more densely packed fibers and is stronger and more durable. It also has different types. Of these, full-grain leather is a type of top-grain leather with an entire grain layer. It’s usually the highest quality in leather. Corrected grain leather, on the other hand, is a type of top-grain leather that has a surface that has undergone finishing treatment to create a uniform appearance. Furthermore, split leather is made from the corium that is left after the top grain has been separated from the hide, whereas bonded leather is made from leather scraps that are shredded and bonded together with polyurethane or latex onto a fiber mesh.
Difference Between Synthetic Leather and Genuine Leather
Definition
Synthetic leather is a synthetic material that has the appearance of leather, whereas genuine leather or real leather is a strong and durable material we obtain from tanning or chemical treatment of animal skins and hide.
Composition
Synthetic leather is mainly made of plastics, whereas genuine leather is made of animal hides and skins.
Appearance
Genuine leather has a distinctive texture and pores, while synthetic leather tends to have a rubbery and shiny appearance.
Touch
Genuine leather is soft and smooth to the touch when compared to synthetic leather.
Flexibility
Moreover, synthetic leather is not as flexible as genuine leather.
Smell
Synthetic leather has an artificial plastic smell, whereas genuine leather has a more natural smell.
Cost
Products made from synthetic leather are cheaper than products made from genuine leather.
Conclusion
The main difference between synthetic leather and genuine leather is their composition. Synthetic leather is made of synthetic materials like plastics, whereas genuine leather is made of animal hides and skins. In general, you can identify genuine leather by its softness, natural texture, and distinctive smell.
Reference:
1. “Synthetic Leather – What Can Make it a Great Choice for You.” Liberty: Leather Goods.
2. “Leather.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “VeggieChelseaBoots” By Back ache assumed. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims). (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Leather” By Cinnamon Cooper (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) via Flickr
Leave a Reply