Leather has over the years earned the placement of a luxury material for high-end clothing and fashion apparels. The fondness and demand has caused the emergence of two subtypes, not too sophisticated but look and qualify almost the same. They are faux leather and vegan leather. Though the latter two are sometimes used interchangeably are different sects under artificial leather. Today we shall compare all the three to know the exact difference, so you can make an informed decision when buying your next leather apparel!
Let’s look at the basics of faux leather, genuine leather and vegan leather, all the three one-by-one!
There are a few common parameters that will make the comparison an easier process. Here they are-
1.Material
2.Durability
3.Appeal
4.Environmental Impact
5.Ethics
First let’s look at the vintage classic, genuine leather…
Genuine leather is usually made from animal hides that are tanned and processed to make it tough & tolerant, so it’s long-lasting and durable. Top quality leather lasts for decades and decades at a stretch, the leather develops a strong patina over time and use. Every real leather article has a distinct style due to the natural variations in the animal hide, it can’t be replicated or duplicated.
Real leather’s durability may reduce wastage, but pollutes the environment due to the requirement of harmful chemicals, land, air and water for manufacturing purposes. Though most of us might find real leather to be the real deal, ethics take a back seat, leather is extracted from animal hides for which animals are harmed.
Now comes in what we call artificial leather, faux leather
Faux leather, also known as synthetic leather, is made from chemicals and plastic matter,it does resemble real leather, but bears no cruelty towards animals. It definitely seems to be a cheaper option to real leather, but it may wear out and tear up faster.
While processing faux leather there’s a large amount of air pollution, toxic chemicals are released by the factories. It is non-biodegradable and increases plastic waste to be treated. It surely is cruelty-free but not completely ethical; it does contribute to environmental pollution.
And finally the highlight of the hour, Vegan Leather…
Vegan leather is a hierarchy term including not just plant-based leather but also synthetic leather and other non animal- sourced fabric.In a nut-shell it’s the collective term for eco-friendly and cruelty-free fabrics. Synthetic leather is less durable than plant-based and innovative alternative fabrics, on the other hand genuine leather has the most longevity.
Plant-based leather offers unique and organic textures like genuine leather, but synthetic leather has the looks that are just near to the exact match for genuine leather. Synthetic leather processing may harm the environment depending on the material and procedure, but vegan leather have almost negligible impact on the surroundings. It’s most ethical to use plant-based leather, less ethical to use synthetic leather and non ethical to use genuine leather.
The Final Word
The choice between real, faux, and vegan leather ultimately depends on your priorities. Weighing factors like durability, ethics, and environmental impact will guide the best choice for your needs. Pick what suits you best and what you can go for!
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