Compared to real leather, faux leather is cheaper and requires lesser maintenance. However, a major contradiction would be the damage to the environment due to the usage of polyurethane and/ or polyvinyl chloride.
The reason why real leather tends to be more pricey is due to the delicate process of turning rawhide into usable leather. Considering it is made by animal hide, it needs more attention to the aftercare for the product as compared to faux leather. Real leather, if neglected, will be susceptible to drying out, mould and oxidation.
In terms of durability, although faux leather is cheaper and easier to maintain, a huge issue with them is that it does not age well and due to the lack of elasticity, it is prone to tear or puncture much easily. It is also not as breathable compared to real leather due to its artificial pores – which means that moisture and substance, which are detrimental to leather, can remain on the product, causing rot and deterioration. On the other hand, real leather tends to last longer and is much more resistant to cracks with the right care, with the disadvantage of oxidising because it is all-natural.
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Leather is a widely used material for products ranging from jackets to furniture. The two main types of leather, real and faux, have distinct differences that are important for consumers to take into account before making a purchase. Real leather is often the more expensive choice but it has the greatest potential to last. Meanwhile, faux leather is a budget-friendly option and performs adequately in terms of durability. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget when deciding between real or faux leather.