What is the difference between genuine leather and synthetic leather? Explain its advantages and disadvantages.

Hello.
This is the editorial office of Hallelujah. When purchasing items such as wallets or handbags, the question “Which is better, real leather or synthetic leather?” is a question that leaves many people confused.

This article will explain in detail the difference between genuine leather and synthetic leather.

synthetic leather

Synthetic leather is an artificial material made to mimic the appearance of leather. Also often referred to as imitation leather or fake leather, meaning a man-made imitation of leather. This is a less expensive material that is typically used for items in the general price range. Synthetic leather and faux leather are different things, but are often referred to as synthetic leather.

The structure of synthetic leather

Synthetic leather refers to the use of materials other than non-woven fabrics, usually based on woven fabrics or fabrics, and then coated with a thick layer of polyurethane resin, or made by bonding different materials together.

In addition, the surface of synthetic leather has artificial wrinkles similar to natural leather.

The structure of leather

This is a material made from animal leather, such as the skin of cows, horses, goats, sheep, deer and other animals. Just like human skin varies, animal leather can have wrinkles or lines. The chemicals used in the tanning process create a characteristic smell, so you get a different feel when you touch it.

Advantages of synthetic leather

Easy to remove dirt

Synthetic resins mainly use polyvinyl chloride and polyurethane resins. These materials are very similar to vinyl and plastic, so they repel moisture and are less likely to stain. For items you use every day, you want to be able to use them without having to worry about dirt and scratches.

No maintenance required

Genuine leather requires frequent maintenance for long-term use, but synthetic leather does not. If it gets wet in the rain, just wipe it off, perfect for people who don't want to do daily maintenance.

relatively cheap

Synthetic leather is relatively cheap compared to genuine leather, and there are many products that can be purchased easily. Due to the standardized production process, no individual differences and high cost performance, synthetic leather is a commonly used material. There are a lot of synthetic leather products out there that look very close to real leather and are cheap without looking cheap.

Perfect for those who like to change their items each season.

Disadvantages of synthetic leather

short life

Over time, leather gradually deteriorates from a variety of causes including sweat, water, dirt, UV rays, and friction. The surface coating may peel or become sticky. The service life is usually about 3 years, and may be shorter if stored in a humid place. Deterioration is a characteristic of materials and cannot be avoided.

Poor heat resistance

The polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used in synthetic leather is non-absorbent, and although it is a strong material, it has poor heat resistance, which is a drawback. It is not appropriate to place synthetic leather products in the car or in places exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight in summer. Overheating may cause the skin to melt, deform, or even cause cracks.

Poor softness and breathability

Synthetic leather is coated in a synthetic resin, making it very strong but unable to bend or stretch like fibers. Strong folding may cause wrinkles, but they are not as adaptable as genuine leather. In addition, synthetic leather has poor breathability due to being covered with multiple layers of material.

Advantages of genuine leather

The greatest charm of leather is its change with every passing year (エイジング)

Over time, leather products will gain depth and change color. This makes people feel that these products will never get cloying and can be used for a long time. Tochigi leather in particular has a variety of textures, lusters and expressions, and I believe you will enjoy this leather from different perspectives.

【Bシリーズ】Tochigi Leather Round Wallet

strong and sturdy

If your leather product is carefully cared for, it can last a long time. Depending on how you use it, genuine leather products are said to last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Even if there are scratches, minor bruises can be rubbed with your fingers to make them inconspicuous.

Each leather has individual differences

Just like human skin varies from person to person, animal leather also has individual differences. Uneven color, scars, bloodshot, wrinkles, spots, etc., the expression of the leather is fully displayed. The rich expression of natural leather is such that each leather has a unique personality. Not every product has it, and there are also leathers with exotic expressions.

This is something that materials such as synthetic leather absolutely do not have, and you can appreciate the unique style of each leather.

Disadvantages of genuine leather

Weaker with sweat and water

Although it varies by type and treatment, overall leather is relatively weak to water. If wet leather is left for a long time, it may cause mold or stains, and it may also swell and become easily damaged.

Moisture may penetrate the interior of the leather, causing it to deform until it dries. Some buffalo leather uses a waterproofing agent to penetrate the leather fibers, so it has strong water resistance, so it is suitable for people who are more concerned about sweat and water.

TIDY Noble L-shaped long wallet Brandy

Regular maintenance is necessary

When leather dries, it develops cracks just like human skin. If cracks appear on the leather surface (silvered side), it cannot be restored to its original state, so regular maintenance is very important for long-term use.

Frequent maintenance can take quite a bit of time and effort, but the maintenance itself is actually so simple that many consider it a pleasure!

[Leather Care] Hallelujah Original Care Set

Genuine leather is heavier than synthetic leather

You may not notice this problem with small items such as wallets or key cases, but it may feel relatively heavy when wearing accessories such as motorcycle pants or shoes. And if you sweat and get wet when wearing it, stains may occur, so be careful.

Conclusion after comparing genuine leather and synthetic leather

What do you think of this article?

Real leather and synthetic leather each have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you want to enjoy the aging process of leather and use it for a long time, we recommend "real leather". If you want to change it every season and want a reasonable price, we recommend "synthetic leather". Skin".

Hope this article will be helpful to you.

See you next time!