What is PU Leather and How To Identify Original Leather

Leather has been a popular material for centuries. From jackets to shoes, bags to belts, we see leather everywhere! It is difficult to understand how to get the original leather. PU leather stands for Polyurethane Leather. But wait, what is polyurethane? Simply put, polyurethane (PU) is a type of plastic. So, PU leather isn’t real leather; it’s made of plastic, with a coating that looks and feels like leather. It’s often used to make things like wallets, furniture, shoes, and jackets because it’s cheaper than real leather.

Fun Fact:

PU leather is also called "fake leather" or "vegan leather" because no animals are harmed in making it!

How is PU Leather Made?

PU leather is made by coating a piece of fabric (like cotton) with a layer of plastic (polyurethane). Sometimes, it’s made to look exactly like real leather, with wrinkles and textures that mimic the real thing.

Here’s a quick step-by-step process of how PU leather is made:

1. Fabric Layer: A strong fabric is selected as the base.
2. Plastic Coating: A layer of polyurethane is added on top of the fabric.
3. Design: The surface of the PU leather is textured to look like real leather. It’s given wrinkles and grain patterns to make it look more natural.
4. Color: PU leather is colored with dyes to make it look appealing.

And there you have it – PU leather that looks just like the real thing but isn’t made from animal hides!

Why Do People Use PU Leather?

You might be wondering, if PU leather is fake, why do people still buy it? Well, there are a few reasons:

• Affordable: PU leather is much cheaper than real leather. So, people who want leather-like products but don’t want to spend a lot of money often choose PU leather.
• Animal-Friendly: Since PU leather doesn’t come from animals, it's a great option for people who love animals and don’t want to use products made from them.
• Easy to Clean: PU leather is easy to wipe clean if it gets dirty. You can just use a damp cloth, and it looks good as new.

But, there’s a downside too. PU leather doesn’t last as long as real leather. Over time, it can start to crack, peel, or fade. That’s why it’s important to understand how PU leather is different from real leather, so you can choose wisely when you’re shopping!

How to Spot Real Leather?

Now that we know about PU leather, let’s talk about real leather, or genuine leather. Real leather comes from the skin of animals, like cows, sheep, or goats. Because of its natural origin, real leather is more durable, soft, and gets better over time. But how do you tell if something is made from real leather or PU leather?

Here are some cool tips to spot genuine leather:

1. The Smell Test

Real leather has a distinct, natural smell. It smells rich and earthy. PU leather, on the other hand, smells like plastic or chemicals. So, if you sniff a leather jacket or bag and it smells like plastic, it’s probably PU leather.

2. The Touch Test

Feel the leather with your hands. Real leather feels soft, smooth, and warm to the touch. It also has tiny imperfections like wrinkles or scars, which shows it’s natural. PU leather, however, feels smooth but a bit too perfect and cold, almost like plastic.

3. The Water Test

One easy way to check if leather is real or fake is the water test. Drop a tiny amount of water on the leather. If it’s real leather, the water will absorb into the leather and leave a dark spot. This happens because real leather is porous. PU leather, being plastic, doesn’t absorb water; it will just roll off!

4. The Price Test

If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is! Real leather is more expensive because of the time, effort, and natural materials needed to produce it. If a "leather" product is really cheap, it’s likely PU leather.

5. The Fire Test (Be Careful!)

This test should be done with caution, but it’s one of the surest ways to tell the difference. Real leather doesn’t catch fire easily, and when it does, it smells like burning hair. PU leather, made of plastic, will catch fire quickly and smell like burning plastic.

Different Types of Leather

Just like there are different kinds of fruits (apples, oranges, bananas), there are different kinds of leather. Here are the most common types:

• Full-Grain Leather: This is the best quality leather. It comes from the top layer of the animal’s skin and is very strong and durable. It develops a beautiful patina over time, which makes it even more attractive.
• Top-Grain Leather: This is a slightly lower quality than full-grain leather but still very durable. It’s sanded down to remove imperfections, making it smoother and more uniform.
• Bonded Leather: This is made from scraps of real leather that are glued together. It’s not as durable as full-grain or top-grain leather, but it’s cheaper.
• Corrected-Grain Leather: This leather has been treated to remove flaws. It’s then coated with a dye or finish to give it a polished look.

PU Leather vs. Real Leather: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between PU leather and real leather depends on what you’re looking for. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

If you want something affordable, easy to clean, and don’t mind if it’s not real, PU leather might be a good choice. But if you’re looking for something that will last for years, age beautifully, and give you that natural leather smell and feel, go for genuine leather.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! PU leather is a synthetic material that looks and feels like leather but is made from plastic. It’s cheaper and animal-friendly, but it doesn’t last as long as real leather. Real leather, on the other hand, is durable, luxurious, and develops a unique character over time. By using simple tests like smell, touch, and water, you can easily tell the difference between PU leather and real leather.

Next time you go shopping for a leather jacket, bag, or wallet, you’ll know exactly what to look for. Whether you choose PU leather or genuine leather, now you’re equipped with the knowledge to make the right choice! So, what kind of leather do you think you’ll choose? Remember, a little knowledge can go a long way in making the best decision!