Fashion, especially regarding jackets, is probably one of the most consequential purchases a consumer has to make between faux leather and real leather. As sustainability and animal rights become more important to people, the discussion about using fake leather has also become an important topic.
In this blog, though, we will try to determine if faux leather jackets can truly be a worthy match to genuine leather jackets in terms of quality, appearance, and, most importantly, the environment.
Real Leather Jacket: A Timeless Classic
Real leather jackets possess durability, luxury, and repeatedly fashionable qualities that people worldwide desire so much. Available in the market, they are made from animal hides, providing them with a unique touch and natural look that many fashion lovers prefer. It is freely admitted that a real leather jacket will wear really well and, over the years, will take on a patina that enhances its appearance. This natural material is distinguished by its healthy permeability, temperature control capabilities, and strength.
Nevertheless, some significant drawbacks seem to be associated with the advantages. Producing real leather jackets involves using chemicals in the tanning process, which has worse environmental effects. Furthermore, animal activists have been vocal about the ills of the leather-making processes, which has seen many consumers turn to PVC leather.
The Effects That Faux Leather Has on the Environment
faux leather, also called artificial leather, is made from plastic-derived materials such as polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride. These may not be animal-derived products; they are still derived from petroleum, and their manufacture can produce negative ecological impacts. The effectiveness of fake leather in this generation is also stretched due to the raw materials used, and the general effects of plastics on the environment were identified.
As such, faux leather is a material that has certain ecological advantages over real leather. Compared to leather, it does not involve farming and slaughtering animals or using chemical processes to tan animal hides. Therefore, quite apparently, faux leather conforms much better to veganism and the attempts to avoid animal suffering.
Faux Leather Production: A More Sustainable Future?
Techniques employed in faux leather production have advanced over the years, and firms are now approaching the process in a more environmentally friendly way. Emerging trends include using better materials, such as bio-based PU and recycled plastics, to make the production of faux leather friendly to the earth. These developments are designed to reduce dependence on conventional hydrocarbons and reduce the amount of carbon emitted.
In addition, advanced solutions have been introduced to develop a high-quality simile to genuine leather intended for use in manufacturing shoes and other products. This development also helps consumers enjoy synthetic leather products without sacrificing style.
Caring for Faux Leather
Regarding how you can maintain your jacket, fashioning faux leather is a lot easier than real leather. Real leather should be conditioned and treated often to not crack or dry like an illness. Still, faux leather is water-resistant and requires no conditioning to keep its look and shape. However, one should still be very careful when washing faux leather. Most times, wiping the surface with a damp cloth and mild soap will be more than enough to clean the object.
However, if you’re caring for faux leather, it is important not to expose it to direct heat or sunlight since they can easily cause the product to shrink or have some of its colors fade. So, it is crucial to store your faux leather jacket in the appropriate way and clean it once every few months so that using this item is rational and does not require much effort.
The Verdict: Real or faux leather. Which should you choose?
Conclusively, faux leather is a good choice for real leather if it is a social concern, economical, and convenient to maintain. It cannot replicate the sturdiness or the normal wearing of an authentic leather jacket; however, fake leather has become a chic, eco-friendly option for consumers.
With the continuous development of improved technologies used in making faux leather, the impact of faux leather on preserving the environment is expected to increase, thus providing environmentally conscious consumers with high value in use. Are you dying to get the latest jacket while minimizing the environmental harm you inflict? Authenticity is not necessary, as faux leather works just as well.
However, each is a matter of choice, whereby the one that best suits a given situation will be chosen. If you appreciate genuine, exquisite, and timeless, then a real leather jacket will be more beneficial to you. But if someone wants a cheap, nontoxic solution, then fake leather perfectly fits the bill.
FAQS
- Is faux leather waterproof?
Some types of faux leather are water-proof but not fully water-proof. It is water resistant, which means though it can bear a small amount of water, a large amount of water can affect it in the long run. Water build-up has to be cleared off, and it is suggested that direct heavy rain or the soaking of the material is not preferable.
- What is faux leather made of?
Fake leather can be created from chemical products such as polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These synthetic materials are modeled to look and feel like actual leather, with added benefits such as affordability and animal-friendly nature.
- How long does faux leather last?
Fake leather fabrics can last from a few years to about five years with adequate care. However, they cannot be used as genuine leather because they wear out easily; they can fade, crack, or peel if applied intensively or exposed to extreme conditions. If properly cared for, they should have a long life span, and carving, painting, and other touch-ups are easy.
- Is faux leather eco-friendly?
PVC is less harsh to animals, although it is not environmentally friendly. It is made of black plastics that belong to petroleum and cause a lot of pollution. Still, some manufacturers are designing newer, less damaging versions, including bio-based and recycled elements.