A material that is made to resemble genuine leather is what we call imitation leather. You might have heard about it by different names such as faux leather, fake leather, etc. Imitation leather is one of several names given to artificial or synthetic leather. The difference between imitation/faux and real leather is often a point of confusion for many people. The truth is that both have their pros and cons, and it all depends on your personal preference and what you hope to gain from the material. It is used in the manufacturing of furniture, clothing, and other consumer goods. Imitation leather is constructed using three primary materials: polyurethane ("PU"), polyvinyl chloride ("Vinyl"), and silicone.

Thorough research and deliberation are required when buying any leather accessory to ensure you are choosing the right option. Following are the things you need to know in order to differentiate between imitation and real leather.

How To Spot The Difference Between Imitation And Real Leather?

The primary difference between genuine leather and imitation leather is that the former is made from animal hides, such as cattle, buffalo, or cows. On the other hand, the color and texture of imitation leather are created by adding wax, dye, or polyurethane. The variation between each hide of genuine leather is different because no two animal skins are identical. It often has stretch marks, scars, and other imperfections which add to the character and beauty of the product.
Furthermore, genuine leather has inconsistent pores and marks, which makes it stand out from the rest and gives it a distinctive appearance. The pores of imitation leather are nonexistent or created synthetically, so they are very uniform and look artificial.

Benefits of Imitation Leather

When it comes to imitation leather, it has many benefits and is often a better option than real leather. First of all, imitation leather is cheaper than real leather. This material looks like real leather but is more affordable. Second, it is manufactured in factories, which basically means that it's cruelty-free leather. As opposed to real leather, imitation leather materials require little maintenance. These materials do not fade, crack, or become stiff because of any change in the weather conditions. Moreover, since artificial leather is man-made, it comes in a variety of colors and shades. It can be the best choice for those who want a uniform appearance with no imperfections.

Lastly, imitation leather is better than real leather when it comes to the manufacturing process. It is easy to cut and sew, and the stitching is effortless. As faux leather is easy to work with, a variety of items can be made from it in little time.

How To Maintain Imitation Leather?

Maintaining imitation leather can be tricky because you shouldn't expose it to the sun for too long as it can lead to drying out. Furthermore, before you put anything on your imitation leather, try it on a hidden part first to make sure there are no adverse reactions. Once it has dried, try it on the rest of the surface.

We recommend that you clean imitation leather with warm water and some washing-up liquid, along with a soft cloth. Wipe over the surface but make sure that the cloth is not soaking wet because too much water can be damaging. After cleaning it with a microfiber cloth, follow up by using a soft cloth. As a result, general wear and tear and everyday marks do not accumulate and make the surface look smooth.

Overall, with all the benefits and pros of imitation leather, it still requires proper care, protection, and maintenance.