Choosing between real leather and faux leather can be confusing, especially when every brand uses different terminology. This guide breaks down the differences between leather and synthetic leather in a clear, honest way so you know exactly what you’re buying. Whether you’re comparing materials for durability, feel, sustainability, or long‑term value, this is your starting point.
At Okra Jean, we work with full‑grain hides every day, so we see firsthand how real leather ages, softens, and develops character. We also understand why synthetic options like PU leather, bonded leather, and “vegan leather” exist — and why they’re often mistaken for the real thing. This guide helps you understand what each material is made of, how it performs, and how to tell faux leather vs real leather at a glance.
What Counts as “Real Leather”?
- Full‑grain leather
- Top‑grain leather
- Genuine leather (lower grade, but still real hide)
What Counts as “Synthetic Leather”?
- PU leather (polyurethane)
- PVC leather (vinyl)
- Bonded leather
- Microfiber leather
- “Vegan leather” (umbrella term for non‑animal alternatives)
| Material | What Is It? | Durable | Aging/Patina | Feels | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Grain Leather | Top layer of hide, natural grain intact | Extremely | Develops rich patina | Warm, flexible | Higher | Highest quality real leather. |
| Top-Grain Leather | Corrected or sanded grain | Very | Light patina | Smooth, consistent | Mid-High | Common in quality goods. |
| Genuine Leather | Lower layers of hide | Moderate | Minimal patina | Stiffer | Mid | Real leather but not premium. |
| Bonded Leather | Scraps and adhesives | Low | No patina | Artificial | Low | Not considered real leather. |
| PU Leather | Plastic-based synthetic | Low - Moderate | No Patina | Smooth, uniform | Low | Most common faux leather |
| PVC Leahter | Vinyl-based synthetic | Low | No Patina | Plastic feel | Low | Least breathable |
| Vegan Leather | Any non-animal alternative | Varies | No Patina | Depends on material | Low-Mid | Includes PU, PVC, cork, plant fibers |
| Microfiber Leather | High-grade synthetic microfiber | Moderate | No Patina | Soft, suede-like | Mid | Durable for a synthetic |
Faux Leather vs Real Leather — Quick Differences
- Real leather has natural grain variation; faux leather looks uniform
- Real leather develops patina; synthetic leather stays the same
- Real leather feels warm and flexible; faux leather feels colder or plasticky
- Real leather edges are fibrous; synthetics have smooth, sealed edges
- Real leather lasts decades; synthetic leather often cracks or peels
We hope that we have helped to clear some of the fog surrounding all the leather marketing hype! We also have a Complete Glossary of Leather Terminology guide that has definitions of these leathers plus many more 'buzz words' you will hear around the industry.