Fabric Definition:
Faux leather is a versatile, durable, and animal-free textile material engineered to mimic the look, feel, and performance of genuine leather, using a polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating over a fabric backing.
Composition:
80-100% Synthetic Polymer (PU or PVC) over a substrate of 100% Polyester, Cotton, or Nylon (woven or nonwoven)
Texture:
Smooth, soft to very firm, with a consistent, uniform surface; available in high-gloss, matte, pebbled, and smooth finishes; can be highly realistic or distinctly synthetic
Stretch Level:
Low to Moderate (Depends on backing; knit backings offer more stretch; woven backings are rigid)
Fabric Construction:
Coated Fabric – produced by coating a textile substrate (knitted, woven, or nonwoven) with a polymer layer; embossed with grain patterns
GSM Range:
200-600 GSM (Light for apparel, medium for bags, heavy for upholstery and automotive)
Breathability:
Poor (PU is more breathable than PVC, but both are significantly less breathable than natural leather or textiles)
Moisture Management:
Poor (Non-absorbent; moisture sits on the surface)
Durability:
High – Excellent abrasion resistance, durable, resistant to UV and water, easy to maintain, but can crack over time
Thermal Properties:
Good – Provides moderate insulation; PVC/PU layers trap heat, but perforated versions improve comfort
Key Usage Areas:
Not biodegradable (fossil-based), can crack and peel over time, less breathable than genuine leather, heat-sensitive (can melt or warp), PVC grades can be toxic and contain phthalates (harmful chemicals)
4/10 (PVC) to 6/10 (PU) – PVC is fossil-based, non-recyclable, toxic; PU is slightly better but still non-biodegradable; bio-based PU improves the score