Real Leather vs Faux Leather: The Lowdown

Finding your perfect leather jacket can be very exciting, but it can also feel daunting knowing the differences between types of leather.

If you have ever been shopping for leather before you may have noticed the number of different types of leather available to choose from, but other than colour how can you tell the difference and find the right leather jacket for you based on your needs and lifestyle?

At Hidepark we understand that purchasing a leather jacket can be a large purchase that you want to get right, which is why we have created a lowdown to help you decide, is real leather better than faux leather.

Types of Leather

Leather is available in a variety of types, from real leather to faux leather, but is real leather better than faux leather?

Real Leather

Real Leather is also known as full-grain leather and is available in a variety of textures, from Nappa Leather to Nubuck Leather and Suede. 

When choosing a leather jacket it is important to consider the longevity of the material to ensure you find a jacket that will last. Full grain leather is usually chosen due to its durability as it doesn’t crack or peel over time, gaining an attractive aged leather appearance instead of needing replacing.

Real leather makes each jacket unique as the leather used will still show all natural imperfections. This natural appearance is sought after and gives a soft, smooth texture not found easily in faux leather products.

Faux Leather

An artificial leather look material, Faux leather has been created to mimic the effect of natural leather whilst remaining completely vegan. Faux Leather may suit modern lifestyles to a certain extent, created from a variety of plastic fibres.

Faux leather can withstand wear and tear, resisting damage caused by natural UV light or by staining, but is not a breathable fabric, making it much more likely to take on unwanted scents. Breathability is an important factor that is desired amongst leather jackets, having the ability to absorb and expel sweat and humidity.

Which Leather Jacket is more Cost Effective?

When choosing a leather jacket you will want to find one that feels cost-effective, getting a quality wardrobe item that will last for a price that you can get behind.

The cost between full grain leather and faux leather is a fairly sizable one and for good reason.

Real leather is harder to manufacture, making it slightly more costly than its faux leather counterpart. Authentic leather however is a very durable material, lasting much longer than faux leather when provided the proper care and resulting in an attractive worn leather appearance that is sought after amongst leather wearers new and old.

Sustainable Leather Production

When choosing leather the environmental impact of your leather jacket may be something that you have in mind.

Whilst real leather is not an animal-friendly product, the hides are chosen from animals that have been raised for their meat, meaning nothing is wasted during the process. 

However leather is created, one of the many benefits of full grain leather is its use of all-natural hide, keeping its production eco-friendly due to the materials used.

Faux leather is often described as better for the environment due to its lack of real animal products, however whilst it is a vegan product, it is created using petroleum-based plastics. These plastics are manufactured at an environmental cost, causing harm throughout their production.

Once a faux leather jacket reaches the end of its lifespan it will likely end up in landfill where it can leach harmful chemicals into the surrounding environment, release carbon into the atmosphere through incineration, or dissolve into harmful microplastics. 

Although faux leather is advertised as a vegan product, these jackets will end up causing damage to animals and wildlife through the extraction and production of these materials.

How to tell the difference between real and faux leather?

When shopping for your ideal leather jacket knowing the difference between full-grain leather and faux leather is important for finding exactly what you are looking for.

Once you have weighed out the pros and cons of the different types of leather and have decided on the right jacket for you, your next step is ensuring you are able to tell the difference between real and faux leather.

Check the Label

Firstly you can check the label. At Hidepark each of our products is made with genuine leather and is labelled as such to ensure that those purchasing know exactly what they are getting.

Leather vs Faux Leather Scent and Texture

Scent and texture are easy identifiers of genuine leather. Real leather is soft and flexible with a distinct oaky leather scent, you will be able to see and feel the grain of the leather. 

However, faux leather smells like plastic as that is what it is made from, and this scent can take a long time to fade away. Faux leather will also have a uniform and slightly foamy plastic feel to it, being completely smooth and without the unique texture provided by genuine full-grain leather.

Check the edges of your Leather Jacket

A good indicator of a faux leather jacket are the perfectly smooth and uniform edges, whereas genuine leather will sport natural edges that will feel a little more rough in an effort to keep the natural effect and texture of the leather intact.

If you are looking for a traditional-looking leather jacket then the rougher edges give that effect.

Discover your Ideal Genuine Leather Jacket at Hidepark

Bag yourself a new, stylish piece of genuine leather from Hidepark. Browse our full collection of leather products, including leather jackets for men and the perfect women’s leather jackets, as well as genuine leather bags and accessories to tie your outfit together.