VEGAN LEATHER Vs. REAL LEATHER: The Ultimate Comparison Guide

Vegan leather vs real leather: which one is actually better for you? As sustainability and ethical fashion take center stage, the debate between vegan leather alternatives and genuine leather has never been more relevant. On one hand, real leather is praised for its timeless appeal, durability, and luxurious texture. On the other, vegan leather has quickly become a go-to for those seeking cruelty-free options and a lighter environmental footprint. But, is vegan leather truly sustainable? And how does it stack up against real leather when it comes to quality, longevity, and cost?

In this ultimate comparison guide, I’ll explore the ins and outs of both materials, examining their environmental impact, ethical considerations, and practical uses.

Let’s break down the truth behind vegan leather vs real leather, because making the right choice doesn’t have to be a tough one.

The History of Leather and Its Types

Leather has been a symbol of craftsmanship and luxury for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations. Early humans used animal hides for clothing and tools, but as societies progressed, leather became an integral part of fashion and lifestyle. The process of transforming raw animal skins into leather, known as leather production, evolved significantly over time, with different methods developed for various purposes. Today, real leather is revered for its durability, texture, and timeless appeal. Real leather products are most commonly made from the hides of cattle, but sheep, goat, and even pig are also used in various leather products. Exotic leathers, such as alligator and snake, are reserved for luxury goods, offering unique textures and finishes.

Types of Real Leather

When it comes to real leather, not all are created equal. There are several different types, each with its own unique qualities and uses. The main types of real leather are:

1. Full-Grain Leather: Often considered the highest quality leather, full-grain leather is made from the top layer of the hide and has not been sanded or buffed. It is the most durable and develops a rich patina over time, making it ideal for luxury items like high-end bags, jackets, and furniture.

   
   

2. Top-Grain Leather: Slightly lower in quality than full-grain leather, top-grain leather is still a high-quality option. It’s made from the second layer of the hide, which is sanded to remove imperfections. This leather is commonly used for furniture, bags, and wallets, offering a balance of durability and smooth texture.

   
   

3. Genuine Leather: Often a more affordable option, genuine leather is made from the lower layers of the hide and typically undergoes more processing. While it’s still real leather, it’s not as durable or high-end as full-grain or top-grain leather. Genuine leather is commonly used for accessories like belts and lower-cost fashion items.

   
   

4. Bonded Leather: This type of leather is made by binding leather scraps and fibers together, creating a cost-effective alternative to traditional leather. Although not as durable as other types, bonded leather is often used in affordable furniture, book covers, and lower-end accessories.

   
   

5. Suede Leather: Known for its soft and velvety texture, suede leather is made from the inner side of the hide. It’s typically used for shoes, jackets, and accessories but requires more care to maintain due to its delicate texture.

   
   

6. Nubuck Leather: A type of top-grain leather that has been sanded or buffed to create a velvety surface, nubuck leather is highly durable and has a luxurious finish. It’s commonly used for high-quality shoes, bags, and furniture.

Is Real Leather Sustainable or Cruelty-Free?

The use of real leather often raises concerns about its environmental impact and animal welfare. While leather is traditionally a by-product of the meat production industry, there are more complex ethical considerations. Leather is often produced from animals that are raised for food, particularly cattle, where leather serves as a secondary product. However, there are exotic skins like alligator, kangaroo, ostrich, and snake, where the primary reason for killing the animal is its skin.

If the goal is to prevent the killing of animals, a decrease in meat consumption must go hand-in-hand with a reduction in leather production. Stopping the use of real leather alone would not necessarily reduce the number of animals killed; it could even lead to more animal waste. Cattle farmers, for example, make 97% of their revenue from meat production and only 3% from the sale of hides. Therefore, the overall demand for meat plays a direct role in leather production. If leather production were to cease without reducing the demand for meat, it could result in more leather waste and fewer sustainable alternatives.

While the debate on sustainability and animal cruelty in the leather industry is multifaceted, understanding the broader implications of both meat and leather production helps frame the discussion more clearly when comparing vegan leather vs real leather sustainability.

What Is Vegan Leather and Types of Vegan Leather

Vegan leather is just a fancy marketing term for artificial leather, and it has become a buzzword in the fashion industry. It’s often seen as a more ethical and sustainable alternative to traditional leather, but is it really? Vegan leather, also known as faux or synthetic leather, is designed to mimic the look and feel of real leather, but without using any animal products. As the fashion world shifts toward more sustainable and ethical options, vegan leather has gained popularity due to its environmental benefits and cruelty-free appeal.

There are two main types of vegan leather: plastic-based and plant-based. Let’s take a closer look at each:

Plastic-Based Vegan Leather

The most common form of vegan leather is made from synthetic materials such as polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These materials are processed to resemble leather in appearance and texture, offering a similar aesthetic without the use of animal products. PU leather, in particular, is more environmentally friendly compared to PVC, as it contains fewer toxic chemicals during its production. However, both types are still plastic-based and not biodegradable, meaning their environmental impact remains significant.

Plant-Based Vegan Leather

A more sustainable alternative, plant-based vegan leather, is derived from natural materials such as apple peels, pineapple leaves, cork, and even mushrooms. These materials provide an eco-friendly option and offer a biodegradable, renewable alternative to plastic-based products. However, plant-based leather is still relatively new to the mainstream market, and its durability remains uncertain. It’s yet to be tested on factors like whether it can withstand cold weather, how long it will last in handbags, or if it will hold up over time compared to traditional leather. Despite the buzz around it, plant-based leather still has its drawbacks.

While the materials used for plant-based leather are certainly innovative, they come with a hefty price tag. In fact, prices for plant-based vegan leather can often be on par with, or even higher than, traditional leather or plastic-based options. This raises the question—if both alternatives are priced similarly, what sets them apart in terms of longevity and functionality?

Additionally, plant-based vegan leather is still not available in the mainstream market. Many of the products made from materials like mushroom leather (Mush-Lin) or Piñatex are more niche, with limited availability and production. As these options are still in their early stages, they are a long way from being accessible and affordable to the average consumer.

A notable breakthrough in plant-based leather came in 2022, when Stella McCartney introduced the world’s first-ever luxury bag made from mycelium—the root-like structure of fungi. This bag, which was showcased during her Summer 2022 runway show, was priced at €1,995, nearly identical to the cost of a real leather bag. McCartney’s creation stands as a significant milestone in the quest for sustainable fashion, using innovative, plant-based materials that aim to offer the same luxury as traditional leather but with a fraction of the environmental impact.

Stella-Mccartney mushroom leather bag

However, while plant-based vegan leather is making strides, plastic-based vegan leather is still often marketed as a sustainable solution, even though it is essentially just a clever marketing term for artificial leather. Plastic-based vegan leather has its appeal, especially when considering its ethical and cruelty-free claims, but it still contributes to pollution and waste due to its non-biodegradable nature.

Which Type of Leather Should I Buy?

When deciding between vegan leather vs real leather, both options have strong points, and the solution isn’t black and white. Real leather offers durability and develops a beautiful patina over time, making it a long-lasting choice. Its aging process enhances the leather's character, especially in items like shoes, bags, and jackets. However, it does raise ethical concerns related to animal farming.

On the other hand, vegan leather is often marketed as a cruelty-free option. But the majority of vegan leather products are made from synthetic materials like PVC or polyurethane, which don’t have the same longevity and contribute to plastic pollution. While plant-based vegan leathers like mushroom leather show promise, they aren’t widely available yet and still need more testing for durability.

From personal experience, last year I bought a vegan leather handbag from a brand that emphasized sustainability, and cruelty free. When it arrived I could see that it was plastic and didn't have a nice hand feel. Not even a year later the material is already peeling despite me taking care of it. This experience made me realize that vegan leather, while better for some, often doesn’t hold up as well as advertised. I really admire what Stella McCartney is doing to pave the way for luxury brands to embrace sustainable, cruelty-free leather options. Plant-based options, like mushroom leather, are a promising step forward, and I’m excited for the future of sustainable leather alternatives. What would you choose? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 

P.S. If this topic interests you, I recently asked my LinkedIn community for their thoughts on real leather vs. fake leather and the responses were truly eye-opening! From ethical considerations to surprising material alternatives, I received some very interesting ideas. Do check out my LinkedIn post to see what others had to say!