It’s all about choices. Particularly about handbags where the age-old battle between faux leather and genuine leather takes centre stage.  Real leather boasts natural beauty, unique texture and durability.  On the flip side is faux leather, the synthetic sensation, often playing the budget-friendly card.  Both have their perks and quirks, but which one is for you?

Why choose faux leather?

There are many reasons to choose faux leather, including:

• Cost:  Faux leather is budget friendly.  Offering a stylish alternative to real leather without breaking the bank.
• Maintenance: Faux leather is easier to clean and maintain than real leather and is less sensitive to moisture and stains.
• Versatility: Faux leather comes in a wide range of colours, textures and patterns
• Consistency:  Faux leather is more uniform than real leather because it is man-made and doesn’t have the same natural variations
• Animal-friendly: For the conscious consumer, faux leather provides a guilt free option as it doesn’t contain or involve animal products. 
• Water resistant: Faux leather is water resistant

LET’S EXPLORE THIS IN MORE DETAIL.

Faux Leather

Faux leather, a fancy way of saying artificial, is a clever man-made material that mimics the look and feel of real leather. No animal products are used to make 100% faux leather, so it’s completely vegan. 

Genuine Leather

Real leather is made from the skin of animals such as cows and goats. It is made durable by tanning.  This natural material is popular for its durability, creating beautiful long-lasting products with a classic look that only gets better with age.  The terms ‘real’ or ‘genuine’ can be used to describe a material made from animal skins and hides. 

The differences

One of the main differences relates to the durability of each material.  Genuine leather is known for its exceptional durability, while faux leather can strut its stuff for a good while, it might not age as gracefully as the real deal.

The look, feel and smell of real leather also differs from faux leather.  Real leather carries a natural, earthy scent derived from the tanning process, while faux leather lacks this characteristic aroma.       

Animal leather offers a very natural appearance with imperfections that make each piece unique, while faux leather is more uniform. 

Real leather is expensive to make, and the production time does require a lot of time and resources.  However, while the faux leather manufacturing process requires fewer resources, the products used are not always eco-friendly.

Those looking for vegan leather may not be fans of genuine leather made from animal hides, but there is a bit of debate about which material is the most eco-friendly option.  Despite being cruelty free, the production of faux leather involves synthetic materials, which can raise environmental questions.

Faux leather is easier to clean than real leather.  Unlike genuine leather, faux leather won’t absorb liquids.  Real leather can stain more easily to.  You’ll also need to make sure to treat your leather products about twice a year to ensure they don’t get too dried out.

Finally, one of the biggest faux v’s genuine differences relates to the price.  The manufacturing process for genuine leather is much more involved than that of faux leather.  This results in a much higher price.  Faux leather products may not last as long as genuine leather, but they can give the tactile look of leather at a fraction of the cost.

Let’s weigh up the factors

Style:  Consider your style.  Are you drawn to the timeless elegance of real leather, or does the versatility and trendiness of faux leather align with your fashion sensibilities?

Budget:  For people who desire a fashionable purse without going over budget, faux leather is an enticing alternative because it generally has a more affordable price tag.  However, real leather, while an investment, promises enduring quality.

Ethical Values:  Reflect on your ethical considerations.

Durability:  How long do you want your bag to last? 

Maintenance:  Are you willing to put in the effort to care for your handbag?  Real leather requires regular cleaning and conditioning, whereas faux leather is more forgiving in this aspect.

Fashion Trends:  Faux leather allows for more experimentation with styles and colours.  In contrast, real leather offers a timeless appeal that transcends fashion fads.

The choice between faux leather and real leather is a personal decision.  Whether you opt for genuine leather elegance or the vibrant versatility of faux leather, make a stylish and mindful choice that resonates with your unique preferences.

Take a look at some of the faux leather products I have available in my Shop. All totally one-of-a-kind. I never make any of my bags exactly the same to ensure they are as unique as you are!