Choosing the Right Leather: A Guide to Leatherette, Rexin, PU, Faux, and Genuine Leather - With Prices and Manufacturers

• Genuine leather is made from animalides, offering durability and a natural look, but it’s costly and requires maintenance, with ethical concerns due to animal sourcing.
• Faux leather is a broad term for synthetic alternatives, including PU leather and leatherette, which are vegan-friendly and cheaper but less breathable, with varying environmental impacts.
• PU leather, made with polyurethane, being durable and closely mimicking genuine leather, while leatherette is often PVC-based, less durable, and more plastic-like.
• Rexin, historically a brand, now refers to affordable synthetic leather, typically PVC-based, used in upholstery and car interiors, with lower durability compared to PU leather.
• Market prices vary: genuine leather ($20–$150/m²), PU leather ($2–$10/m linear), leatherette ($1–$5/m linear), Rexin ($1–$3/m linear), depending on quality and region.

Genuine leather is crafted from animal hides, primarily cowhide, processed through tanning to enhance durability and flexibility. It’s known for its natural texture, breathability, and ability to develop a unique patina over time, making it ideal for long-term investments like furniture or jackets. However, it’s more expensive, typically costing $20–$150 per square meter, and requires regular maintenance, such as conditioning, to prevent drying out. Ethical concerns arise due to animal sourcing, and the tanning process can have environmental impacts, including water and chemical usage.

Faux leather, a broad term, includes materials like PU leather and leatherette, designed to mimic genuine leather’s look and feel. They’re vegan-friendly, affordable, and easier to maintain, but generally less breathable. 

PU leather, made with polyurethane, is durable and closely resembles genuine leather, costing $2–$10 per linear meter. Leatherette, often PVC-based, is cheaper ($1–$5/m linear) but less durable, with a plastic-like feel that can crack or wear off. 

Rexin, historically a brand, now refers to affordable PVC-based synthetic leather ($1–$3/m linear), used in upholstery and car interiors, but it’s less durable under flex wear. 

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Comprehensive Analysis of Leatherette, Rexin, PU, Faux Leather, and Genuine leather is derived from animal hides, primarily cowhide, processed through tanning to enhance durability and usability. It is categorized into full-grain (highest quality, retaining the natural grain), top-grain, and split-grain, with full-grain being the most durable and expensive. Research suggests that genuine leather offers a natural texture, unique grain patterns, and an earthy scent, developing a patina over time that enhances its aesthetic appeal. It’s made from collagen-based animal skins, ensuring natural breathability.Market prices for genuine leather are typically quoted per square meter, as it’s sold by area due to the varying sizes of hides. From sources like BuyLeatherOnline and Leatherite, prices range from €20 to €140 per square meter for standard to exotic types, which, at an exchange rate of approximately €1 = $1.10, translates to $22 to $154 per square meter. More commonly, standard types range from $20 to $150 per square meter, as seen in listings from Buckskin Leather Company and IndiaMart, where prices per square foot (converted to per square meter) align with this range.Prominent manufacturers include Horween Leather Co., Buckskin Leather Company, and Tandy Leather, known for high-quality hides used in upholstery, apparel, and accessories. For example, Horween Leather Co. offers a range of full-grain and top-grain leathers, while Buckskin Leather Company provides detailed pricing lists.

2. Faux leather, also known as synthetic or artificial leather, encompasses a range of man-made materials designed to mimic genuine leather, often marketed as a vegan, animal-free alternative. It’s often made from plastic-based materials like PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or PU (polyurethane) coated on a fabric base, such as polyester or cotton. The evidence leans toward faux leather being popular for its affordability and wide range of colors, but it’s less breathable and may not age as well, potentially cracking over time.Market prices for faux leather vary widely, typically quoted per linear meter for rolls, as seen on platforms like Alibaba and IndiaMart. The price range is broad, from $1 to $20 per linear meter, depending on the type (PU, PVC, etc.) and quality. For example, higher-quality faux leather can overlap with PU leather prices, while lower-end options align with leatherette.Prominent manufacturers are varied, as faux leather includes multiple subtypes, but specific manufacturers for PU and leatherette are detailed below.

3. PU leather, or polyurethane leather, is a specific subset of faux leather, characterized by a polyurethane coating applied to a fabric backing, such as polyester or cotton. It seems likely that PU leather is currently more popular than PVC-based options due to its durability and realistic appearance, closely mimicking genuine leather in texture and grain. The manufacturing process involves multiple steps for a leather-like finish, making it durable and resistant to wear.Market prices for PU leather are typically quoted per linear meter, with standard widths around 54 inches (1.37 meters). From Alibaba listings, prices range from $1.50 to $6.10 per linear meter for bulk orders, with higher quality options up to $10 per linear meter, as seen in Von Baer discussions on quality. Converting to per square meter, assuming a 1.37m width, prices range from approximately $1.09 to $7.30 per square meter, but per linear meter is the standard quote.Prominent manufacturers include Kuraray (known for Clarino), Alcantara, and Von Baer, with Kuraray offering high-performance PU leather for automotive and fashion, and Von Baer focusing on luxury synthetic options.

4. Leatherette, often used interchangeably with faux leather, typically refers to PVC-based synthetic leather. It’s made by covering a fabric base with a soft PVC layer, embossed to resemble leather, and has been historically used in applications like bookbinding and 20th-century camera casings. It seems likely that leatherette is very affordable, with prices ranging from $0.66 to $29 per linear meter on Alibaba, but more commonly $1 to $5 per linear meter for standard types, as seen on IndiaMart.Pros include affordability, water-resistance, and ease of cleaning, but cons include lower durability compared to PU leather, with a plastic-like feel that can wear off or crack over time. Environmental concerns arise from PVC production, involving chemicals like dioxins.Prominent manufacturers include American Biltrite and Fabri-Tech, with American Biltrite offering various PVC-based synthetic leathers for upholstery and automotive uses.

5. Rexin, originally a registered trademark of Rexine Ltd in the UK, was a leathercloth fabric made from cloth surfaced with nitrocellulose, camphor oil, alcohol, and pigment, embossed to look like leather. Discontinued in 2005, the term now refers generically to similar synthetic leather materials, often PVC-based, used in upholstery and car interiors. It’s lightweight and cost-effective, with prices around $1 to $3 per linear meter, as seen on IndiaMart and Alibaba listings.Pros include affordability and ease of use, but cons include lower durability, especially under flex wear, and environmental concerns due to PVC. Historically, it was popular in the early 20th century for motor vehicle interiors, costing about a quarter of genuine leather.Prominent manufacturers include SAE Fabrics and Oriental Rail Infrastructure Ltd, with SAE Fabrics offering Rexin for upholstery and automotive applications.

Choosing between these materials depends on your specific needs:

• For durability and a natural look: Opt for genuine leather, ideal for long-term investments, but be prepared for higher costs and maintenance.
• For affordability and animal-friendly options: Faux leather, particularly PU leather, offers durability and versatility, suitable for high-traffic areas like office furniture.
• For budget-conscious projects: Leatherette or Rexin may suffice, though they are less durable and more plastic-like, best for short-term or low-wear applications.

Each material has its place, whether you’re upholstering a sofa, designing a jacket, or outfitting a car interior. By understanding their differences, you can align your choice with budget, values, and functional requirements, ensuring satisfaction and sustainability in your projects.

Leather Vibes: Breaking Down Cow, Buffalo, Sheep, and Goat Hides for the Perfect Fit

Understanding the Differences Between Cow, Buffalo, Sheep, and Goat Leather

Leather has been a crucial material in human civilization for centuries, used for clothing, footwear, upholstery, and more. The type of leather used significantly impacts the durability, texture, and appearance of the product. Among the most common types of leather are those made from cow, buffalo, sheep, and goat hides. While they may look similar at first glance, they each possess distinct qualities. In this article, we'll explore the differences between these four types of leather and how each is best used in various applications.

1. Cow Leather

Cow leather is the most widely used type of leather, making up the bulk of global leather production. This is largely due to the abundance of cattle worldwide and the ideal qualities cowhide provides for a variety of leather products.

Characteristics:

Durability: Cow leather is known for its strength and durability, making it ideal for products that require longevity, such as shoes, jackets, furniture, and bags.

Thickness: Cowhide is typically thick and heavy, which provides excellent protection and resistance to wear and tear.

Texture: Cow leather can range from smooth to slightly coarse, depending on how it is processed. It can be polished to a high gloss or left with a more natural, matte finish.

Flexibility: While durable, cow leather is stiffer compared to sheep and goat leather, which can make it less flexible. However, with time and wear, it softens beautifully.

Applications: Due to its durability, cow leather is ideal for high-use items like furniture, shoes, belts, jackets, and heavy-duty bags.

2. Buffalo Leather

Buffalo leather is often confused with cow leather, but it has distinct differences that make it unique. Buffaloes, especially water buffalo, are more commonly found in regions like India and Southeast Asia.

Characteristics:

Durability: Buffalo leather is even stronger than cow leather. Its fibers are more densely packed, making it highly resistant to abrasions and tears.

Texture: Buffalo leather has a distinctive grain pattern that is more pronounced than cow leather, giving it a rugged and rustic appearance. The natural grain often shows more variations, making each hide unique.

Flexibility: Buffalo leather is stiffer than cow leather, particularly in its natural state. This makes it less pliable but highly resistant to stretching and deforming.

Breathability: One of the unique characteristics of buffalo leather is its breathability. Despite being tough, it has pores that allow air circulation, making it more comfortable in garments.

Applications: Due to its robustness, buffalo leather is often used in outdoor products, such as motorcycle seats, saddles, boots, and bags. It’s also used in furniture that demands durability over time.

3. Sheep Leather

Sheep leather, also known as sheepskin, is prized for its softness and luxurious feel. This leather is particularly popular in garments, given its light weight and comfort.

Characteristics:

Softness: Sheep leather is known for its buttery-soft texture. It is considerably more supple than cow or buffalo leather, making it ideal for clothing.

Weight: Sheep leather is much lighter than cow and buffalo leather. This makes it less suitable for heavy-duty products but perfect for items like gloves, jackets, and linings.

Durability: Though soft, sheep leather is less durable than cow and buffalo leather. It is more prone to stretching and can wear out faster under stress, so it's typically reserved for light-duty applications.

Warmth: Sheepskin, with the wool still attached, provides excellent warmth and insulation, which is why it's used in items like shearling jackets and boots.

Applications: Sheep leather is ideal for fashion items such as gloves, jackets, and other lightweight apparel. It’s also commonly used in high-end accessories due to its softness and luxury appeal.

4. Goat Leather

Goat leather strikes a balance between durability and softness, making it a popular choice for a wide range of leather goods. Goat hides are naturally more water-resistant than other types of leather, adding to their appeal.

Characteristics:

Strength: Goat leather is durable, though not as robust as cow or buffalo leather. However, it is tougher than sheep leather, making it a good middle ground for products that require some durability without being overly heavy.

Texture: Goat leather typically has a natural pebble-like grain, which gives it a distinctive, slightly rough texture. This grain can be more subtle or prominent, depending on the processing.

Water Resistance: Goat leather has natural lanolin, which gives it a water-resistant quality, making it ideal for outdoor use and items that might be exposed to moisture.

Flexibility: Goat leather is more flexible than cow and buffalo leather, but slightly less so than sheep leather. It combines softness with durability, providing a good level of comfort without compromising on strength.

Applications: Due to its balance of strength and softness, goat leather is often used in bags, wallets, boots, and gloves. It’s also commonly found in high-end bookbinding and small leather goods.

Key Differences in Summary

Conclusion

Each type of leather—whether cow, buffalo, sheep, or goat—offers unique qualities suited to different uses. When selecting leather for a product, consider the required balance between durability, softness, weight, and appearance. Cow leather’s durability and versatility make it a go-to for many applications, while buffalo leather excels in strength and rugged aesthetics. Sheep leather is ideal for lightweight, luxury items, and goat leather provides a flexible, water-resistant alternative for a range of goods. Choosing the right leather can elevate a product, ensuring it meets the specific needs of style, function, and longevity. 

This guide should help you understand the nuances between different types of leather, making your next purchase or crafting decision easier. Whether you're in the market for a new leather jacket or designing a leather product line, the type of leather you choose will directly influence the final product’s quality and feel.