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.

Types of Leather !

 

Some factors to consider when choosing the type of leather to use include the intended use of the product, the desired appearance and feel of the leather, and the budget.

Here are a few common types of leather and their characteristics:

• Full-grain leather: This is the top layer of the hide and has not been sanded or buffed to remove imperfections. It is the most durable and highest-quality type of leather, and it retains the natural strength and texture of the hide.

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• Top-grain leather: This is the top layer of the hide that has been sanded and buffed to remove imperfections, resulting in a more uniform appearance. It is slightly less durable than full-grain leather but is still a high-quality option.
• Corrected-grain leather: This is leather that has been treated to remove imperfections and is then embossed with a grain pattern. It is not as durable or high-quality as full-grain or top-grain leather.
• Split leather: This is the lower layer of the hide that is left after the top layer has been removed to make full-grain or top-grain leather. It is not as strong or durable as the top layers of the hide, but it is still used to make products such as suede and some types of leather goods.
• When choosing a type of leather, it is important to consider the intended use of the product and the desired appearance and feel of the leather. Full-grain and top-grain leathers are generally the most durable and highest-quality options, while corrected-grain leather and split leather are lower-quality options.

Types of Leather best for making Travel Bags

When it comes to choosing the best type of leather for making travel bags, there are a few factors to consider:

1.    Durability: Travel bags see a lot of wear and tear, so it's important to choose a type of leather that is sturdy and able to withstand rough handling. Full-grain leather is a good choice because it is thick and resistant to scratches and scuffs.

2.    Water resistance: If you'll be using your travel bag in wet or rainy conditions, you'll want to choose a type of leather that is resistant to water. Waxed or oiled leather is a good choice because it has a protective finish that helps to repel water.

3.    Ease of maintenance: Traveling can be hard on your bag, and you may not always have access to the resources you need to clean and maintain it. Choose a type of leather that is easy to care for and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

4.    Aesthetics: Finally, consider the look and feel of the leather. Do you want a smooth, polished finish or a more rustic, textured look? Different types of leather can give you different aesthetics, so choose the one that best fits your personal style.

In summary, full-grain leather, waxed or oiled leather, and leather that is easy to care for and maintain are good choices for travel bags.