- 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.
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.
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.
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.
