Leather products are always in demand. However, the rising shift towards a more conscious lifestyle has made people choose PU Microfiber Leather over real leather. WINIW, a leading name in the field of faux leather industry, manufactures and supplies PU and Microfiber Leather. Our premium quality faux leather fabric – both PU and Microfiber Leather- has gained popularity across different industries globally.
Defining the Three Leather Types
These three types of leather are versatile, finding application in many areas.
PU Leather
PU or polyurethane leather is 100% artificial and is often sought by vegans as an alternative to real leather. Often used in upholstery, PU Microfiber Leather, and the clothing or footwear industry, PU leather imitates the texture and feel of animal leather but without the high-end price or maintenance efforts.
Microfiber Leather
A type of synthetic leather, microfiber leather is basically an amalgamation of various non-woven fabrics that have a coating of PU resins. The ultra-fine fibers mimic the look of real leather and enable the fabric to be used in the clothing and footwear industry, along with furniture and car upholstery.
Real Leather
Also known as genuine leather, real leather comes from animal skins and is not synthetically made. Purists prefer to use products made of real leather, even though it resorts to animal cruelty. Real leather is used by many high-end footwear and clothing brands.
How Do They Compare?
But before making a purchase, know about the differences between these two synthetic fabrics. Also, know how they differ from real leather.
1. Price According to Length
The three differ greatly in price. At present, the price of 15-30 meters of PU Leather is less than 50-150 meters of Microfiber Leather. So, it can be said that the cost of the lather is on the higher side.
But both cost less than real leather, which is quite high.
2. Texture
Both Microfiber Leather and PU Leather are made with polyurethane resins, but they vary in color and style. PU Leather has gained popularity over the world due to its texture and polished surface. But Microfiber Leather is said to have a more wear-and-tear -resistant surface that also does not get affected by acid or alkali. It shows more moisture resistance than PU and retains color for a longer period of time.
Needless to say both PU and Microfiber leather mimic the texture of real leather and perform better than this.
3. Material
While PU Leather is made of knitted, woven, or non-woven fabric and then coated with polyurethane resin, Microfiber Leather is made with non-woven fabric with a 3D structure as the base fabric. It is coated with high-performance polyurethane resin. Microfiber Leather has a higher technical standard in terms of manufacturing and processing, so the base fabric makes it a tad bit better.
Real leather uses animal hides as the raw material.
4. Performance
In terms of performance, Microfiber Leather gains an upper hand over PU Leather. It is more durable and can resist the daily rigors of life without tearing down. There is better moisture absorption, and the fabric exudes comfort. Microfiber Leather seems closer to genuine leather in terms of performance.
Real leather exhibits incredible performance, but it might crack or peel after a few years.
5. Market Prospects
PU leather has a low technical threshold and severe overcapacity. At the time of manufacturing, the fabric shrinks, which is incompatible with the rising consumer demand. However, Microfiber Leather has a higher technical threshold and limited production capacity. Most consumers widely prefer Microfiber Leather, giving the market a better prospect to shine.
Real leather always has a rising market, but ecologically conscious people are slowly shifting.
PU and Microfiber leather differ in various aspects and thus have varying substitution effects. But it can be argued that with time, Microfiber Leather is going to rise above PU Leather and capture the market more.
FAQs
1. Can PU Leather be Easily Cleaned?
Absolutely. Simply use a wet cloth to wipe the surface. You can also use a mild cleaning solution if needed.
2. Is Microfiber Leather Long-Lasting?
Absolutely. This synthetic fabric is said to last for the longest time. With minimal upkeep, products made with Microfiber leather do not crack or peel.
3. What Makes People Still Choose Real Leather over Faux PU and Microfiber Leather?
There are individuals who prefer authenticity over anything else. This section resorts to products made with real leather even when there are better alternatives that are free from animal cruelty.
4. Why is Microfiber Leather More Popular than PU Leather Despite being More Expensive?
Microfiber leather has a better finish as it is using modern 3D technology. It also lasts longer than PU leather. Despite the differences in cost, people prefer manufactured Microfiber over PU because of its quality.