Leather is the necessary need of humans found in different factors like clothing, bags, furniture, automobiles, book binding and fashion accessories. Leather comes in various different types having different proprieties that sets them apart from each other. When it comes to clothing components there are two types of leather, one is the real leather and another is the PU leather. Each leather possesses distinct characteristics, and on the other hand have some pros and cons as well. This article is all about guiding you properly on two different leathers that may help you to select the leather of your choice.
Characteristics of PU leather
Polyurethane leather commonly known as PU leather is a synthetic and artificial leather made up of polyester or rayon material. A polyurethane is applied to base material. PU leather does not need animal hide and is far cheaper than real leather. The PU leather does not require maintenance as compared to real leather but is not durable and tends to tear easily. Variety of colors and style are produced by PU leather which allows a person to choose it according to their fashion needs. PU leather have many environmental benefits as it does not undergo tanning process. Chemicals such as chromium and ammonia are used in tanning which is capable of creating global pollution. PU leather is resistant to sunlight, thus maintaining the color and shine of the product for a longer period. It’s mostly used for automobiles because it does not crack or fade when exposed to sunlight.
Characteristics of Real leather
Real leather is made from pure animal hide commonly used are cowhide, lambskin, calfskin and horsehide. Cowhide is the most durable and reliable real leather that is most demanding as it lasts for more than ten to twenty years. Real leather has pores and scars on the back side of the product. The real leather goes under numerous tanning process out of which one is chrome tanning and the other is vegetable tanning. Chromium sulfate is the chemical that is typically used in chrome tanning and is considered as the most efficient process to make the leather more imperishable. Extra care and maintenance are required for real leather, like it needs to be polished and conditioned if used for a longer time. It can dry-out so it should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Genuine leather is breathable and has hypoallergenic qualities which means they repel certain allergens. Real leather can absorb water and dry-out within seconds that makes it a real quality genuine product.
Difference Between PU and Real Leather
When making a purchase it is essential to know what is real and what is PU leather as they differ in quality, price and material. Following points will give a proper guideline about how to make a mindset regarding real and PU leather.
Appearance
Real leather appears to be suede, as it has pores and scars. While PU leather is made with perfection with no scars and appear to be bold. PU leather require no tanning process.
Smell
Real leather smells like of it made from animal skin while PU has a smell of plastic polyurethane. When you make a good sense of smell only then it will help in differentiating real and PU and real leather.
Label
It is to advice that check the label first before making a purchase. If the label is tagged as PU then it is said to be not a real leather.
Price
Cowhide is more costly as compared to PU leather. Cowhide leather is more durable and reliable and tends to last for long.
