4 Major Differences Between Leather And Vinyl
Leather is a popular material derived from tanning the skin of selected animals. Due to its durability, scratch resistance, and elegant appearance, it is mostly used in car and furniture upholstery, and in the production of items like bags, shoes, clothes, wristwatch bands, and so on.
Genuine leather is very expensive. This may be attributed to the cumbersome process involved in the manufacture of leather. Faux or man-made leather (vinyl), on the other hand, is easily mass produced and cheaper than authentic leather goods. However, distinguishing between vinyl and leather could be difficult for the untrained eye.
Leather is more durable than vinyl, with proper care, it can last for years. Using the senses of smell, sight, and touch is vital in identifying genuine leather from its synthetic look-a-like.
Leather car seats that also include vinyl side pieces
The Smell
Genuine leather has a uniquely organic and natural scent that is almost impossible to manufacture. It is notable for the distinctive and earthy aroma it gives off.
Conversely, vinyl has an unpleasant chemical and plastic-like odor that cannot be mistaken for authentic leather. It’s strongly advisable to first familiarize oneself with the scent of leather before attempting to identify whether an upholstered piece is covered in leather or vinyl. To get acquainted with its smell, sniff items made of leather like handbags, boots, shoes, and jackets to get acquainted with the smell of genuine leather.
Costs
Processing real leather from animal skin or hide can be time-consuming and sometimes very tedious. This reason contributes to the high price tag of most leather goods. A piece of furniture can be useful in determining if the upholstery is leather or vinyl. Since actual leather is manufactured from real animals like cattle, goats, pigs, cats, dogs and even crocodiles, it would require a lot of processing to produce an attractive and fashionable leather material. Authentic leather goods cost a hefty amount mainly due to the production process involved its manufacture.
However, vinyl can be easily and quickly mass-produced by machines in large quantities which are usually identical. Faux leather pieces are actually readily available at significantly lower price tags than authentic leather items.
Appearance
It’s very easy to tell if a material is made from genuine leather or not in a store. Just look closely at the labels attached, if the manufacturer’s tag states 100 percent leather that is just what it is. Although it’s advisable to buy leather from only reputable sources in the first place.
However, a tag with the word “textile,” is fake leather. Authentic leather has tiny pores in the upholstery, while vinyl has a smooth surface. Look out for natural hide marks and rough edges that distinguish real leather from synthetic imitation leathers. No two leather item looks exactly the same except if the hide used is from the same animal.
The Feel On The Skin
Genuine leather when touched has a noticeable texture and grain; but vinyl often feels smooth. Leather feels flexible when stretched, while faux leather will feel stiff and hard when compared to actual leather, which generally feels warmer, softer and more supple to touch.
