What’s the difference between: Real Vs Faux Vs Bonded Leather?

If you are really into shopping leather products for horse riding, you must know there are different qualities of leather goods available. No matter if you buy products from whatever source, there will always be a doubt: is it real or not?

It is hard to tell the difference between real and fake leather. However, with a bit of knowledge, you can surely tell the difference and buy the product you want. It’s evident that real/original leather will always cost more than its other alternative. Furthermore, we’ll give detailed information as to what will be best for you depending on various factors.

Read Also: Is Vegan Leather better than Original Leather?

Define the Terms

• Real Leather: There are many suitable terms for natural leather, such as – original leather, genuine leather, and pure leather. In general, they are all to classify the actual meaning of real leather in considerable terms. The highest quality leather is also referable as full grain leather for its look on the outside. As it’s useful from actual animal skin, the texture might have imperfections and unevenness. That’s how you can recognize it, and also, they are primarily available in thick material.

• Bonded Leather: The manufacturing of bonded leather is certainly genuine leather that’s mixed with some artificial binders. The scraps and leftovers of other leather material will be put together, and then a new form of leather will be there right in front. The binder that’s useful in the process is polyurethane, and it’s mix well to form bonded leather. Usually, there is only a percentage of 10% to 20% of genuine leather.

• Faux Leather: The term “Faux” in itself means fake, which further translates that this leather is made from artificial resources. There are other popular names for faux leather as well, such as – polyurethane leather or PU leather. Mainly, the composition of faux leather is a thermoplastic polymer. In general, PU is the only quality of leather that’s said to be 100% vegan and cruelty-free. Now, to say the least, you can choose for yourself what leather quality you require. Of course, only genuine quality leather will always be at a higher price in comparison with other types of leather.

Comparative Difference: Between Real, Faux, and Bonded Leather

We all know how difficult it can be to tell the difference between real and fake leather. Therefore, you must remember certain aspects before purchasing leather products online. In addition, knowing what you buy will be beneficial in making the right choice.

Here are some points of differences that you may consider before choosing which leather product to buy. They include –

• Price Range:

The most important aspect of selecting the quality of leather relates to its price. If you are not looking for a real leather product, then it’s easy to prefer alternative options. For example, if someone is not into buying real leather, for it’s a byproduct of animal skin, then you can quickly look for PU leather. More so, the price of real leather will always be very high in comparison to bonded and faux leather.

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• The durability of Material:

As we know, higher-range products will last longer than low-cost products. The same is the case with real, bonded, and faux leather. In simple terms, PU leather or faux leather will always be available at a lower cost. It’s generally because it does not stay the same for long.

Secondly, as we know, bonded leather is from scrap leather and polyurethane; it may last for a couple of years or so. On the other hand, real leather will stay the same for almost 7 to 10 years. Some say that real leather’s texture will improve with time without even degrading the quality.

• Look, Texture, and Appearance:

As we know, real leather is the basic and standard-looking leather to which the appearance of other types of leather is similar. While looking for a real leather product, you will have limited color options. The best way to differentiate between real, faux, and bonded leather is that real leather will always be thicker and smoother in texture. On the other hand, faux and bonded leather will appear more on the synthetic side of the material.

• Ease of Cleanliness:

It is likely to understand that real leather is a finished form of the actual skin of an animal. Likewise, it will absorb water as the skin has pores through which water can penetrate. More so, you need to take good care of your real leather products and clean them with the right procedure. On the other hand, faux or bonded leather does not require regular cleaning or much care. Likewise, you can simply wipe it off with a cotton cloth and nothing much.

Final Thoughts – If you are buying real leather for the first time, it may not be easy to tell the difference just by looking at it. Likewise, it depends upon the person’s personal choice as to what they want to buy. Some people who do not favor killing an animal for skin will definitely choose PU leather for its appearance. However, those who are looking for durability and the best quality leather will go for real/original leather products.

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https://horsesaddleshop.org/what-is-vegan-leather/
https://horsesaddleshop.org/horse-saddle-bags/
https://horsesaddleshop.org/how-to-saddle-a-horse/
https://horsesaddleshop.org/how-to-measure-a-horse-saddle/