What is PU Leather?
The PU leather, also known as synthetic leather, it’s an imitation of the real leather created from polyurethane, a plastic with similar feel and aspect to the leather, but without involving animals. 100% PU leather is an artificial material that does not involve animals. PU leather is considered Vegan.
The most common way to create pu leather handbags is using a cover of plastic polyurethane and apply it to a base made of fiber (generally polyester). The PU leather can be combined with real leather to make something called “double-cast” leather. The “double-cast” leather can use a base of divided real leather which later is covered by PVC or PU layer.
The PU leather generally has the same texture as the animal skin (real leather), but in most cases, it’s lighter, and at the same time it is not as durable as real leather and tends to tear easily. It is also more resistant to sunlight, and this is why it is frequently used to cover car seats and furniture.
About maintenance, the PU leather can also be manufactured in a larger set of textures and colors. You can even give it a glossy finish with ease. Also, the PU leather rarely requires much attention, usually just cleaning with a damp cloth.
As opposed to genuine leather, PU leather is not as breathable. However, it is more breathable than other types of synthetic leather, such as PVC. While genuine leather tends to become more attractive and softer overtime, this is not the case with pu leather shoulder bag, which will maintain a uniform look and feel throughout its life. And finally, PU leather tends to be substantially cheaper than genuine leather.
How can you identify PU Leather?
Depending upon whether you are searching for PU leather or authentic leather, it is best to understand how to discriminate between them. Say you are buying a leather bag, the simplest method to discriminate is by looking at the tag or description. In some cases, products might not have a tag, so being able to know the distinctions will be useful.
The primary difference you will find is the expense. PU leather will normally be less expensive than genuine leather since it is simpler to produce and a much cheaper material.
Pu material bags will have a unique smell to it. PU will have a plastic or chemical smell to it that real leather will not have.
Doing a water test is also an easy way to figure out if it is real or fake leather. Although it wouldn't be advised to do a water test to an item you do not own, genuine leather will absorb the water. PU leather will not absorb the water.
If you have a keen eye, you may be able to tell the difference just by looking at the product. Real leather will have some imperfections and have a genuine grain, this is what gives our bags their vintage look. PU leather will in fact look phony, and will almost have an ideal, patterned texture look.