How to Choose the Best Faux Synthetic Leather

Faux synthetic leather has become a popular alternative to genuine leather in everything from fashion to furniture. It offers a cruelty-free and often more affordable option while still providing a sleek, leather-like appearance. However, not all synthetic leathers are created equal. Choosing the right one requires understanding the different types available, evaluating quality indicators, and knowing what to avoid.

Understanding Faux Synthetic Leather

Before diving into what makes one faux leather better than another, it helps to understand what faux synthetic leather is. It’s typically made from a plastic base—most often polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—and then treated to resemble the texture, color, and grain of real leather.

PU Leather is more flexible, breathable, and eco-friendly than PVC.
PVC Leather tends to be cheaper and more durable, but less breathable and more rigid.

Both types can be made to mimic various leather grains and finishes, from smooth Napa to distressed vintage looks.

Step 1: Decide on the Application

The first step in choosing the best faux synthetic leather is to consider how you’ll use it. Different applications require different properties:

For Upholstery (furniture, car seats): Durability and ease of cleaning are crucial. Look for thicker PU blends or PVC with a strong fabric backing.
For Fashion (bags, jackets, shoes): Flexibility and aesthetic appeal matter more. Soft PU with fine grain detailing works best here.
For DIY crafts: Choose something easy to cut and sew. Thin, flexible PU is ideal.

Step 2: Evaluate the Surface Finish

Good faux leather should feel close to real leather. When evaluating the surface, ask yourself:

Does it feel too plasticky or rubbery?
Is the grain pattern too uniform or obviously artificial?
Does it wrinkle and flex like natural leather?

High-quality faux leather is often embossed with grain patterns and treated to give it a more realistic feel. Some manufacturers even add a slight “pull-up” effect or two-tone shading to enhance the natural look.

A reliable leather manufacturer will provide swatches and samples so you can test the texture and finish before buying in bulk or committing to a large project.

Step 3: Check the Backing Material

The strength and durability of synthetic leather depend heavily on its backing material. Most quality faux leather has a woven or non-woven fabric backing made from cotton, polyester, or microfiber. This layer adds strength and prevents tearing.

Hold the leather sample and try to pull it apart. If it stretches too easily or the backing separates, it's not a good sign.

Step 4: Consider Environmental Impact

Faux leather has long been marketed as the “green” choice compared to animal leather, but that’s not always the case. PVC-based synthetic leather often contains chlorine and phthalates, which can harm the environment during production and disposal.

PU leather is typically considered more eco-friendly, especially newer water-based PU options. When possible, look for products labeled as:

REACH compliant
VOC-free
Eco PU or bio-based PU

Some of the best leather company brands are now producing sustainable synthetic leathers made from recycled plastics or plant-based materials like cactus and apple peel.

Step 5: Evaluate Durability Metrics

When shopping for synthetic leather, look at performance specs. A few key ones include:

Abrasion Resistance (Martindale or Wyzenbeek test): Measured in cycles; higher numbers mean better wear resistance.
Tensile Strength: Indicates how much force the material can withstand before breaking.
Colorfastness: Shows how resistant the material is to fading when exposed to light or washing.

For furniture, look for abrasion ratings of at least 30,000 cycles. For fashion accessories, something in the 10,000–20,000 range is usually sufficient.

Step 6: Ask About Maintenance

One reason people love faux leather is that it’s low maintenance. Still, not all synthetic leathers clean the same way.

PU leather is usually easier to clean and less likely to crack over time compared to PVC. However, some high-gloss or specialty finishes may require specific cleaners to avoid damage. Check if the product is:

Water-resistant or waterproof
Stain-resistant
Heat-resistant (especially important for car interiors)

Also, ask if the leather is treated with any antimicrobial or UV-resistant coatings, which can extend its lifespan.

Step 7: Buy From a Reputable Supplier

The rise in demand for synthetic leather has led to a flood of low-quality products in the market. Stick with suppliers who have a track record of quality and transparency.

A trustworthy leather manufacturer will provide product specs, safety data sheets, and material samples. They’ll be open about where and how the material was made and what’s in it.

When in doubt, check third-party certifications such as:

OEKO-TEX
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
ISO 9001 or 14001 certifications

Some of the best leather company operations also offer warranties on their materials, especially for commercial use.

Step 8: Think Long Term

Faux leather may not last as long as real leather, but high-quality synthetic materials can still offer excellent durability if chosen correctly. Pay attention to:

Stitching compatibility: Will it hold up under sewing or gluing?
UV resistance: Will it fade in sunlight?
Aging: Will it peel or crack over time?

Opt for materials that come with a user manual or care instructions—this is often a sign that the manufacturer stands behind the product.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best faux synthetic leather is about more than just how it looks. You need to match the material to its intended use, test for quality, and work with trusted suppliers. Whether you're upholstering a sofa, designing handbags, or crafting accessories, taking the time to understand the different types of synthetic leather can save you time, money, and disappointment down the road.