Genuine leather and faux leather are two materials that are commonly used in the production of phone cases. While they may look similar at first glance, there are several key differences between the two materials that are important to consider when choosing a phone case.
If you're in the market for a new phone case, you may have come across the terms "genuine leather" and "faux leather" and wondered about the difference between the two.
First and foremost, genuine leather is exactly as it sounds - it's real, natural leather made from the hide of an animal, usually a cow. This leather is processed and tanned using various chemicals and techniques to give it its desired texture, appearance and durability.
On the other hand, faux leather - also known as "vegan leather" or "artificial leather" - is a synthetic material made to mimic the look and feel of genuine leather. It's often made from polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or a blend of other materials and is typically cheaper than genuine leather.
But what sets these two materials apart and how do you know which one is right for you? Here are some key differences to consider:
- Genuine leather is a natural, breathable material that ages beautifully over time. Its grain and texture make each piece unique, and the patina it develops adds character and depth to the leather. However, it can be prone to scuffing and fading if not properly cared for.
- Faux leather, on the other hand, is a man-made material that doesn't have the same breathability or durability as genuine leather. It's often treated with chemicals to give it a more leather-like texture, but this can make it more prone to peeling and cracking over time.
- In terms of appearance, genuine leather has a rich, luxurious look and feel that's hard to replicate with faux leather. While faux leather may initially look similar to genuine leather, it often lacks the depth and character of real leather and can appear plastic-like or synthetic.
- In terms of price, genuine leather is typically more expensive than faux leather as it requires more time and effort to produce. This is because the hide must be processed and treated, which adds to the overall cost of the phone case. Faux leather, on the other hand, is typically cheaper to produce as it is made from synthetic materials that are less expensive to source and process.
At Porter Riley, we offer a range of genuine leather phone cases that are carefully crafted using premium, high-quality leather. Our leather is sourced from reputable suppliers and is processed and tanned using sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Each piece is unique and will develop a rich patina over time, adding character and depth to the leather. Here's why we think genuine leather is a superior material to PVC or PU leather, and why we choose to use it to make our phone cases:
- Genuine leather is a natural, breathable material that ages beautifully over time. Its unique grain and texture makes each piece unique, and the patina it develops adds character and depth to the leather.
- Faux leather is a man-made material that doesn't have the same breathability or durability as genuine leather. It's often treated with chemicals to give it a more leather-like texture, but this can make it more prone to peeling and cracking over time.
- Genuine leather has a rich, luxurious look and feel that's hard to replicate with faux leather. Faux leather may initially look similar to genuine leather, but it often lacks the depth and character of real leather and can appear plastic-like or synthetic.
- Genuine leather is more expensive than faux leather due to the time and effort that goes into processing and tanning the leather. However, the durability and longevity of genuine leather makes it a worthwhile investment in the long run.