Complete Guide to Artificial Leather
Explore the world of artificial leather, learning about its types, prices, advantages/disadvantages, and frequently asked questions
sufer
Published on June 10, 2025
What is Artificial Leather?
Artificial leather, also known as synthetic leather or faux leather, is a material that mimics the appearance and texture of natural leather. It is typically composed of a base material (such as fabric) and a coating (usually polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride). Artificial leather is produced to provide an aesthetic effect similar to genuine leather while avoiding some issues associated with animal leather, such as cost, sustainability, and animal welfare concerns.
What are the Types of Artificial Leather?
There are many types of artificial leather, each with its unique characteristics and uses. Here are some common types:
PU Leather (Polyurethane Leather)
PU leather is one of the most common types of artificial leather, made by covering a fabric base with a polyurethane coating. PU leather is more breathable than PVC leather and feels closer to genuine leather, commonly used in furniture, clothing, and footwear.
PVC Leather (Polyvinyl Chloride Leather)
PVC leather is made of polyvinyl chloride and is generally more durable and waterproof than PU leather. However, it has poor breathability and may not feel as natural as PU leather. PVC leather is commonly used in automotive interiors, luggage, and some low-cost furniture.
Microfiber Leather
Microfiber leather is a high-end artificial leather made of extremely fine synthetic fibers, usually covered with a polyurethane coating. Its texture and durability are close to genuine leather, and it even surpasses genuine leather in some aspects, commonly used in high-end furniture and car seats.
Eco Leather
Eco leather is a more environmentally friendly artificial leather, typically made from renewable or recycled materials. Its production process is also more environmentally friendly, reducing the impact on the environment, suitable for consumers who focus on sustainability.
What is the Price of Artificial Leather?
The price of artificial leather varies by type, quality, brand, and purpose. Generally, artificial leather is much cheaper than natural leather, but the specific price range is still wide:
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Low-end Artificial Leather (such as ordinary PVC leather): The price per square meter is usually between 50 yuan and 150 yuan, suitable for budget-conscious applications.
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Mid-range Artificial Leather (such as PU leather): The price per square meter is usually between 150 yuan and 300 yuan, a common choice for furniture and clothing.
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High-end Artificial Leather (such as microfiber leather): The price per square meter is usually between 300 yuan and 800 yuan, close to the price of some low-quality genuine leather.
Note: The above prices are for reference only. Actual prices may vary due to market fluctuations, purchase volume, and regional differences.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Artificial Leather
Advantages
- Lower price, more affordable than genuine leather
- Easy to maintain, no special care required
- More diverse color and texture options
- More environmentally friendly (especially eco leather)
- Less affected by temperature and humidity
Disadvantages
- Poorer durability, prone to wear and peeling
- Poor breathability, may cause discomfort
- The texture of high-end products still differs from genuine leather
- Certain types (such as PVC) may contain harmful substances
- May harden or crack over time
Frequently Asked Questions About Artificial Leather
Here is a list of the most common questions about artificial leather:
Conclusion
Artificial leather is a versatile material that provides an alternative to genuine leather. It has advantages such as affordability, easy maintenance, and diverse color options, but it also has disadvantages such as poor durability and poor breathability. Choosing artificial leather or genuine leather depends on your specific needs and preferences. By understanding the different types of artificial leather and their characteristics, you can make a more informed purchasing decision.
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Existing Comments (3)
Mr. Zhang
October 20, 2023
This article is very comprehensive and has solved many of my questions about artificial leather. I am planning to buy a sofa recently and now have a clearer understanding of whether to choose artificial leather or genuine leather. Thank you for the author's sharing!
Ms. Li
October 18, 2023
I have been using an artificial leather sofa at home for five years, and the overall experience has been good. The texture was great at first, but over time, some areas have indeed shown slight peeling. However, considering the price is only one-third of a genuine leather sofa, I think it is still worth it.
sufer Author
October 19, 2023
Thank you for sharing! Your experience is very valuable. The durability of artificial leather is indeed a factor to consider, especially in high-frequency use cases. Choosing high-quality products and paying attention to maintenance can effectively extend their service life.
Mr. Wang
October 15, 2023
I am interested in the environmental friendliness of artificial leather. The article mentions eco leather, but can you elaborate on the difference between it and traditional artificial leather? Is eco leather really more environmentally friendly?