Faux leather fabric
A fabric base coated with polyurethane (PU) or PVC. A plastic coating is applied to a fabric base and embossed with a leather grain. 'Vegan leather' is usually the same PU.
Also called: PU leather, vegan leather
How it feels
Leather-like, but doesn't breathe.
Season: Spring and autumn; next to skin it can feel stuffy in the heat.
What it's used for
Jackets, skirts, trousers, bags.
Faux-leather trousers, skirts and jackets for evening or edgy looks; pair with knits and cotton to balance the shine.
Pros
- Cheaper than leather, animal-free
- Easy to wipe clean
Cons
- Cracks and peels after a few years
- Doesn't breathe
Care: a typical label
Always follow your own garment's label – blends and finishes change the care.
How it's constructed
Plain weave. The simplest weave: each thread goes over one, under one. Strong, matte, the same on both sides, but creases more easily.
A little history
Faux leather spread in the mid-20th century; recent versions use mushrooms, pineapple leaves or cactus, but most still contain plastic.
How to recognise it
Synthetics are smooth, often slightly shiny, light and crease-free. They melt as they burn, smell of plastic and leave a hard bead.
Sustainability
Made from oil, don't biodegrade and shed microplastics in the wash. Recycled polyester (rPET) cuts oil use but not microfibre shedding; filter wash bags catch it.
When buying
Synthetics are great for sport, but for next-to-skin wear choose blends with natural or regenerated fibres – they breathe better and hold less odour.
Frequently asked
01What is faux leather?
A fabric base coated with polyurethane (PU) or PVC. A plastic coating is applied to a fabric base and embossed with a leather grain. 'Vegan leather' is usually the same PU.
02Is faux leather a natural fabric?
No – it's a synthetic fibre made from petroleum.
03Does faux leather shrink?
No – faux leather hardly shrinks, unless washed or ironed very hot.
04Is faux leather breathable?
Poorly: faux leather lets little air or moisture through – you'll sweat in the heat.