Leatherette Vs Leather – Advantages, Comparison and Some Facts

Although the two terms are widely used in furniture, most of the people don’t know the difference between leather and leatherette. Some of the people even confuse the two together or regard them as usable in place of each other. Though it might be right to some extent since the leatherette is actually used in place of leather. But that doesn’t carry the value as leather does. It is rather used as a less expensive alternative for leather.

Let us today find out the key differences and learn more about the two similar looking products.

Let’s Talk About Leather First

Leather, as everyone knows is a valuable product obtained from animal hide. It undergoes several chemical processes before finally looking the way it does and absorbing the real value. Different animals’ hide has varying value for the production of leather. However, leather made with cattle skin is the most common and valued. Whereas crocodile’s leather is the most expensive in the world for it’s rare and unique.

Now Comes Leatherette

Leatherette is rather a copy or mimicry of real leather. For leatherette is much cheaper than leather, it’s commonly used as an alternative of leather. Leatherette is obtained from synthesized cloth fibers. No biological material is used in the making of leatherette and it is completely a chemical process.

We Are Going to Compare the Two Now

Leather

Leather is more expensive since it’s made with biological material which takes a lot before being available to be used for the manufacture of anything.

It’s long-lasting. If you take proper care and maintain it well, it can last 15 years and even more.

It biodegrades.

Pores in leather make it a good fit for hot weather too.

Leather doesn’t have a variety of color. You would mostly get some shades in black and brown only.

Leatherette

Leatherette is a chemical product made with material not very expensive, so it’s cheaper. You might get it at half the price of leather.

Leatherette doesn’t last as long as real leather. Proper and maintenance will give it a maximum of 10 years to last. It can get ugly even before the said duration.

It doesn’t biodegrade.

It doesn’t breathe well, so is not a good option in hot weather.

Leatherette can be dyed and produce a number of colors.

It’s Time to Discuss Some Advantages of Leather

Leather is an extremely liked material and durable too. It enjoys a great market value and thus is used in the making of many products like jackets, wallets, shoes, belts, etc. Leather is also much used in the furniture industry. Sofa sets, bed headboards and a number of other furnishings are made with leather.

Leather has quite a lot of more benefits that make its worth. Leather is resistant to fire and also waterproof. What a combination! Alongside that, it is also fungus reluctant and less allergic because of having to allergy stimulant ingredients.

Here Are Some Advantages of Leatherette

Leatherette is also used in the making of lots of things like furniture, automobile upholstery and sometimes in clothes. Leatherette is more durable in automobile seats. Owing to the looks it renders, it is widely used in the making of many automobile products. Since it’s color able, it’s used furniture and complements the interior designing purposes quite well. Leatherette is comparatively easier to clean.

What’s the Right Option for You?

It depends on quite a few things. Keeping the factors that matter like your budget, maintenance capability, the time you want to change it in the future, etc. leather is better for things wearables like jacket and boots. Whereas leatherette is better in automobile products for it is easier to clean. However, the best choice comes after analyzing the very situation under which you’re needing to opt for one of the two.