Full-Grain Leather vs. Faux Leather vs. Vegan Leather

Sourcing for the best leather takes some extra time and effort to really get to know better the differences of each type. While it may be generally easier to tell apart cheap leather from a premium one, there are some types that are of quality but not the ones you should be getting for your leather goods. This brings us to our blog post today, which compares three common but very distinct types of leather.

Karl previously discussed what full-grain leather is and why it’s the best. From this article, we’ve learned that full-grain leather is the highest quality and most durable type of real leather. It is made from the top layer of the animal hide and retains its natural grain, including imperfections and markings.

Full-grain leather is produced through vegetable or chrome tanning, preserving its strength, breathability, and ability to develop a rich patina over time. Leather tanning dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Mesopotamians pioneering techniques to preserve hides for clothing, armor, and tools.

Today, full-grain leather is prized for high-end applications, including luxury bags, premium wallets, heirloom-quality furniture, automotive interiors, and even a full-grain leather phone case.

Some unique uses include handcrafted watch straps, custom-made guitar straps, and equestrian gear, where durability and aesthetics matter most.

With proper care, full-grain leather goods can last decades and even develop a unique patina over time. It has a natural texture, visible grain, and unique imperfections, making each piece distinct.

Full-grain leather is very durable and ideal for high-wear items like furniture, boots, and many kinds of accessories.

Full-grain leather has a unique, irregular grain pattern due to natural variations in the animal hide. However, due to its high quality, full-grain leather is the most expensive leather type.

The porous nature of the grain allows air to pass through, preventing excessive moisture buildup. Compared to faux leather, full-grain leather is denser and heavier.

Full-grain leather develops a patina over time that gives it character. Instead of deteriorating, it looks better with age, developing a rich patina that enhances its character. This material still needs conditioning and care to maintain suppleness and avoid drying or cracking.

Vegetable-tanned full-grain leather uses fewer harmful chemicals than other types of leather. Since it uses the top layer of the hide, there's no unnecessary waste. Full-grain leather products also last longer, so they don't need to be replaced as often. Moreover, full-grain leather production uses processes that recycle water and material waste.

Faux leather, also called PU (polyurethane) leather or PVC leather, is a synthetic material designed to mimic real leather. It is made by applying a plastic coating over a fabric base, usually polyester or cotton. This synthetic leather was first developed in the early 20th century as a cheaper alternative to real leather.

One of the earliest versions, Presstoff, was used in Germany during wartime when genuine leather was scarce. As mentioned, modern faux leather is typically made from PU or PVC, which are applied to a fabric backing to mimic the look and feel of real leather. While it lacks the durability of full-grain leather, its affordability and versatility make it popular for fashion, furniture, and car interiors.

Unique applications include handbags, waterproof upholstery, and even high-performance sports gear, where moisture resistance and lightweight properties are advantageous.

Faux leather is a fully synthetic material that is often coated in vinyl. It is significantly cheaper than full-grain leather, and it tends to crack, peel, and deteriorate over time, especially with frequent use. It typically lasts only a few years.

The biggest downside is that PU and PVC leather production involves petroleum-based plastics and toxic chemicals, which contribute to pollution and waste.

Faux leather has a uniform, repeating pattern due to the manufacturing process. Unlike real leather, faux leather is non-porous and does not absorb water.

Faux leather feels cold and plastic-like and is generally lighter than full-grain leather. It is manufactured to be uniform in texture and color without natural imperfections.

Faux leather may have a chemical or plastic-like smell. The plastic coating can prevent air from passing through, leading to heat and sweat buildup. It lacks the genuine texture, smell, and feel of real leather.

Vegan leather is a broad term that includes faux leather and plant-based alternatives. While some vegan leathers are simply PU/PVC, others use sustainable materials like:

• Cork
• Mushroom leather (mycelium)
• Apple leather
• Pineapple leather (Piñatex)
• Cactus leather

While synthetic vegan leather has been around since the early 20th century, the push for eco-friendly options has driven innovation in bio-based alternatives.

Unlike faux leather, which is purely plastic-based, some vegan leathers aim to reduce environmental impact by using biodegradable or recycled materials. It is widely used in fashion (handbags, shoes, jackets), car interiors, and even luxury goods, with brands exploring sustainable options.

Unique applications include lab-grown leather-like materials for futuristic clothing and ethical upholstery in eco-conscious furniture.

Vegan leather can be made from recycled materials like pineapple plants, cork, plastic bottles, and mushrooms. Most vegan leather products are lightweight, making them comfortable to wear.

However, some plant-based vegan leathers, especially those with synthetic coatings, may still lack breathability.

Vegan leather can be eco-friendly and animal cruelty-free, but it can be chemical-heavy and not biodegradable. Some plant-based vegan leathers (e.g., mushroom leather, Piñatex) use biodegradable materials and less harmful production processes.

It is important to note that many vegan leathers are still plastic-based (PU/PVC), meaning they can be just as bad for the environment as regular faux leather.

Vegan leather can be less durable than real leather and may show signs of wear and tear quickly. Even plant-based vegan leather is generally less durable than full-grain leather. Some varieties, like Piñatex, are strong but still don’t last as long as real leather.

High-quality, sustainable vegan leather (e.g., mushroom leather) can cost nearly as much as real leather due to production complexity.

When it comes to phone cases, full-grain leather stands leagues above vegan leather in both durability and character. Choose full-grain leather if you want durability, a luxury feel, and a long-lasting investment. Faux leather is a budget-friendly option, but expect it to wear out in a few years. Vegan leather is also a tough alternative, but it’s not real leather. It cannot last as long as full-grain leather.