Animal Leather Vs. Vegan Leather: What You Need To Know
With the rise of sustainability and conscious consumers, shoppers are now questioning the origin of their fashion pieces. Animal leather has long been the go-to choice for many, but with vegan leather increasing in popularity, shoppers are now trying to figure out which one is ethically better.
However, there’s no simple answer to whether or not animal leather is better than vegan leather and vice versa. Both vegan leather and animal leather have unique benefits and drawbacks. The choice between the two will depend on individual preferences, values, production, etc to make an informed decision. This guide provides all the information necessary so you can make a decision on which leather is best for you.
The difference between animal leather and vegan leather
Vegan leather and animal leather are two very different materials that are used in the production of clothing, handbags, and footwear.
Animal leather is made from animal skins and hides. While vegan leather is a synthetic material that is designed to mimic the look and feel of real animal leather.
There are many different types of leather produced from animals and non-animal sources, each with its own properties and benefits. Animal leather can be sourced from cows, sheep, alligators, and many other animals. It is generally more durable than vegan leather and ages well over time.
Vegan leather, on the other hand, is innovatively produced from plant-based material (apples, fruit waste, cactus, pineapple leaves, etc.) or synthetic materials including PVC, PU, and polyester.
Understand the production processes of both animal and vegan leathers
Before you decide which type of leather is best for you, it's important to take a closer look at the production process of both animal and vegan leather. Animal leather requires an animal's skin or hide to be tanned and processed through several stages before being usable.
Meanwhile, vegan leather production typically involves the synthesis of plastics and other non-animal materials into leather-like fabrics that are lighter, more affordable, and require less maintenance.
Consider durability, appearance, and comfort in making your decision
Durability, appearance, and comfort are all key factors to consider when choosing between animal leather and vegan leather. Animal leather is generally very durable and can last for years with proper maintenance and care. This makes it an excellent choice for handbags.
However, innovative advances in technology have helped the development of vegan leather to look and feel like real leather. Technology has enabled us to create more sustainable fashion options. If you place both bags side by side, it’s difficult to tell the difference between the two. Vegan leather is also much more affordable and is more environmentally friendly as it does not require the use of animal products.