Quick Guide: Real Leather Vs. Vegan Leather

To many, a bag is more than a bag; it’s a travelling companion, it’s a tool, it’s a part of our style. Whether it’s a backpack, a rolling laptop bag, or a briefcase, bags come with us wherever we go.

When you’re new to the world of leather, it can be challenging to decide whether or not real leather is something you should invest in. You need to consider your lifestyle, your needs, and if you have the love and dedication to take care of real leather products.

The artisans at MANCINI Leather will explain the differences between real and vegan leather, so you can find the right bag!

Traditional Leather

Made from animal skin, real leather is a high-quality material that is cleaned, stretched, tanned, and sometimes dyed through various methods. One such method is vegetable tanning, which does not use chemicals, but rather, tree bark and other organic materials.

Real leather bags are made so well that they can be passed down as heirlooms if taken care of in the right way. While leather bags are perfect for all kinds of adventures, they require cleaning and pre-treatment for protection. Beeswax, sprays, and tote covers are different solutions to ensure your leather bag can join you on your next hike or vacation. 

Many people choose vegan leather simply because they don’t have the time or interest in maintaining their bag.

Vegan Leather

Also known as faux leather, synthetic leather, and a leather alternative, vegan leather is made from a variety of plant-based and plastic-based materials. Some examples include:

• Pineapple leaves
• Cactus
• PVC
• Glazed cotton
• Cork
• Apple skin
• Polyurethane 

Buyer Beware

When reading the tag of a leather product, “vegan” does not automatically mean it’s better. Made by adhering polyester fabrics, polyurethane is a commonly used plastic since it’s more flexible than PVC, another type of plastic. 

You may have heard of the faux leather term “pleather,” which is also made of polyurethane. European Union fashion businesses produce a high amount of vegan leather products of this type, but they have to comply with strict standards related to the environment and ethics.

But despite the compliance, polyurethane is not eco-friendly since it takes a long time to break down. It’s not as durable as real leather, as it’s a perfect material for our “throw-away” economy. 

In fact, polyurethane easily tears and cracks with use, forcing consumers to spend more money than they need to. A vast amount of vegan leather products are not the best solution when it comes to quality or long-term value.

Get High-Quality Leather from MANCINI

Most people may prefer environmentally friendly and sustainable materials, However, it is important to note that vegan leather also has its pros and cons.

If you want a bag that will last for decades, save you money over the long-term, and encourage a quality-first mindset, browse MANCINI’s leather briefcases, backpacks, and more.

And of course, don’t miss our sales!