Table of Contents
-
What Constitutes ‘Genuine Leather’?
-
A Technical Definition of ‘Genuine Leather’
-
Definition of ‘Genuine Leather’ in Popular Culture
-
Faux Leathers: Can We Call These Leather?
-
What Constitutes ‘Genuine Leather’?
Just like gold or silver, leather carries a legacy of tradition, value, and undeniable quality.
When you hear "leather," you think of something real, something that stands the test of time. So, when someone adds the word "genuine" to it, you’d expect it to be the real deal, right? Well, not so fast, amigo. That little adjective is there to fool you.
‘Genuine leather’ is actually the bottom rung of the leather ladder. It’s leather, sure, but it’s the kind you settle for when you can’t have the best.
A Technical Definition of ‘Genuine Leather’
Here’s where things get tricky.
There’s no universal playbook for defining leather. What’s allowed to be called ‘genuine leather’ depends on where you are in the world.
Different countries have their own rules—some strict, others more relaxed. But the gist of it is this: ‘genuine leather’ can be made from split leather, which is the lowest, least durable part of the hide.
Manufacturers slap on a layer of polyurethane and stamp it with some faux texture to make it look like the real deal. Sometimes, it’s even made from scraps of leather glued together and embossed to mimic the appearance of higher-quality leather—this is what’s known as ‘bonded leather’.
In the worst cases, it’s just imitation leather with a sprinkle of actual leather fibers on the back to justify the label.
Definition of ‘Genuine Leather’ in Popular Culture
In the world of marketing, ‘genuine leather’ is a clever little phrase designed to mislead. You see those words and think, "Oh, it’s real leather!"—but what it really means is, "There’s some leather in here, somewhere."
These products are cheaper for a reason—they lack the quality and longevity of full grain or top grain leather, the true champions of the leather world.
Faux Leathers: Can We Call These Leather?
Leather, by its very definition, comes from the skin of an animal, treated through tanning or a similar process. So, can we really call faux leather ‘leather’? Absolutely not. But here’s the catch—‘leather’ is such a powerful word, loaded with ideas of strength, durability, beauty, and craftsmanship, that it’s often hijacked to sell products that aren’t leather at all.
Faux leather has been around for about a century, crafted as a cheaper alternative to the real thing. You’ll see it go by many names: faux-leather, leatherette, PU-leather, pleather, and even the curious ‘vegetarian-leather’ or ‘vegan-leather’—which is like calling tofu a steak.
Some of these faux versions are so well-made you’d have to take the product apart to tell it’s not real leather. They’re commonly used in shoes, clothing, furniture, and especially car interiors. But here’s the rub—faux leather doesn’t breathe or age like the real stuff.
However, in certain cases—like for motorcycle seats or examination tables where resistance to sunlight, water, or disinfectants is key—faux leather might just be the better choice.
Genuine Leather Conclusions
So, when it comes to ‘genuine leather,’ remember: it’s the entry-level ticket to the leather world. If you’re looking for that true gaucho quality, with leather that’ll age beautifully and tell a story over time, keep your sights set on full grain or top grain leather. Anything less, and you’re just scratching the surface.