When it comes to choosing a leather jacket or any leather product, one of the most important decisions is the type of leather itself: genuine or faux. While both may look similar from a distance, they are worlds apart in terms of quality, durability, texture, and value.
At Vade Blanc, we exclusively use full-grain and top-grain leather the highest quality available because we believe that timeless fashion starts with authentic craftsmanship. In this guide, we break down the key differences between genuine leather and faux leather to help you make an informed, confident investment.
What Is Genuine Leather?
Genuine leather is made from animal hides, typically cowhide, and goes through a tanning process to create a flexible, durable material. However, the term “genuine leather” can be misleading. It does not refer to the best quality of real leather.
Types of Real Leather (from highest to lowest quality):
- Full-Grain Leather – The topmost layer with natural imperfections; most durable and breathable.
- Top-Grain Leather – Sanded and finished; slightly less durable but smoother.
- Genuine Leather – A catch-all term for lower layers, often bonded and processed.
- Bonded Leather – Scraps glued together with polyurethane; lowest form of “real” leather.
At Vade Blanc, we never use bonded or low-grade genuine leather. We craft our jackets from full-grain and top-grain leathers the only types worthy of lasting luxury.
What Is Faux Leather?
Faux leather is synthetic, made from plastic-based materials like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It mimics the appearance of leather but lacks the natural texture, durability, and feel.
Key Features of Faux Leather:
- Man-made
- Often less expensive
- Water-resistant on the surface
- Lacks breathability
- Tends to crack or peel over time
- Uniform grain (no natural variation)
Though vegan and often marketed as “eco-friendly,” not all faux leathers are sustainable. Many contain plastics and chemicals that are harmful to the environment and non-biodegradable.
Genuine vs. Faux Leather: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Genuine Leather | Faux Leather |
| Material | Animal hide (natural) | Synthetic (plastic-based) |
| Durability | 10–20+ years with care | 1–5 years before peeling or cracking |
| Feel | Soft, breathable, warms with body heat | Cool, stiff, lacks breathability |
| Aging | Develops patina (improves with time) | Deteriorates (peels, cracks) |
| Smell | Rich, earthy leather scent | Chemical or plastic smell |
| Environmental Impact | Biodegradable (especially vegetable-tanned) | Often non-biodegradable (PVC especially) |
| Cost | Higher upfront cost, better long-term value | Lower cost, but short lifespan |
| Aesthetic | Natural grain, unique patterns | Uniform, artificial grain pattern |
Durability: The Long-Term Value of Genuine Leather
A high-quality leather jacket made from full-grain or top-grain leather can last decades it even looks better with age, developing a unique patina that tells your story. Faux leather, on the other hand, often begins to crack, peel, or split after just a few years, especially with regular wear.
Vade Blanc Insight:
A full-grain leather jacket from Vade Blanc, with proper care, becomes a lifelong wardrobe essential, not just a seasonal trend.
Appearance & Feel: Can You Tell the Difference?
To the untrained eye, faux leather may look similar to real leather especially when new. But over time, the difference becomes unmistakable.
- Genuine leather feels supple, warm, and breathable. It molds to your body and improves with wear.
- Faux leather often feels plastic-like, stiff, and doesn’t conform naturally to your shape.
Sustainability: Is Faux Leather Really Eco-Friendly?
Faux leather is often marketed as a vegan or environmentally conscious option. But not all synthetic leathers are created equal. Many use PVC, which contains harmful dioxins, or PU, which is petroleum-based.
On the other hand, vegetable-tanned real leather is:
- Biodegradable
- Made without harmful chemicals
- Long-lasting, meaning less waste over time
Vade Blanc’s Commitment: We use responsibly sourced, vegetable-tanned leather wherever possible, blending ethical fashion with enduring luxury.
Price vs. Value
Faux leather jackets typically cost less upfront, but often need to be replaced within 1–3 years. This can become more expensive over time.
A genuine leather jacket may have a higher price tag, but:
- Wears longer
- Looks better over time
- Holds resale value
- Becomes a statement piece
How to Spot the Difference: Quick Checklist
Here’s how to tell if you’re looking at real or faux leather:
- Touch it: Real leather is soft, warm, and pliable. Faux feels cold and plastic-like.
- Smell it: Genuine leather has a distinctive rich, natural scent.
- Look at the edges: Real leather has rough, fibrous edges. Faux leather has smooth, perfect cuts.
- Water test: A drop of water will soak into real leather, darkening the spot temporarily. Faux leather repels it.
- Grain pattern: Genuine leather has natural inconsistencies. Faux leather is too uniform.
Why Vade Blanc Chooses Only Genuine Leather
At Vade Blanc, we are driven by the belief that clothing should be crafted, not manufactured. That’s why every jacket in our collection is made with genuine, full-grain or top-grain leather sourced from reputable European tanneries and shaped by skilled artisans.
We don’t do shortcuts. We don’t do plastic. We do legacy fashion that’s built to last and built for you.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the decision between genuine and faux leather comes down to what you value:
- If you want authenticity, durability, style evolution, and real craftsmanship, genuine leather is the clear winner.
- If you’re seeking a short-term trend piece and lower cost is your top priority, faux leather might suffice—but expect a shorter lifespan and less satisfaction.
