Vegan leather has been a hot topic since the rise of veganism. But what is it exactly? What is it made out of and how? Is it durable? In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about vegan leather. In addition, we’ll look at some examples of products and where to shop them.
What is vegan leather?
Typically, vegan leather is PVC or polyurethane (PU), both of which are made out of plastic. It’s also known as faux, imitation or artificial leather and those of you who grew up in the 80s and 90s probably remember that it was a thing back then. As vegan fashion is currently trending, vegan leather is again super popular.
PVC leather
For many years, PVC was the primary go-to for many faux leather manufacturers. However, as its production is causing issues for the environment, there has been a decline in its usage.
Polyurethane leather
It’s currently the most commonly used material for artificial leather. It was invented back in the 1930s and started to be used during the second world war to replace rubber. Compared to PVC, the production of polyurethane is less harmful to the environment. PU looks and feels very much like real leather and it’s used by most high-street retailer brands. There are many ways to produce polyurethane, hence the quality of the material can differ.
Synthetic vegan leather can also be made out of recycled PET plastic, which is recycled plastic bottles. Some examples of sustainable options are cork (harvested from cork oak), pineapple leather (made out of pineapple leaves), apple leather (made out of the apple skin and core), and cartina (made out of recycled paper).
What are the benefits of vegan leather?
Cruelty-free
There are no animals hurt in the process of producing imitation leather.
Durability
Vegan leather is very durable, stain-resistant, as well as water-resistant. It suffers minimal wear and tear over time and can hold up against harsh weather conditions.
Cost-effectiveness
The various costs involved in the treatment and preparation of authentic leather lead to a higher price. Vegan leather, on the other hand, is easier to produce, thus a more cost-effective choice that is typically passed onto the consumer.
Versatility
Extensive research and development into faux leather allows manufacturers full control of the products’ look and feel. As a result, vegan leather provides a wide aesthetic scope, with plenty of variations in texture and changes in composition.
What are some items that are vegan leather?
There are a lot of vegan leather items you can use on a daily basis, when you’re traveling or when you’re attending an event. Here are some examples!
Vegan leather jackets
Motorcycle jackets are always in style! There are lots of options you can choose from to get an edgy, fantastic look. If you don’t see a vegan label, just look for keywords like polyurethane (PU), faux leather, imitation leather, or “manmade” material.
Vegan leather jewelry cases
A vegan leather jewelry case such as the one sold by Roam Often is super useful both on trips and to take with you throughout the day, from work to the gym, or from school to happy hour. It’s made out of exquisite vegan leather, that is high-quality, long-lasting, breathable, waterproof, soft and sturdy. It’s cute and compact and fits in almost any purse, suitcase, backpack or hotel seif. Inside, this case has an earring bar, a bracelet pocket, a ring loop, a necklace pouch, and some snap bands for everything else.
Vegan leather wallets
These are extremely practical and you’ll find them in several designs and colors. You can go for a classic, elegant bi-fold wallet, a colorful vegan clutch to keep your change, or a wallet purse with a funky print to suit your style.
Staying true to being animal-cruelty free and more affordable for the consumer, many fashionable brands offer products that are entirely made from vegan leather. Hence, regardless of your needs, preferences, and budget, you have a plethora of options to choose from!
