Making a decision between leather and vegan leather means you have to take into account the essential differences in both in terms of durability, production methods, environmental footprint, and long-term worth. Understanding these differences is necessary for every leather lover to make the best possible decision. This article identifies the primary differences between leather and vegan leather, and compares them based on material properties, sustainability, longevity, and price.

Material Composition

Leather

Leather is produced from animal hides, with the most widely used being cowhide. Hides are preserved after slaughter through the process of tanning. The two most widely used tanning processes are chrome tanning (using chromium salts) and vegetable tanning (using plant tannins).

Vegan Leather

Vegan leather does not contain any animal products. Commercial vegan leather is predominantly polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), both of which have a petroleum base. More recent alternatives utilize natural feedstocks like pineapple leaves (Piñatex), mushroom mycelium (Mylo), apple pulp, and cactus leather, but these are still not manufactured to scale.

TLDR: Conventional vegan leather = plastic. Natural vegan alternatives are available but are super niche and cost-prohibitive.

Durability and Performance

Leather:

Real leather is durable, especially full-grain or top-grain leather. With proper care, it can last decades. It's naturally breathable, and becomes more flexible over time. It’s also known for its patina, which is the term for the aesthetically pleasing aging leather undergoes.

Vegan Leather:

Plastic-based vegan leather has a tendency to crack, peel, or degrade over time - typically within 2 to 5 years depending on use and exposure. It also lacks the natural fiber matrix that gives real leather the stretch and structural strength it is known for.

Plant-based vegan leathers (e.g., mushroom or cactus) have better breathability and flexibility but  their longevity is not yet proven for mass-market use.

TLDR:For high-use items such as belts, bags, and shoes, real leather performs better over time.

Environmental Impact

Leather:

Leather production is known to be quite resource-intensive, especially because of the amount of water that is used. Tanning, especially chrome tanning, uses chemicals that can pollute water if they remain untreated. However, leather sourcing often takes place as a byproduct of the meat industry. If vegetable tanned, it is a much more sustainable alternative.

Vegan Leather:

PU and PVC are both plastic-based, which means they rely on fossil fuels. PVC in particular is a non-biodegradable material that releases harmful dioxins, both during production and disposal. Plant-based vegan leathers make use of agricultural but still largely require synthetic coatings.

TLDR: While neither option is 100% sustainable, genuine leather uses animal byproducts and can have better processing. Vegan leather uses plastic, which means that it is yet another product that will stand the test of time in landfills once discarded.

Maintenance and Care

Leather:

There are proper care protocols for genuine leather, such as proper conditioner and occasional waterproofing. While it is not stain-proof, it can be restored and repaired through the correct techniques.

Vegan Leather:

This is easier to clean as it usually just needs to be wiped down with a damp cloth, but cannot be restored once cracked.

TLDR: Caring for leather pays back, because then you have a piece that can live for ages. Vegan leather is a short term material that can’t be repaired.

Cost and Availability

Leather:

Genuine leather tends to be more expensive, especially full-grain or handmade pieces. The cost is a reflection of the work put in, as well as the higher-priced materials.

Vegan Leather:

Synthetic leather is cheaper and more widely available, with most high street brands offering this as the main leather option.

TLDR:While vegan leather is more easily accessible, real leather is a true investment.

Final Verdict

Synthetic vegan leathers often come with trade-offs in lifespan and environmental impact. The best options seem to be plant-based vegan leather options or genuine leather products made with vegetable tanning and sustainable water usage.

Leather New Yorkis one store that has got these considerations down to a T. Before buying from any leather goods store NYC, one should be sure of product specifications, so that you know that they align to your ethical considerations.