What Is PU Leather? Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Bag

Shopping for a new handbag is something every woman looks forward to. It’s all fun and exciting until we come across terms like faux leather, PU leather, vegan leather, and synthetic leather. If you have this question, “What is PU leather?”, and if it's worth your money, you are not the only one. Many of us have faced this confusion, and let me tell you it’s all worth it.

Undoubtedly, PU leather has become one of the most popular materials in the fashion industry, especially when it comes to women’s accessories. This is because it offers a luxurious, polished finish and a chic appearance, just like genuine leather, but at a budget price and without harming animals. PU leather bags have become the favorite of fashion-conscious shoppers. However, let’s not forget that all PU leather bags are neither crafted the same way nor of similar quality. A fair understanding of PU leather, its different qualities, how it’s different from genuine leather, and its pros and cons can give you an edge while shopping for a handbag next time. This blog covers all you need to know about PU leather vs genuine leather so that you don’t get confused the next time you are out shopping. 

What is PU Leather and How is it Made?

PU leather is sourced from polyurethane and is used for handbags to make them look and feel exactly like genuine leather. Unlike genuine leather, it’s absolutely man-made and not sourced from animal hides. No animal harm or toxic chemical treatment is involved in the process of making faux leather handbags in India. This makes it among the most-widely used alternatives for traditional leather in handbags and other women’s accessories.

With advancing technologies, PU leather now appears to be remarkably realistic. Premium quality faux leather intricately resembles the texture, look, and feel of genuine leather, which justifies its rapidly increasing demand. 

The production of faux leather is not as complicated a process as that of genuine leather. It involves the following steps - 

1. Creating base fabric

2. Applying a layer of polyurethane.

3. Texturing and Coloring 

4. Final protective coating

Why are PU Leather Bags so Popular?

The fashion industry has switched to faux leather for so many reasons. As we have already discussed, it’s becoming the first choice of many brands for crafting women’s handbags; let’s explore the reasons behind their growing popularity - 

• Luxury in Budget - 

PU leather bags impeccably resemble genuine leather bags and are crafted at a fraction of the cost in comparison to traditional leather bags. Hence, you can get your hands on premium look handbags while keeping in budget.

• Wide Range of Designs - 

In PU leather vs genuine leather, the former handbags are easy to manufacture; you can get your hands on plenty of fashionable designs and trendy styles. Instead of spending ₹15,000- ₹30,000, you can own luxury for ₹1,500 -₹3,000.

• Easy Maintenance - 

PU leather bags don't require any kind of special care like leather creams, regular conditioning, or professional polishing. You need to simply clean them after every use to get rid of the dust. For stains, you can use a soft damp cloth or slightly soapy water to remove them. 

• Lightweight - 

Since PU leather bags are made using plastic and other synthetic materials, these are significantly lighter in weight as compared to genuine leather bags. This makes them easy to carry around all day long.

• Scratch and Water Resistant -

Due to the raw materials like plastic or polyurethane, PU leather naturally resists water or scratches. Accidental spills or one rough usage won’t damage it immediately.

Conclusion

Faux leather bags in India have significantly transformed the handbag industry. Plenty of options are available with better styles and sophisticated designs which are available to a wider range of audiences due to their affordability. In today’s time, high-quality PU leather bags are available, which are a perfect combination of aesthetics, practicality, easy maintenance, and enhanced durability. While these handbags may not last as long as genuine leather ones, they provide amazing value for money and stylish appeal for everyday use, if picked correctly.

Before you invest in a vegan leather bag, you must pay attention to a few things. These may include overall craftsmanship, strong stitching, aesthetic hardware, refined finish, material, and sturdy lining. These factors ensure that your handbag lasts longer. Besides, these are better indicators of quality over a brand label.

Whether you are trying to refresh or build a capsule wardrobe, looking for an animal friendly and sustainable alternative, or shopping on a budget, go for PU leather handbags in PU leather vs genuine leather. This handbag can be a valuable addition to your wardrobe due to reliable craftsmanship and stylish designs. With decent care and maintenance, your handbag can last for as long as you want it to.

FAQs about PU Leather

1. Can PU leather be made using real leather?

PU leather can be made with genuine leather, but it still comes under the category of fake leather as it contains plastic or other synthetic materials. 

2. What is the average life of PU leather?

Your faux leather handbag shall last at least 3 to 4 years if used every day, depending on the quality of the bag. However, by investing in a good quality bag and keeping it with routine care and maintenance, you can continue using your bag for a couple more years.

3. Why should I buy PU leather bags?

Unlike genuine leather bags, faux leather handbags can’t be scratched or scuffed easily. This makes them ideal for daily use especially, if you commute to work every day through high-traffic areas. Besides, these handbags are easy to maintain and do not require any special care. 

4. Is PU leather vegan?

PU leather is a better and more sustainable substitute to genuine leather made using polyurethane. Since it’s made only using plastic and other plant based synthetics, it’s absolutely vegan. No animal hides are used in its formation.