What Is Synthetic Leather？

At Linkland we understand that choosing the right material matters for appearance, cost, care, and ethics. This guide explains synthetic leather in clear, practical terms so buyers can spot real differences between PU, PVC, microfiber, and new plant-based alternatives — and match material choices to product needs across shoes, furniture, automotive interiors, and accessories.

What people mean by “synthetic leather”

When manufacturers and shoppers say “synthetic leather,” they’re referring to a family of man-made materials designed to mimic the look and feel of animal leather while offering different cost, performance, and environmental profiles. Common types include PU (polyurethane) leather, PVC (polyvinyl chloride or vinyl) leather, high-performance microfibers, and emerging plant-based leathers made from apple, cactus, or other biomass. All rely on a combination of a textile backing and a surface coating or film to achieve leather-like aesthetics and performance, but the chemistry and construction vary — and that affects durability, breathability, texture, recyclability, and maintenance.

PU (polyurethane) leather: features & typical uses

PU leather uses a fabric backing that’s coated with a layer of polyurethane. It’s usually softer and more flexible than PVC leather and is often designed to be breathable and close in hand-feel to genuine leather.

Features:

Softer hand and more natural drape than many vinyls.

Good resistance to cracking when flexible backing and quality topcoats are used.

Can be produced in many finishes: matte, semi-aniline look, embossed grain, or smooth topcoat.

Easier to bond and sew for many footwear and accessory applications.

Typical uses:

Fashion accessories (wallets, belts) where a leather-like feel is important.

Footwear uppers that need flexibility and comfort.

Upholstery and automotive interiors where a premium synthetic finish is desired without the cost of genuine leather.

PVC (vinyl) leather: features & where it’s used

PVC leather is created by applying a plasticized PVC compound onto a backing fabric or knitted substrate. It’s sometimes called vinyl leather.

Features:

High surface durability and strong abrasion resistance.

Excellent water resistance and easy-to-clean surfaces.

Typically more rigid than PU unless specially formulated.

Offers a wide variety of glossy and matte looks and is often more economical.

Where it’s used:

Heavy-use upholstery (restaurant booths, public seating) where spill resistance is essential.

Some automotive and marine interiors that require high moisture resistance.

Budget-conscious fashion and luggage categories.

Microfiber & advanced/plant-based alternatives

Microfiber synthetic leather is a technical category that uses ultra-fine fiber backings (often polyurethane-impregnated microfibers) to create materials with outstanding strength-to-weight ratios, breathability, and durability approaching or even exceeding some natural leathers.

Features of microfiber:

High tensile strength and tear resistance.

Very fine grain and consistent surface appearance.

Better breathability and long-term dimensional stability.

Plant-based and bio-derived alternatives:

Apple, cactus, and other biomass-based leathers blend plant waste or biopolymers with coatings to make leather-like sheets. These innovations aim to reduce fossil-fuel-derived polymers and create marketing-friendly “vegan leather” options with lower environmental footprints — though lifecycle impacts vary by manufacturing method.

Common uses:

Microfiber: premium footwear, high-end bags, technical luggage, and furniture where performance and longevity are priorities.

Plant-based: fashion items and small accessories where sustainability claims are central to brand positioning.

How synthetic leather is made

The simplest way to think about synthetic leather is as a two-part system: a backing (textile or nonwoven) and a surface coating/film that provides the look, feel, and protection.

Coating + backing explanation

Backing: knitted, woven, or nonwoven fabric provides mechanical strength and flexibility. Backings may include polyester, cotton blends, or microfiber cloth.

Coating/film: this is the visible surface. It can be sprayed, rolled, or laminated (a preformed film laid on and bonded). PU coatings are often applied in liquid form then cured; PVC is usually calendared or laminated as a plastic film.

Why finish/lamination matters for feel and performance

The topcoat (finish) controls texture, gloss, abrasion resistance, and cleanability. A soft matte finish will feel different from a glossy lacquered topcoat.

Lamination method affects hand-feel and delamination risk. A well-engineered lamination avoids cracking at seams and keeps the fabric breathable when needed.

Protective finishes (topcoats and UV stabilizers) extend lifespan and preserve color, especially in outdoor or automotive uses.

Pros and cons vs. genuine leather

Synthetic leather and genuine leather each have trade-offs. Understanding them helps buyers match material to product purpose.

Durability

Synthetic: Many modern synthetics (especially microfiber PU) match or exceed genuine leather in abrasion resistance and colorfastness. However, low-quality synthetics are prone to peeling and cracking over time.

Genuine: Develops a natural patina and can last decades with care, but is vulnerable to stains and requires ongoing conditioning.

Cost

Synthetic: Generally more affordable and consistent in appearance.

Genuine: Higher material cost and greater variation between hides.

Maintenance

Synthetic: Easier to clean; often water-resistant and can tolerate surface cleaners without specialized leather conditioners.

Genuine: Needs specific leather care products and can be damaged by water or harsh cleaners.

Ethical & environmental trade-offs

Ethical: Synthetics avoid animal sourcing; plant-based and PU/PVC choices offer vegan alternatives.

Environmental: Traditional synthetics are fossil-fuel based (PU, PVC) and can be challenging to recycle. New bio-based options and improved recycling programs are improving impact profiles, but lifecycle considerations should guide choices.

How to read product labels and marketing terms

Marketing language can be confusing. Learn the common terms and what they usually mean.

“Vegan leather”

Broad marketing term that indicates no animal material was used. It does not imply a specific polymer or environmental benefit. Ask for material specifics.

“PU leather”

Typically a polyurethane-coated fabric. Look for details about backing and topcoat performance.

“PVC” or “vinyl”

Usually indicates a PVC film or coating. Great for wet environments but often less breathable.

“Bonded leather”

Contains shredded leather fibers mixed with a binder and coated — often lower quality and not equivalent to full-grain leather.

“Microfiber leather” / “synthetic microfibre”

Often denotes a high-performance synthetic with a microfiber substrate and polymer impregnation; usually a higher-quality synthetic.

What to watch for

Avoid relying solely on “leather-like” or “genuine look” claims. Look for specific construction details: backing material, coating type, topcoat properties (abrasion, rub tests), and any relevant certifications (e.g., Oeko-Tex, REACH compliance).

Best uses by product category

Different synthetic leathers are optimized for different end-uses. Below are quick recommendations and a short buying checklist for each category.

Shoes

Best materials: flexible PU and microfiber leather for uppers; durable PVC can be used for some mass-market styles.

Checklist: seam flexibility, breathability for comfort, abrasion resistance for toe/sides, water repellency if for outdoor use.

Furniture (sofas, office chairs)

Best materials: PU with sturdy backing or PVC for very high-wear areas.

Checklist: abrasion cycles (Martindale/Cotton tests), stain resistance, UV resistance for sunlit rooms, seam strength for upholstery.

Automotive upholstery

Best materials: automotive-grade PU or specially formulated PVC blends with UV and heat stabilizers.

Checklist: FMVSS/automotive flammability standards, colorfastness to sunlight, abrasion and cold crack resistance.

Accessories (bags, wallets, belts)

Best materials: PU and microfibers for premium hand-feel; plant-based leathers for sustainability-focused products.

Checklist: edge finishing quality, lining and hardware compatibility, surface abrasion and scratch resistance.

Quick buying checklist per category

Exact material type (PU, PVC, microfiber, plant-based) and composition.

Backing fabric (polyester knit, woven cotton, microfiber).

Topcoat properties: abrasion rating, water resistance, UV resistance.

Tear strength and tensile strength figures for high-stress products.

Certifications: chemical safety (REACH), textile safety (Oeko-Tex), and any recycled-content claims.

Sample swatches for tactile evaluation and color matching.

Supplier testing protocols and available test reports.

How our products fit these needs

Linkland produces a wide range of synthetic leather constructions tailored for footwear, upholstery, automotive, and lifestyle accessories. Our collections include flexible PU for comfort-oriented footwear, durable PVC and polymer-blend finishes for heavy-use upholstery, and technical microfiber options for premium bags and luggage. Each material is engineered with specified backing, controlled topcoats, and finish options so brands can balance cost, performance, and sustainability goals without compromising on appearance.

How to read marketing claims

When a product page uses terms like “vegan leather” or “luxury faux leather,” request the technical sheet. A trustworthy supplier provides:

Material composition and percentage breakdown.

Test results for abrasion, colorfastness, and tensile strength.

Care instructions and recommended cleaners.

Information on end-of-life options (recycling, reclamation programs).

Care and maintenance tips

Routine cleaning: wipe with a damp cloth; avoid harsh solvents.

Stains: use a mild soap solution and test on an inconspicuous area first.

Avoid high heat and direct prolonged sunlight to prevent premature fading or topcoat damage.

For items in frequent contact with skin (bags, footwear), air dry if damp and avoid prolonged storage in sealed plastic.

Conclusion

Understanding synthetic leather helps buyers select the right balance of look, durability, cost, and sustainability for each product application. At Linkland we supply tested, specification-driven synthetic leather ranges that meet the needs of footwear, furniture, automotive, and accessory brands — view our technical collections and synthetic leather finishes to compare options and request sample swatches. Contact us to discuss specifications, request samples, or get custom pattern and finish support — contact us.