The rise of PU leather
PU leather, or polyurethane leather, is not merely a jargon created with fashion-astute people in mind but an outcome of superior material science. This type of man-made material mimics the look and feel of real leather and has all the advantages of being cheaper and eco-friendly. Learning what PU leather entails, including its manufacturing process, can go a long way in explaining its increasing adaptation to contemporary clothing practices.
Defining PU Leather
With that in mind, let us consider the following question: What is PU leather? PU leather is a fake leather material designed to give the impression of genuine leather. It is created by spraying a polyurethane layer on a base material of polyester or cotton. This process, coupled with the fact that PU leather does not use animal hide skin, gives it credit for copying the look of genuine leather at a relatively cheaper price.
The Production Process of PU Leather
Unlike natural leather, synthetic leather, also known as PU leather, is a type of manufactured leather that is mainly produced through chemical means.
To truly grasp what PU leather is made of, it’s crucial to look at its production process: To learn what PU leather is made of truly, it’s essential to look at its production process:
Base Fabric: The process starts with a weft base fabric, which is often synthesized from polyester and/or cotton. PU leather is created by using this fabric as a base or a backing.
Coating Application: It is embedded in the base fabric through a process called lamination, followed by the application of Polyurethane material. This kind of coating is thin and customizable in thickness and texture, which can be smooth or rough and have other finish types.
Finishing Techniques: After receiving the coating, the fabric is further processed to give it a finishing look. The process of embossing is used to establish grain patterns, whereas gloss applications give a particular sheen.
The Role Of PU Leather In Fashion
PU leather plays a significant role in modern fashion, particularly in apparel:
Fashion Trends: This material is widely used in present-day clothing, starting with fashionable jackets and ending with trendy accessories. It has to do with affordability and mobility, which are considered a major draw for fashion-conscious designs.
Design Versatility: This way, PU leather is variable in many variants of colors, combinations of textures, and finishes, which is a large advantage for designers as any woman or girl has her favorite kind of clothes design.
Affordability: PU leather is considerably cheaper, and thus it can be utilized in production by a significant number of manufacturers that wish to offer their clients beautiful, though not as expensive, as genuine leather products.
Advantages and Disadvantages of PU Leather:
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of PU leather helps in making informed choices:
Pros:
- It’s cruelty-free science it never uses pig skin or any form of animal product
- It is cheaper than the real one.
- If you can get it in many styles and finishes, it becomes a fashion item that can be easily incorporated into most people’s wardrobes.
Cons:
- It is not as tough as real leather and can be damaged easily. Besides, signs of wear are noticeable quickly.
- Although this material looks much more like real leather and adds luxury, it is rather more difficult to clean and requires fewer cares.
- It does not have the grain and even the wear finish of genuine leather.
Instruction on how to identify a PU Leather
To determine if a material is PU leather, consider these clues to identify leather texture:
Visual and Tactile Clues: With PU leather, one may not apply much pressure on it due to its uniform, plastic touch and feel. It may be smoother and may look less heterogeneous than actual skins of genuine leather.
Smell Test: That is why ‘genuine leather’ has a chemical smell, while P. U leather has a synthetic smell, which non-leather material does not.
Burn Test: While P. U leather starts producing the smell of plastic when it is burnt, real leather gives off an earthy smell.
Cleaning And Care:
Proper care and cleaning can extend the life of PU leather garments
Cleaning: When cleaning the PU leather, always make sure it is done using a soft, damp cloth. Do not use strong chemicals that harm the texture of the material being used.
Conditioning: One thing about PU leather is that you do not need to condition it like you do with actual leather. Thus, if gentle cleaning is done, it is possible to keep its appearance at a satisfactory level.
Protection: Do not expose the PU leather to direct sunlight or heat; this can cause cracking or fading of the leather.
Popular PU Leather Apparel Items
PU leather is used in various fashion items:
Conclusion
The necessity of leather is avoided while still presenting a stylish and affordable material that does not have the drawbacks of typical leather. Despite the lack of durability and actual softness of genuine leather, it can be considered helpful for those people who are looking for budget-friendly solutions in the sphere of fashion.
At Nomad Nappa, you will find genuine and superior leather with classic style and technique. We produce top–quality apparel made of genuine leather, thus recreating the centuries-old art of leatherwork. Come see us today and learn about the excellent leather pieces that can complete your outfit and improve your wardrobe.