Faux leather has come a long way in recent years. I can remember my “leather” pants in middles school that were a weird mix of something between rubber and plastic. They weren’t the most luxurious garment, but they were one of my favorite pieces because they made me feel so cool! You used to be able to run your hands down a rack and immediately point out the faux materials, but now, the differences are harder and harder to tell. (That, or I’m shopping better places, both are possibilities.)Ā I own both and constantly think about theĀ manyĀ pros and cons of faux leather, especially during this season since they are all over!
Pros of Faux Leather:
Colors: They can make polyurethane (faux leather)Ā in so many fun colors to go with any season and any outfit! I love the light pink/blush color one I picked up this summer at the Zara sale.
Looks like the real thing: Like I said earlier, I am so happy about the progression of what we choose to call faux leather. I picked this awesome jacketĀ earlier this fall, and love how from just a few feet away, it looks similar toĀ the real one I was coveting.
Less expensive: Real leather jackets are easily a few hundred to a few thousand dollars if they are designer. We all just can’t afford those. My parents did get me a great one for my birthday in college, but on my own, I’m partial to the faux price point.
Cons of Faux Leather:
Color transfer: I learned the hard way not to put two faux leather jackets next to each other in the closet. My light pink jacket now has awful gray/black splotches all over it, because when polyurethane gets warm, it sticks to itself (or the next closest like material) the color rubs off and leaves an unpleasant coloring that doesn’t come out.
Shape: Real leather tends to form to your body. Faux leather isn’t so supple, and doesn’t wear the same, so make sure you like how it fits and feels before you buy it!
Breathability: PolyurethaneĀ doesn’t breath at all, so it is hard to wear on even a slightly warm day without sweating.
Ultimately you just have to take care of your polyurethane pieces just like you would want to take care of your real leather pieces, just treat them differently!
Shop my favorite pieces below!
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Oh pleather- or at least that’s what we called faux leather’s older siblings when I was younger. I can only imagine being sewn into my clothes like ONJ on Grease. I’m so happy that fashion and faux leather has come so far in recent years. I’m looking forward to adding a few pieces to my fall collection.
OMG that is totally what I called it too! Enjoy shopping!
Such a good post! I used to hate faux leather now I rarely wear the real thing. Faux leather has come a long way!
Yes! I’m the same way, I avoided it for years!
I never knew all of this about faux leather! Thanks for all the info.. I will def not be hanging my jackets next to each other!
xo Kelsey | http://www.chasingcinderellablog.com
Of course! Thanks for reading!
So true! I’m still a big fan of faux leather though and I buy it whenever I can!
xo Lacey
http://www.myboringcloset.com
Me too! I love it!
I never wear leather but, I love how these outfits look on you! Really cute stuff especially the dress!
Thank you!
Love faux leather, but you’re so right that it’s not very breathable.
xx – anna
fleurdille.com
The major downfall, but I’ll still wear it!
You’ve posted some really cute clothes. I love the mini skirt and the zippered jacket.
Thank you, Ann!
I love the black leather dress!
Xo, Bethanie
thegarciadiaries.com
THanks girl! It is so fun!
Omg Kasey you look amazing in all of these looks! I loved reading the pros and cons. Great post! š
Thanks so much Nicole, you are so sweet!
I’ve definitely found faux leather to be not the most breathable, but it looks so edgy and cool – I lovelovelove it anyways!
Coming Up Roses
Me too! It’s so fun to wear!
Great tips on pros and cons, I always debate between splurging on the real thing or picking up faux.
xx Nina
http://www.thehssfeed.com
Me too, Nina! Faux usually wins for the price for me, though!
Eek! I don’t know if I could pull that off. You look great though!
I love that sassy leather dress. So rock and roll chic!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
THanks Greta, I absolutely love it!
I love the dress and the jacket pictured in end! I can’t believe they’re poly pieces! Good tip on not keeping different colored pieces next to each other, I didn’t realize they transfered!
Thanks Jennifer! Oh I know, it was a sad day š
I am not the biggest fan of faux leather for breath-ability, but it has come a long way and is much better for animal welfare š
That was definitely a point I tried to work in!
I totally agree with your pros and cons. The breathability is definitely an issue with the faux leather.
Beth || http://www.TheStyleBouquet.com
Definitely, but layers are key!
i’ll have to disagree with you here as faux leather is pretty easy to spot and mostly it doesn’t really look like the real thing. I think it looks good in some applications but not on “leather jackets”.
Oh no! You must be shopping at the wrong places š But I do agree there are still some really bad versions out there!
Such a great pros and cons list! Faux fur has come a long way!!
I know, right!
I love this! Faux leather is definitely my favorite because of the price!
-Nataly
Totally agree!
This is so great – I can’t believe that blush jacket is FAUX! Such a great find!
It was under $30! I was shocked too!
SO true, I LOVE faux leather as well! I am in love with these pieces! XO
Anna || alilyloveaffair.com
Thanks so much Anna!
LOVE FAUX LEATHER!
Love the post girl!
-Brooke
http://www.charmedjerseybelle.com
Thank you Brooke!
Faux leather has definitely come a long way! I never knew about the color transferring before and will now because to not keep faux leather items next to each other in my closet, thanks for the tip!
xo Brie
I know! OMG seriously I was so sad thet my pink jacket was ruined š
Fashionista! Yoou look amazing! Outfits and shoes are on point!
Thank you Teresa, you are so sweet!
i love wearing faux leather! it’s so great for fall looks too!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
Me too! It’s the best!
Faux leather is my fave for fall! So casual and chic! Loving the looks!
xO – Steph
http://www.urbanblonde.com
Mine too! Thanks girl!
This is such a great post! Love it
Thank you!!
This is such a great post! I was lucky to find a leather jacket I love at a great price years ago, but I go faux on everything else!
-Katherine
Engineering In Style
I hear ya girl!
Loving the faux-leather boo!! š
Thanks Cece!
This was such a great and informative post, Kasey! I remember having a pair of “pleather” pants in elementary/jr high and thinking they were the coolest thing ever! lol
Kim
http://www.mrscliftonscloset.com
Aah Kimberly, me too! They were the best, and I totally feel like that when I wear my dress!
Such a great post! I do love me some pleather! š
Me too, but if I could have the real thing without going broke I’d choose it every time!
Such a wonderful post Kasey1 I am obsessed with faux leather & love your pieces. I also love how you shared the pros & cons! xo
Dani // http://www.daniellealexandra.com
Thank you, Dani!
Real leather is so expensive! Love all of these leather looks!
http://www.kayleighskloset.com
I love faux leather for the price- and it isn’t as hot! This look is perfect!!
http://beyondblessedblog.com/
I didn’t know faux leather has a color transfer issue! I love my faux leather jackets in the fall.
Felicia | http://www.prettychicpink.com