Pleather vs. Leather: Which is Better?
With the release of the 001 Drop of Kylie Jenner’s new clothing brand, Khy, consumers are now able to buy her “affordable” line. From this first drop, seemingly half of her products include faux leather, made of polyurethane. Thus, making many revisit the ongoing debate of faux versus real leather.
There are obvious reasons why someone would be against the use of real leather. The vegetarian, vegan, and animal activist community has been more than vocal on social media sites about the mistreatment of animals in food processing and textile factories. PETA has hired activists to crash runways during New York Fashion Week, including the Coach SS24 show, a brand known for its use of real leathers.
However, is faux leather really better than real leather? In terms of quality over time, faux leather tends to crack and peel over time. It doesn’t last as long as real leather tends to, as it’s manmade and usually made poorly and using cheap materials. Although there are ongoing developments in the production of faux leathers, nothing tends to last as long as real cowhide or lambskins. Cacti leather, a relatively recent innovation in the fashion industry, is claimed to have a durability of up to 10 years. Since it’s a new product, it’s hard to tell how well it’ll withstand the test of time.
Real leather advocates argue that since animals will inevitably face slaughter, it is more practical to utilize all animal products rather than letting them go to waste. Minority communities like Native Americans embrace this perspective, and it’s also supported by certain religions that promote the thorough utilization of animals when they are slaughtered for food or clothing. While we’re no longer living this way, the belief still stands true for a good amount of the population.
Many who are in between tend to be hypocritical about the issue. This includes those who would eat animal meat such as chicken and beef but refuse to use real leather products, and those who are vegetarian or vegan for environmental reasons but fail to address how faux leather affects the environment.
Regardless of your stance in the debate, it’s crucial to understand that the fashion items you purchase should provide value for your money, offer numerous wearings, and remain timeless for years to come.