Leather vs. Faux Leather: What are the main differences,& which is more sustainability in 2023

Unless we’ve never met before, either on Instagram, in person or in passing you will know that I am a HUGE fan of leather items and within my own wardrobe I own: 3 leather jackets, a leather midi skirt, a leather mini skirt, 2 pairs of faux leather trousers, faux leather leggings, a leather pencil skirt & multiple pairs of leather shoes & boots. From Spring to Autumn my leather jackets are a wardrobe essential, adding a slightly rockier edge to pretty dresses, worn with midi skirts & tees when I want a blazer alternative, always a fan with my blue jeans and then as the cold weather moves in they become layering pieces under my winter coats (don’t knock it til you try it). Plus I’d class a leather jacket as a festival essential and I always wear mine on the plane to go abroad. I only prefer faux leather when it is in more of a loose form skirt / fluid trouser or in a stretchy legging form. Yet always at the back of my mind is the sustainability aspect which I wanted to delve a little further into, so here are my findings, put simply (I don’t want to go over board) and after reading this I’ve popped in my Top 10 ways to wear leather / faux leather depending on your preferences.

In today's society, sustainability is more prevalent that ever at the forefront of consumer consciousness, influencing our choices and hopefully making us make more considered choices with our shopping habits. Leather, is one of the most original & classes materials, known for both durability & style, however it has faced increased scrutiny over the last few years due to its environmental impact. As a result of this, plus the huge cost differences between leather and faux leather, many consumers are turning to faux leather as a more sustainable, and cheaper, alternative. So I wanted to explore the differences & sustainable aspects of leather & faux leather.

Environmental Impact

Leather: Traditional leather production involves raising livestock, tanning hides, and chemical treatment, all of which consume significant amounts of water & energy. This process can contribute to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions & pollution.

Faux Leather: Faux leather, also known as synthetic or vegan leather, is often made from polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). While these materials are derived from petrochemicals, faux leather production generally has a lower environmental footprint. It uses less water, reduces deforestation, & emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to leather.

Animal Welfare

Leather: Leather is derived from animal hides, primarily from cows, pigs, & goats. The high demand for leather has led to concerns about animal welfare & the ethical treatment of animals purely raised for their hides.

Faux Leather: Faux leather is cruelty-free & does not involve the exploitation or harm of animals. This aspect makes it a more appealing choice for individuals who prioritise animal welfare.

Durability & Longevity

Leather: Leather is renowned for its durability, and with proper care, it can last for decades (my Whistles Leather Jacket is now in it’s 12th year, my All Saints is approaching it's 10 year anniversary). High-quality leather items often gain character & aesthetic appeal as they age; I am a huge fan of an aged leather jacket over a new one anyday

Faux Leather: Faux leather is also durable, though it may not have the same longevity as real leather. However, advancements in faux leather production have led to more robust & long-lasting alternatives.

Biodegradability

Leather: Leather is biodegradable, which means it can naturally decompose over time, reducing its impact on landfills.

Faux Leather: Faux leather, particularly when made from synthetic materials like PVC, can take a very long time to decompose. This can be a huge drawback from an environmental standpoint.

Recyclability

Leather: Leather can be challenging to recycle due to the tanning process and the mix of natural & synthetic chemicals used in its production.

Faux Leather: Faux leather, particularly when made from PU, is easier to recycle, as it does not have the same complexities associated with traditional leather.

In 2023, the choice between leather & faux leather is more nuanced than ever, with sustainability & ethical considerations playing a very significant role in our decisions. While traditional leather offers durability, biodegradability, & in my opinion looks a lot more stylish, it certainly raises concerns about animal welfare & actually has a higher environmental impact, which many aren’t aware of. Faux leather, on the other hand, is cruelty-free & often boasts a smaller ecological footprint, making it a popular choice among eco-conscious consumers (however please smell your faux leather as many leather imitations smell of fish & that is definitely not something we want ladies).

Ultimately, the choice between leather & faux leather depends on individual preferences & priorities. Those who prioritise durability, the timeless aesthetic of leather, cost-per-wear & very often style (although not always as faux leather I’ve seen recently imitates real leather so much more) may continue to opt for this classic material. Meanwhile, those committed to sustainability & animal welfare may find faux leather to be a more appealing & responsible alternatives in 2023.

My Top 10 Ways to Wear Leather (or Faux Leather)

Source: Pinterest

Keep it traditional with a camel coat, but brighten up your look with a bright sweater or scarf casually tossed over your shoulders

• A simple introduction to leather trousers is to pair with a fine gauge knit, tailored blazer & coloured or metallic slingback

• A slouchy sweater, another wardrobe stable, looks fantastic with a pair of leather pants. Try mixing neutral shades of beige or nude for a 'fit that looks high-fashion, but feels ultra-cosy (cashmere look incredible with leather for that “quiet luxury’ trend we are hearing about this season)

• Wear leather ‘joggers’ with a comfy sweatshirt, blazer & trainer for a relaxed casual vibe

• Style-up a high-waisted leather midi skirt with a crisp white blouse & a leopard print or colour pop heel

Source: Pinterest

Leather & denim are a match made in heaven; my preference is denim shirt or blouse, a statement necklace & a pair of white trainers or heeled ankle boots. Alternatively try a graphic tee tucked in with a structured denim shirt & metallic slingback heel

• A leather dress is bang on-trend this season, so potentially a perfect time to invest. I’d suggest layering up with a coloured or printed roll-neck, opaques & knee-high boots

• My favourite way to style-up a leather jacket is over a pretty girlie dress to give it that cool-edge vibe & enable to dress to feel more me. Worn either with a par of high tops, or a suede ankle boot

• Leather trousers, or a leather mini skirt, styled simply with a white tank top & minimal leather sneakers is a perfect minimalistic approach to leather (of course I’d add a statement necklace to give add my personal style)

• A colourful pair of leather pants is perfect for putting together an outfit that's colour-cohesive without being monochromatic (see post on colour). To create an intentional gradient effect, mix cool and warm tones and toss in a neutral e.g. a crisp white button shirt would work here for balance.

Source: Pinterest

I love leather, its versatile, will keep you warmth & it’s wipe clean (bonus), and will keep you dry if you get caught in a shower, what’s not to love right?! In all seriousness, it really is an incredible fabric to get on-board with, invest in & look after, for the Autumn & Winter months. I’d love to know your thoughts, and whether you are team leather or faux leather, and if you need any help with your purchases you know where to find me.