What Is PU Leather? Pros, Cons, and How to Choose the Right One

PU leather—short for polyurethane leather—is a synthetic material made by coating a fabric base (usually polyester or microfibre) with a layer of plastic (polyurethane). It’s entirely animal-free, affordable, and designed to imitate the look and feel of genuine leather.

While often marketed as “vegan leather”, it’s not biodegradable and varies widely in quality. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what PU leather is, how to tell good from bad, and why high-quality PU may be the smart choice—especially when it comes to leather chairs.

What Is PU Leather, Really?

When shopping for leather-look furniture or fashion, it’s easy to assume all “leather alternatives” are the same. But that’s not the case—especially when it comes to PU leather. To make an informed purchase, it’s important to understand exactly what PU leather is, how it’s made, and equally, what it isn’t.

Let’s start with the basics.

PU Leather Explained

PU leather—short for polyurethane leather—is a completely synthetic material engineered to mimic the appearance and texture of real leather. It contains no animal hide and is commonly used in office chairs, sofas, jackets, and car interiors as a cost-effective alternative.

Its structure is typically made up of three main components:

• Skin layer: A top coating of polyurethane plastic, which gives the surface its leather-like grain, colour, and water resistance.
• Backing layer: Usually made from polyester or a similar fabric, this layer provides durability and flexibility.
• Foam layer (optional): Found in higher-end versions, this adds softness and a more natural hand feel.

The finished result is a uniform, consistent material that looks like leather but is made entirely from plastic and textile fibres. It's lightweight, versatile, and easy to mass-produce in a wide variety of colours and finishes.

What PU Leather Isn’t: Demystifying the Labels

Not all products labelled as "leather" or "leather-look" are created equal—and many aren’t PU at all. In fact, the terminology used in marketing and labelling can be misleading if you don’t know what to look for.

Here’s a breakdown of common terms:

Label	What It Means	Animal-Based?
PU Leather	Polyurethane coating on a fabric base	No
Faux / Synthetic Leather	Generic term for man-made leather substitutes (includes PU and PVC)	No
Leatherette	Older term, often refers to PU or PVC; common in upholstery	No
PVC Leather	Polyvinyl chloride-based leather alternative; less breathable, more rigid	No
Bicast / Split Leather	Real animal hide (lower layer) coated with polyurethane	Yes
Bonded Leather	Shredded leather scraps bonded with adhesive and coated with plastic	Yes
Vegan Leather	Indicates no animal ingredients—but may still be plastic-based (PU or PVC)	No

A key distinction is between 100% synthetic PU leather (fully man-made, vegan-friendly) and semi-synthetic materials like bicast or bonded leather, which use leftover animal hide under a plastic coating. Products labelled simply as "PU leather" may fall into either category unless clearly marked as 100% synthetic or vegan-certified.

Also, while “vegan leather” sounds ethical, it doesn’t necessarily mean eco-friendly. Most PU leather is made from petroleum-derived plastic, making it non-biodegradable and prone to becoming microplastic waste over time. This has led to increasing concerns about greenwashing—brands presenting a material as ethical without addressing its environmental footprint.

Understanding these differences helps you avoid misleading claims and choose products that match your values—whether that’s animal welfare, aesthetics, or long-term durability.

Why Consumers Love PU Leather

PU leather has become a go-to material for consumers who want the look of leather without the high cost or ethical concerns. It’s affordable, animal-free, and available in a wide range of colours, textures, and finishes—making it especially popular for furniture, fashion, and car interiors.

For many buyers, its appeal is straightforward:

• It’s significantly cheaper than genuine leather
• It’s entirely vegan (when 100% synthetic)
• It offers a consistent, low-maintenance surface
• It’s water-resistant, making it practical for everyday use

However, PU leather often gets a bad reputation due to its environmental profile and issues with durability—particularly in lower-quality versions. Being a plastic-based material, it's non-biodegradable and may contribute to microplastic waste when discarded. Additionally, cheap PU leather with thin coatings and low-grade backing materials can crack, peel, or flake after only a year or two of use.

That said, not all PU leather is the same. High-quality variants use thicker polyurethane layers, microfibre backings, and are produced using water-based (DMF-free) methods, resulting in longer-lasting, safer, and more comfortable products. Understanding this quality spectrum is key to making a smart choice—especially when investing in items like chairs, sofas or jackets.

How PU Leather Is Made

PU leather is made by layering plastic over fabric to mimic the look and feel of real leather. The key steps are:

1. Fabric backing – Usually polyester or microfibre, provides structure and flexibility.
2. Polyurethane coating – A liquid plastic layer applied to the fabric to create the leather-like surface.
3. Embossing – A textured pattern is pressed into the surface to simulate real leather grain.
4. Drying & curing – The material is dried and set to ensure durability and bond strength.
5. Finishing – Optional protective or decorative coatings are added (e.g. matte, gloss, UV protection).

High-end PU leather is often made using water-based methods, which are safer and produce fewer harmful chemicals than solvent-based processes.

PU Leather vs. the Alternatives: A Practical Comparison

When choosing between PU leather and other materials, the key is to understand the trade-offs. PU leather offers a middle ground between animal leather and lower-cost synthetics like PVC, but each material serves a different purpose.

Here’s how PU leather compares:

PU Leather vs. Genuine Leather

• Cost: PU is significantly cheaper.
• Durability: Genuine leather lasts longer—often decades—but requires regular care. PU typically lasts 2–5 years depending on quality.
• Feel: Real leather is softer and develops a patina over time; PU has a more uniform, plastic-like finish.
• Breathability: Leather is naturally breathable. PU can trap heat and moisture.
• Ethics: PU is cruelty-free; real leather is animal-based.
• Sustainability: PU is plastic-based and non-biodegradable; leather production involves deforestation, methane, and chemical tanning.

PU Leather vs. PVC Leather

• Flexibility: PU is softer and more comfortable for clothing and furniture.
• Breathability: PU allows some airflow; PVC does not.
• Durability: PVC is tougher but more rigid—ideal for heavy-duty use.
• Environmental impact: PVC uses chlorine and phthalates, making it more toxic than PU during production and disposal.

PU leather offers a practical balance between appearance, cost, and animal ethics—but it’s important to choose high-quality variants to avoid early peeling or cracking. For furniture, PU is often preferred over PVC for comfort and over real leather for budget and maintenance reasons.

So, Is PU Leather a Good Choice?

PU leather can be a smart and practical choice — but only if you're aware of what you're getting.

If you're looking for a stylish, animal-free, and budget-friendly alternative to leather, PU offers excellent value. It’s widely used in furniture, fashion, and interiors because it replicates the look of real leather at a fraction of the cost.

However, PU leather has limitations. Lower-quality versions tend to crack, peel, or lose their finish within a couple of years. It’s also non-biodegradable, as it’s made from petroleum-based plastic. That said, high-quality PU leather—especially products made with water-based coatings and microfibre backings—can last 5–10 years with proper care and are safer for both users and the environment than older solvent-based alternatives.

That said, the market is gradually shifting, with newer, more sustainable bio-based PU options emerging that aim to reduce the environmental impact.

For those who prioritise ethical sourcing, clean design, and affordability, PU leather strikes a reasonable balance. Just avoid the cheapest versions and check how the material is made.

My Recommendation: A PU Leather Chair That Gets It Right

If you're looking for a premium faux leather chair that balances comfort, style, and ethical materials, the Sihoo L3 Mid-Century PU Leather Chair is an excellent choice. Built with durable materials and wrapped in high-grade, soft-touch cat-paw PU leather, it's ideal for long work sessions and contemporary interiors.

Key Specs and Features:

• Mid-century modern design with clean, elegant lines
• Premium faux leather (cat-paw texture) – soft, durable, and scratch-resistant
• Extra-wide seat (52cm) for all-day comfort
• Adjustable seat depth (5cm range)
• Manually adjustable backrest height (3 levels, up to 4cm)
• Recline function with tilt angle from 105° to 125°
• Padded armrests wrapped in PU leather with soft foam core
• Reinforced class-4 gas lift for safety and durability
• Available in two colours: Ivory White and Luxury Brown
• Built for everyday use with easy-to-clean surfaces

Whether you're furnishing a home office or upgrading your creative workspace, the Sihoo L3 delivers reliable performance, ergonomic support, and refined aesthetics—all without using animal-based leather.