Genuine Leather vs. Vegan Leather Bags: How to Choose
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Short answer: choose genuine leather if you want one bag that lasts for years and gets better with age. Choose vegan leather (PU) if you want a lighter bag, a lower price, a bright or glossy color, or no animal products.
What is genuine leather?
Genuine leather is made from animal hide, usually cowhide for handbags. Full-grain and top-grain leather are the higher grades: they keep the natural surface of the hide, so they are strong and develop a soft sheen over time. A genuine leather bag is heavier than a synthetic one of the same size.
What is vegan leather?
Most vegan leather bags are made from polyurethane (PU), a coated fabric that looks like leather but contains no animal hide. You will also see it called faux leather or PU leather. It is light, takes color well and costs less to make, which is why vegan leather bags usually cost less.
Side-by-side comparison
| Genuine leather | Vegan leather (PU) | |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Very durable with care; softens over time | Good for everyday use; the surface can wear at corners and handles after heavy use |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Colors and finishes | Natural tones, matte or pebbled | Any color, including glossy, metallic and croc-embossed |
| Rain | Can spot; dry it slowly and keep it away from heat | Wipes dry easily |
| Smell | Natural leather smell | Little or no smell after airing out |
| Animal products | Yes | No |
How to tell them apart
- Read the material line. Sellers in the US should state the material. Words like genuine leather, full-grain or cowhide mean animal leather. PU, faux, vegan or synthetic mean it is not.
- Look at the edges. Cut edges of genuine leather look fibrous. PU edges show a fabric backing or a smooth plastic layer.
- Check the grain. Real leather has small irregular pores. PU texture often repeats in a perfect pattern.
Which one should you buy?
- Work bag you will use every day for years: genuine leather.
- Travel or commuting where weight matters: vegan leather or nylon.
- A fun color, gloss or croc finish: vegan leather.
- A gift for someone who avoids animal products: vegan leather.
Care tips
Genuine leather: wipe with a dry soft cloth, keep it out of heavy rain, and store it stuffed with paper so it keeps its shape. Vegan leather: wipe with a damp cloth, avoid direct heat such as a hot car dashboard, and do not use oil-based leather conditioners.
Shop by material
Every Pevell product page states the exact material. Browse genuine leather bags or vegan leather bags. Shipping is free on every US order.