Vegan Leather vs. Real Leather: Which is Better?

October 04, 2024

Over the past couple of years, the fashion world along with that of lifestyles have witnessed a big shift towards sustainability and ethical practices. Amongst the most discussed topics of this movement are the controversies between vegan leather and real leather. There is even a greater concern for the welfare status of the animals and awareness towards being as eco-friendly as possible. Consumers today are faced with the dilemma of choosing one from these two types of materials. In this blog, we will discuss the differences, pros, and cons of vegan leather and real leather, and we will guide you in deciding which one is more suitable for your lifestyle.

What Is Vegan Leather?

Artificial leather, also called synthetic leather, is a material intended to substitute for leather in upholstery, clothing, footwear, and other uses where a leather-like finish is desired but the actual material is cost-prohibitive or unsuitable due to practical or ethical concerns. Artificial leather is known under many names, including leatherette, imitation leather, faux leather, and vegan leather.

What is Real Leather?

On the other hand, real leather is taken from animal skins mostly from cows. Tanning is the process of treating hides to extend their lifespan. Natural qualities of real leather include;

Longevity: With proper care, real leather lasts many years and even ages beautifully with time, gaining a beautiful patina. Leather is generally breathable and thus comfortable clothing.
Luxury Appeal: Many consumers would associate real leather with luxury and quality.

Vegan Leather vs. Real Leather: Advantages and Disadvantages

Compare the pros and cons of each.

Vegan Leather

Advantages:

Cruelty-Free: Vegan leather gives compassionate concessions to the interests of people who put much stock in animal rights because it doesn't harm animals.
Sustainability: Some of the vegan leathers are made from natural materials that are more friendly to the environment than traditional leather.
Variety: Vegan leather comes in all sorts of colours, textures, and styles so you're guaranteed to see something you like.
Easy Maintenance: Often, vegan leather does not require as much maintenance as real leather, since it can be cleaned easily.

Cons:

There's an issue with durability: Of course, there are some great, high-quality vegan leathers that just happen to be very durable. But the cheaper ones will wear out way faster than the real leather.
No Authenticity: Some people felt that vegan leather fails to capture the luxurious feel of real leather.

Lusso Lifestyle understands the concerns around vegan leather and has made it a priority to produce footwear that addresses these issues head-on. Aware that durability can be a concern with certain types of vegan leather, Lusso Lifestyle ensures that only high-quality materials are used, providing longevity and resilience comparable to real leather. The brand is also conscious of the environmental impact associated with synthetic vegan leather; therefore, it strives to use eco-friendly alternatives and responsible production practices. As for authenticity, Lusso Lifestyle carefully crafts each piece to retain a luxurious, premium feel, allowing customers to enjoy the elegance and sophistication of leather without compromise.

Real Leather

Pros:

It is more durable and can last for a number of years with proper care.
Organic Appearance: Leather possesses a certain texture and look that many find attractive and luxurious.
Good Breathing: The natural fibres in leather enable it to breathe better; thus, it is relatively comfortable to wear in all sorts of weather.
Aging Well: Genuine leather develops character and patina that come with time giving an attraction to its beauty.

Cons:

Ethical Issues: The use of animal hides automatically raises significant ethical questions regarding the rights and welfare of animals.
Environmental Impact: The leather industry is criticized for its environmental footprint, considering resources used for animal farming and pollution generated during tanning.
Maintenance: Real leather requires constant conditioning and other treatment to prevent drying and cracking and is more maintenance-intensive.

Which One is Better?

Taking into consideration animal welfare and sustainability, vegan leather is the best choice for you. It’s an excellent alternative that provides a luxurious look while staying true to eco-friendly principles. Vegan leather not only offers durability but also aligns with a responsible lifestyle. By opting for vegan leather, you can enjoy a stylish and unique aesthetic without compromising on quality or your commitment to the environment. So, if you prioritise ethical choices and sustainable fashion, vegan leather truly makes the cut.

Lusso Lifestyle: Pioneering Vegan Luxury

Lusso Lifestyle is India's first men's luxury wear brand specializing in vegan leather for those who prefer premium vegan leather footwear. It has been founded by an animal lover who is ensuring cruelty-free quality with outstanding style and comfort.

Why Lusso Lifestyle?

Luxury Quality: Top-range vegan microfibers are used by Lusso Lifestyle to retain the feel of real leather without compromising comfort and durability.
Fashion Ethical: You're choosing Lusso Lifestyle for a reason; you want to contribute to cruelty-free fashion and sustainability.
Stylish Designs: Lusso Lifestyle's items contain the perfect blend of style and compassion, allowing you always to look great but do the right thing at the same time.
Variety: There are loafers, formal shoes, and so much more from Lusso Lifestyle, so you never have to give up anything.

The battle between vegan leather vs real leather has some of the greatest arguments to be presented on both sides. With consumers, more aware of their choices, sustainable fashion and ethically sourced ones are growing even more rapidly. This is where I conclude that one may adopt vegan leather and have a great impact in the long run on the environment and the welfare of the animals.

If you are a fan of vegan leather, Lusso Lifestyle will make you savour luxury with comfort and living compassion. Discover it today and enter into a style that suits ethics.