What is PU Leather? Complete Guide to PU Material & Polyurethane Fabric

Quick Summary

PU leather (short for polyurethane leather) is a fully synthetic material made by coating a fabric base — typically polyester, cotton, or nylon — with a flexible layer of polyurethane. It’s designed to replicate the look and feel of genuine leather at a fraction of the cost, and it’s 100% vegan since no animal materials are involved. PU leather is also known as synthetic leather, faux leather, vegan leather, or PU synthetic leather.

What is PU Leather?

PU leather, also known as polyurethane leather or synthetic leather, is a man-made material created by bonding a layer of polyurethane — a flexible, plastic-based polymer — onto a fabric base. It’s designed to mimic the appearance and texture of real animal leather, which is why it’s a popular, cruelty-free alternative for anyone who wants a leather look without the higher cost or the use of animal hides.

There are two main types of PU leather:

Semi-synthetic PU leather (also called split leather) is produced with a base made of actual leather fibers and a top coating made from a polyurethane binder mixture.

Full-synthetic PU leather, on the other hand, is made entirely from a polymer base covered by a plastic coating, with no leather content at all.

PU leather’s naming diversity reflects its versatility:

• ​​Technical use​​ → Polyurethane Leather, PU Synthetic Leather
• ​​Aesthetic appeal​​ → Patent Leather, Satin PU
• ​​Ethical marketing​​ → Vegan Leather, Eco-Leather
• ​​Functional design​​ → PUL, Microfiber Leather

Pros and Cons of PU Leather

Advantages of PU Leather:

• Cost-Effective: Cheaper than genuine leather.
• Versatile Design Options: Wide variety of colors, textures, and finishes can be choose.
• Easy To Maintain: Water-resistant and easy to clean with a damp cloth.
• Vegan-Friendly:  PU leather is made of 100% synthetic which is a cruelty-free alternative to genuine leather.
• Consistent Appearance: Offers a uniform look without the natural blemishes of animal hides.

Disadvantages of PU Leather:

• Lower Durability: More susceptible to tearing, puncturing, and peeling.
• Less Breathable: Can be uncomfortable in direct contact with skin.
• Environmental Concerns: PU is not biodegradable and its production may have environmental implications.(We break this down fully in our dedicated guide: Is PU Leather Bad for the Environment?)

The Manufacturing Process of PU Leather

Manufacturers make PU leather by laminating a 100% polyurethane coating to a fabric or a combination of other materials called the base material. The materials used as a base are rayon, cotton, nylon, or polyester.

To give it the texture and appearance of real leather, they use rollers to apply an artificial grain pattern to it. This patterned texture is often uniform and reflects the final desired outcome (smooth, rough, etc.)  

After this procedure, the PU layer is treated with chemicals to boost its durability and resistance to moisture and stains.

The History of PU Leather

The earliest notable examples was Presstoff, a German invention from the 19th century made from specially layered and treated paper pulp. 

Does PU Leather Peel or Crack?

Yes — over time, most PU leather will eventually show some peeling or cracking. This is one of the most common questions buyers ask, so it’s worth addressing directly.

PU leather is a composite material: a fabric backing (often polyester or cotton) topped with a polyurethane coating. The “peeling” that people experience is essentially delamination — the plastic topcoat gradually separating from the fabric base underneath. This happens because the polyurethane layer is bonded to, rather than fully integrated with, the base fabric.

What speeds up peeling:

• UV exposure — sunlight breaks down polyurethane at the molecular level over time
• Heat — proximity to heaters, radiators, or direct sun exposure accelerates the breakdown
• Body oils and sweat — natural skin oils can weaken the bond between the coating and the fabric base
• Humidity swings — repeated expansion and contraction between the coating and backing creates stress at the bond line
• Harsh cleaning products — alcohol-based or ammonia-based cleaners strip the protective finish and speed up degradation

How to slow it down: Keep PU leather items out of direct, prolonged sunlight, avoid harsh chemical cleaners, and clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth rather than abrasive materials. With reasonable care, most PU leather products hold up well for 2–5 years before peeling becomes noticeable — and higher-quality PU leather, made with better bonding techniques, can last considerably longer.

This is a normal characteristic of the material rather than a manufacturing defect — it’s simply how a plastic-coated fabric behaves over its lifespan, and it’s one of the key trade-offs to weigh against PU leather’s lower cost compared to genuine leather.

The Applications of PU Leather

Fashion and Apparel

• Clothing: Jackets, trousers, skirts, leggings, and shorts.
• Footwear: From boots and heels to sneakers.
• Accessories: Handbags, purses, wallets, belts, and watch straps.

Furniture and Upholstery

• Seating: Sofas, armchairs, dining chairs, and office chairs.
• Bar Stools and Ottomans: Its resilience to spills and stains makes it ideal for use in hospitality and home entertainment areas.

Automotive and Transport Interiors

• Car Seats: Resistant to wear and tear from daily use.
• Interior Trim: Steering wheel covers, door panels, gear shift knobs, and dashboard elements.
• Public Transport: The interiors of buses, trains, and airplanes often use PU leather for seating due to its robustness and low maintenance requirements.

What are the Advantages of Using PU Car Upholstery?

A car interior is a high-wear environment. It’s exposed to sunlight, temperature fluctuations, spills, and constant friction. PU leather performs exceptionally well under these conditions.

• UV Resistance: It is more resistant to fading and cracking from sun exposure than many other materials, including some types of genuine leather.
• Abrasion Resistance: It holds up well against the daily wear and tear of passengers getting in and out of the vehicle.
• Water and Stain Resistance: Spills from coffee, juice, or water tend to bead on the surface and can be wiped away easily without staining.

*Shop for Car upholstery? Visit Sinocomfort.

How to tell if it is Polyurethane Leather?

There are several other factors that can help you in identifying PU leather. These include:

The Smell

PU leather products have a characteristic plastic or chemical smell.

However, the smell fizzes out with age. Hence it might be challenging to detect that smell in a product that is not brand-new.

The Texture

PU leather maintains its texture throughout use, unlike genuine leather which gets softer and more relaxed with use. Although they look alike, their textures can give them away.

The Pores

Pore spaces are another way to tell if you are with authentic leather or not. The fake leather has tiny pores that are not clearly visible, whereas full-grain leather has large pores that are easily noticeable.

The Edges

Describing the material solely by looking at its edge can be challenging, as many synthetic materials may have finishes that resemble natural leather.

The Price

PU leather costs less than full-grain leather. Ideally, the price stamp should indicate if the material you want to purchase is PU leather. Although there are online scammers who would like to defraud others, wholesale and retail shops would sell artificial leather for a significantly cheaper price, unlike real leather.

Water Test

The real leather is not waterproof. It absorbs water and stain, whereas PU leather is water and stain resistant, increasing its durability.

PU Leather VS Genuine Leather: How to Choose

PU and PUL: What are the Differences?

PU​​ is the ​​base polymer​​ used in diverse products for durability and flexibility.

​​PUL​​ is a ​​fabric-PU hybrid​​ engineered for waterproof, breathable applications like medical gear or eco-friendly diapers.

PU and EVA: What are the Differences?

PU excels in wear resistance, longevity, and UV stability. EVA compresses over time, prone to wear in high-impact use.

​​PU usually used in work boots, automotive parts, and furniture.
​​EVA​​ often used in athletic shoes, sports padding, packaging and lightweight footwear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PU leather better than faux leather？

Although PU is not genuine leather, it is different from faux leather. Whereas PU leather makes use of polyurethane, faux leather makes use of materials such as wax, dye, and polyvinyl chloride. Aside from composition, both serve as substitutes for genuine leather.

Is PU plastic or leather?

PU (polyurethane) is a ​​synthetic polymer (plastic)​​. PU leather combines a plastic ​​PU coating​​ with a fabric base (e.g., polyester) to mimic leather.