Real vs Faux Leather Jackets: How to Tell the Difference and Which to Choose

Real leather and faux leather can look almost identical on a hanger, and both have a place in a good wardrobe. The difference shows up in how the jacket feels, how it changes with wear and how you look after it. This guide explains how to tell real from faux leather, what each one does well and how to choose between them for the way you dress.

What is the difference between real and faux leather?

Real leather is made from animal hide that has been tanned so it stays supple and doesn't rot. Because it comes from skin, it has natural grain, small variations and a fibrous structure underneath the surface.

Faux leather (also called vegan leather, synthetic leather or PU leather) is a man-made material. Usually a fabric backing is coated with a plastic layer, most often polyurethane, and the surface is embossed with a grain pattern so it looks like hide.

Neither one is automatically "better". They behave differently, and that is what should guide your choice.

How to tell if a leather jacket is real

If you are shopping in person or checking a jacket you already own, a few simple checks will usually give you the answer.

Read the label first

The care or content label is the most reliable clue. Look for the shell material. Words such as polyurethane, PU, polyester-coated or vinyl point to faux leather. A label naming an animal hide, such as cowhide, sheepskin, lambskin or goatskin, points to real leather.

Look closely at the grain

Real leather has an irregular surface. Pores, creases and small marks vary from one area to the next. Faux leather tends to repeat the same pattern evenly across the whole jacket, because the grain is pressed in by a roller or plate.

Check the edges and the back

Turn a seam allowance or an inside edge towards the light if you can. Real leather has a rough, slightly fuzzy, fibrous edge. Faux leather often shows a layer of woven or knitted fabric under a smooth coating.

Feel it and warm it

Press a fingertip into the surface. Real leather usually wrinkles softly around your finger and slowly warms to your skin. Faux leather often feels cooler and more uniform, and it can spring back more like plastic.

Smell it

Real leather has a rich, earthy smell. Faux leather may have a faint chemical or plastic smell, especially when it is new. This test is less reliable on older jackets or jackets that have been stored with other items.

Avoid "tests" that can damage a jacket, such as burning a corner or soaking it in water. They aren't needed, and they can ruin the garment.

Real leather: what to expect

• It changes with you. Real leather softens, creases and moulds to your shape as you wear it, and many people love the character this brings.
• It breathes. As a natural material it lets some air through, which can make it more comfortable across a range of temperatures.
• It needs some care. Conditioning now and then helps keep it from drying out, and it should be kept away from heavy rain and direct heat.
• It costs more. Real leather is generally priced higher than faux leather.

Different hides feel different too. Sheepskin and lambskin tend to be soft and light, while cowhide and buffalo leather are usually thicker and more structured. Our leather guide covers these differences in more detail, and you can browse sheepskin leather jackets or cowhide leather jackets if you already know the feel you want.

Faux leather: what to expect

• It looks consistent. The colour and finish stay even across the whole jacket.
• It is animal-free. Faux leather contains no animal hide, which matters to many shoppers.
• It is easy to wipe clean. Most marks come off with a damp cloth, but always check the care label first.
• It costs less. Faux leather is usually the more affordable option.
• It doesn't develop a patina. It won't soften and mould to you in the same way, and over time some coatings can crack or peel, especially with heat, folding or friction.

Which should you choose?

Start with how you'll wear the jacket, then think about budget and values.

Choose real leather if…

• you want a jacket that softens and takes on your shape over time;
• you're happy to condition it occasionally and store it on a good hanger;
• you plan to wear it often, season after season.

Choose faux leather if…

• you prefer an animal-free material;
• you want the leather look at a lower price;
• you want an easy-care piece, or you're trying a trend such as a cropped leather jacket or an oversized fit.

Many styles at Second Skin Collections are offered in both. Pick real or faux under Leather Type on the product page, then compare the details before you decide. You can start with women's leather jackets or men's leather jackets.

Caring for each type

Care is one of the biggest practical differences. In short:

• Real leather: wipe off dust with a soft, dry cloth, condition it now and then with a product made for leather (spot test first), let it dry naturally if it gets wet, and store it on a wide hanger.
• Faux leather: wipe it with a soft cloth dampened with water and, if needed, a drop of mild soap, then dry it with a clean cloth. Skip oil-based leather conditioners unless the label says they're suitable.

Whichever you choose, the care label inside your jacket comes first. For step-by-step advice, read our guide on how to care for a leather jacket.

Fit matters more than material

A real leather jacket that fits badly will never feel right, and a well-fitting faux leather jacket can look sharp for years. Before you choose a material, check the shoulders, sleeve length and how much room you need for layers. Our article on how a leather jacket should fit walks you through it, and the Size Guide explains how to measure.

FAQs

Is faux leather the same as vegan leather?

In fashion, the terms are mostly used for the same thing: a leather-look material made without animal hide. The exact make-up varies, so check the content label to see what the shell is made from.

Does faux leather peel?

Some faux leathers can crack or peel over time, especially with heat, sharp folds or heavy friction. Gentle cleaning, hanging the jacket rather than folding it, and keeping it away from radiators all help.

Can real leather jackets get wet?

A light shower usually won't harm real leather, but avoid soaking it. If it gets wet, blot off the water, hang it on a wide hanger and let it dry naturally at room temperature, away from direct heat.

How can I tell real leather from faux when shopping online?

Check the product details and the material listed for the option you choose. On our product pages, the Leather Type option shows whether you're buying real or faux leather.