Eco-leather - what kind of material is it, natural or not?

Genuine leather is a flexible, durable, elastic material. Humanity has valued it for its high protective and aesthetic functions for many centuries: clothes, shoes, bags, even armor were made from it. It was the skin that served for the benefit of the development of civilization - the parchment from which the first books were made also consisted of this material.

Just like centuries ago, now genuine leather is an expensive pleasure. There is also an opinion that this material is inhumane and its use is unacceptable. That’s why they invented an economical, reliable and decent-looking artificial substitute - eco-leather.

Description

So, what is eco-leather? Fabric with the properties of genuine leather appeared in 1963 in the USA. The material is available and does not require large production costs.

Eco-leather is a two-layer material that is soft and warm to the touch. It has a woven base on which a microporous polymer coating is applied. It can be painted in the desired color, and the surface is structured using pressure embossing.

A polymer is a composition of organic and inorganic compounds. It can be rubber, cellulose, polyethylene, protein elements. As the thickness of the polypropylene layer increases, the performance parameters increase. The coating is durable and wear-resistant polyurethane, and the base is a breathable fabric made of cotton and polyester. During operation, polyurethane does not emit toxic substances and is absolutely safe, which is why the material is called eco-leather.

Many people are interested in the question of whether eco-leather is genuine leather or not. We can definitely answer that no - this is a new generation material obtained by spraying an artificial component.

Advantages and disadvantages

Eco-leather attracts with the following characteristics:

Color spectrum.
Abrasion resistance.
Exact imitation of the texture and properties of natural leather.
Elasticity and softness.
Flexibility and pliability.
Ensures air and water vapor permeability.
Wear resistance and durability.
Tensile strength of the material.
Form stability.
Pleasant tactile sensations.
Warmth and frost resistance.
Environmentally friendly.
Safety for human health.
Easy care and cleaning.
Has no foreign odors.
Humaneness and lack of costs for breeding animals.
Low cost with good quality.

List of disadvantages

Furniture upholstery made from eco-leather is quickly damaged by cats.
Deep cuts and scratches reveal a fabric backing that cannot be sealed or hidden.
Clothes made from budget eco-leather are uncomfortable to wear in winter.
It gets dirty easily, and stains, for example from a felt-tip pen, are difficult to remove.

What types of eco-leather are there?

Microfiber

Polyester-coated fibers are used as a base. The material is lightweight and porous. It has moisture-repellent properties and provides air access.

P.U.

PU leather is a canvas with the characteristics of natural leather, not inferior to it in quality. Consisting of three layers, including cotton fabric, discarded genuine leather and a thin, high-grade polyurethane coating. The structure provides strength, air penetration and frost resistance.

PVC

The most widely represented group of leatherette. Dense and elastic, porous and rigid fabric is produced. It is produced by impregnating the fibrous base with polymer compounds and applying a layer of PVC. The characteristics of the resulting materials depend on the base used and the type of polymer.

Perforated eco leather

It can be immediately recognized by the small holes that form a pattern on the canvas. Finds application in finishing and products where ventilation is necessary.

Self-adhesive

It has an adhesive base, which adds strength and increases the thickness of the material.

Fabric cost

The price of eco-leather depends on the type. Budget options cost 100–300 rubles per meter. High-quality durable fabric costs from 500 rubles per meter. You can purchase the material in a specialized store or order it online.

Car eco-leather covers cost 4–10 thousand rubles per set. The price depends on the size of the covers and the make of the car.

Leather bags and backpacks cost 2–4 thousand rubles. Light jacket - 1.5–3 thousand rubles. Shoes can be bought for 2–3 thousand rubles.

Introducing stretch leather

Stretch leather occupies a strong position in the fashion industry market. Present in the collections of fashion designers who like to use it for tight dresses and skirts, trousers and leggings, as well as in decorative elements and accessories. Why is this and what is stretch leather?

It is a thin and elastic material that stretches without cracking or damage. It consists of several layers, where the base is cotton fabric, on which a polymer coating is applied on both sides. The textile layer may contain the addition of elastane, polyacrylic or polyamide. The artificial knit base gives the skin stretch by 30%.

The surface of the material attracts with its varnish smoothness and shine. The canvas is also produced with a matte front side.

Stretch leather is used to make clothes, handbags, coats, suits and shoes. The products fit tightly to the body, emphasizing the dignity of the figure and sexuality.

The most popular material is black, although it is available in a rich palette.

Modern technologies make it possible to obtain natural stretch leather by combining a layer of thin sheepskin with a cotton textile base. The material is of high quality and durable, with the ability to stretch by 20%. Looks attractive.

Scope of application

An analogue of genuine leather is widely used in the field of tailoring, haberdashery and footwear industries. Often used for furniture upholstery and in the production of car seat covers. Great demand is explained by its presentable appearance, affordable price and easy care.

From eco-leather you can find:

jackets and raincoats, skirts and leggings;
bags, backpacks and wallets;
various types of covers;
shoes for children and adults from sandals to boots;
gloves and belts;
upholstery on armchairs, chairs and sofas;
decorative items in the interior.

Eco-leather is combined with different fabrics and materials. This may be metal fittings, lace, draperies, appliqués and perforations.

Eco-leather allows you to apply embossing or a picture, which is why it is used in the souvenir industry.

Where can I buy eco-leather material?

Ekokozha.ru.Site with a large selection and a clear division into categories by type, purpose, price and brands.

AvtoKozh.ru. Online store with a narrow specialization. Offers eco-leather for cars and furniture.

Domus fabric store. Huge selection of faux leather furniture fabrics. There you will find original textures and stylish shades that will appeal to both connoisseurs of minimalism and creative individuals.

To summarize, we can say that eco-leather is a modern, high-tech material with excellent properties. Perhaps this article will help you make the right choice.

How to properly care

Thanks to proper care and strict adherence to the manufacturer's recommendations, eco-leather products will last longer.

To remove dust and small dirt, it is recommended to use microfiber cloths, previously soaked in water and wrung out thoroughly. After this, the surface is wiped dry.
It is not recommended to use hard brushes for cleaning, because they can damage the outer, decorative layer.
Eco-leather should not be kept in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
After getting wet, wipe dry and dry naturally.

Important! Eco-leather is afraid of products containing chlorine.

The same care products and creams are suitable as for natural leather. Excess product is removed from the surface with a soft cloth, because it has no absorbent properties.
Eco-leather should be washed with cool water, but only with baby or laundry soap.
To clean and remove stains, it is allowed to use ammonia, lemon, hydrogen peroxide for light-colored items and products for natural leather. You can use a solution of medical alcohol diluted to a concentration of 50%.
Drops of drugs that get on eco-leather must be blotted immediately. Treat sticky compounds with a damp cloth until they disappear. Finally wipe with a dry cloth.
It is recommended to protect furniture upholstery and shoes made of eco-leather with impregnations for natural leather. This will allow you to maintain its original appearance and cleanliness longer.
The product can be dry cleaned.

Characteristic

Eco-leather: a little fabric and chemistry
To produce eco-leather, you don’t need to spend huge resources on specially raising and keeping animals - you only need fabric and a little chemistry. This material does not harm the environment and is affordable. It can be produced in unlimited quantities, of absolutely any color, type, shape and thickness. Other advantages of eco-leather include:

strength and elasticity;
wear resistance, resistance to abrasion and tearing;
Any design of the canvas is possible (color, texture);
hypoallergenic - the material is suitable for people with allergies to fur and natural leather;
breathability;
dimensional stability (does not stretch, does not rub on bends);
easy to maintain (does not absorb dirt and water);
hygroscopicity of the inside (the fabric cannot be used as a terry towel, but moisture will not remain on the body and there will be no sauna effect);
the material successfully withstands the effects of low temperatures and does not harden in the cold;
fabric is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation;
ease of processing - you can cut and sew eco-leather even at home.

Flaws:

can get very hot in the sun;
quickly becomes unusable if the material is scratched by pets;
cannot be repaired - if the polyurethane layer is damaged or knocked down, it cannot be restored with “liquid skin” (which is used to repair natural products) or simply painted over.

Eco-leather is a high-tech modern fabric, which in its characteristics is in no way inferior to natural leather.

Differences between eco-leather and natural leather

The inside is natural, fleecy, and the eco-leather is textile.
No characteristic odor.
Hypoallergenic, unlike its analogue skin.
Furniture upholstery made from eco-leather causes less sweating.
Better dyeing quality and color fastness.
It's lighter.
The color becomes lighter at the folds, and the leather retains its color when deformed.
Artificial material feels more pleasant.

Eco-leather in the fashion industry, in the production of clothing and footwear

Shoes . Eco-leather has found application in the footwear industry. All qualities of the fabric are ideal for sewing durable, comfortable, breathable and inexpensive shoes. It has virtually no downsides.

Clothes and accessories . Dresses, gloves, and scarves made of leather look great and are combined with other materials - metal, fur. This gives designers unlimited scope for imagination. The properties of eco-leather expand the boundaries of its use in clothing design. Elastic, breathable, durable, stylish clothes that do not cause allergies - a fashionista's dream! It is comfortable in cold and hot weather, there is no deformation during long wear.

Types of eco-leather depending on texture:

Smooth - I use it to sew clothes, make furniture upholstery and shoes.
Perforated – the abundance of pores makes the fabric breathable (shoes, car covers).
Suede leather. Material imitating velvet.
Nubuck is a softer analogue of suede, used in the shoe industry and for furniture upholstery.
Eco-leather on an adhesive basis.
Microfiber is a water-repellent, breathable material.
PU is a three-layer structure in which genuine leather is applied to the fabric and a thin polyurethane layer is sprayed. High frost resistance.
PVC is a cheap material obtained by impregnating fabric with a polymer composition.

Signs of difference between eco-leather and leatherette

Tactile method

You need to take a sample of the material and squeeze it lightly in your palm. Warmth, softness and velvety will be felt only in eco-leather. Leatherette with its PVC surface resembles plastic objects upon contact.

Chemical method

Vegetable oil will help to more accurately determine the type. It needs to be dropped onto the surface and left for a day. A material that has no marks on it because the oil has been completely absorbed is eco-leather. Under the influence of oil, leatherette will become tougher and rougher, because its components will begin to break down.

Which type of leather is better

Products made from eco-leather correspond to natural ones in terms of effectiveness and wear resistance. These are two equally high-quality goods of approximately the same cost. The advantage of eco-leather is that it does not get wet.

Compared to artificial leather, eco-leather is more flexible, pleasant to the touch and resistant to natural factors. The materials also have different structures. The advantage in quality is not at all on the side of leatherette. It is rough, does not allow air to pass through and sometimes cracks in the cold.

The only negative is that eco-leather is sensitive to mechanical damage.

Where is eco-leather used and what is made from it?

When clothing, accessories, shoes, and furniture upholstery are made, then elastic material is used. The resulting products have an attractive appearance, are easy to care for, and serve for a long time.

What is made from eco-leather:

Furniture is covered with eco-leather. For example, you can cover: an ottoman, a sofa, a chair, a stool, a kitchen corner.

Furniture stores offer many interior parts made from eco-leather. Each buyer can, according to his own taste, choose a sofa and armchairs in the desired color for the living room. A manager can purchase office chairs for his company in the texture and color he likes. There will be no difficulties in purchasing!

What kind of items are made from eco-leather! As for styles, both modern and classic are represented. The fact that the price of eco-leather is not expensive contributes to the fact that furniture covered with eco-leather is popular. Of course, this furniture will not be without its drawbacks:

The material has a difference: it can absorb dyes from fabrics. Advice: you need to choose ottomans, armchairs, and sofas in dark colors. Washing and soaking with water are excluded, otherwise stains will remain.

Since eco-leather does not heat up, upholstered furniture should be covered with a blanket during the cold season. Sitting on cold “skin” is not very pleasant...

Pets may leave marks on the furniture. Maybe then owners of cats and dogs don’t need to buy products made from this material.

Author:

womanss.ru

Still have questions? Ask them to the author in the comments!

auto RU

Eco-leather is used for sewing: shorts, trousers, dresses, skirts, jackets.

It will be interesting to know what things can be made from eco-leather? Depending on what item of clothing you plan to sew, choose the thickness of the material.

Clothing from this type of leather is made for both men and women. For the male population: trousers, jackets. For the female population, most often, it is preferable to sew skirts, dresses, gloves. Designers love to experiment.

So, they combine eco-leather with different fabrics, creating exclusive items that they sell for a lot of money, 1 copy at a time. If it is a down jacket or a jacket made of this material, then these things will perfectly keep a person warm in cold weather. Even when the most severe frost sets in, the material will not tan.

Winter and summer clothes are available in various colors and sizes. On sunny days, both winter and summer, things made from eco-leather will not lose their color, as they are resistant to the rays of the sun. Eco-leather items have the advantage of not causing allergies.

Eco-leather is successfully used for the production of footwear (shoes, boots, sandals)

Shoes made from this type of leather are widely available on sale. The most important advantage of eco-leather products is that the material is environmentally friendly, since no harmful polymers were used in its manufacturing process.

It will be comfortable to wear such shoes in any weather, since eco-leather can “breathe” and does not allow moisture to pass through. Of course, genuine leather has its “advantages”: compared to eco-leather, it is a warmer material and provides better protection in the cold.

According to fashionistas, the fact that the cost of eco-leather is not as high as leather allows one to be lenient about this “minus”.

Manufacturing of gloves, bags, backpacks, clutches, eco-leather wallets

Among the accessories made from eco-leather, you can find many bags. Their price is lower than for leather products, but higher than for this ladies' accessory made from other types of materials.

It has been noticed that women really like handbags made from eco-leather. When it is a quality product, you can be sure that the bag will be in use for many years, even much longer than a leather one. A handbag made of eco-leather will not lose its shape where artificial leather usually stretches: in the area of the zipper, pocket, handles and other places.

The disadvantage may be a strong smell, which is not always pleasant.

Car covers

Very often, car owners prefer to buy seat covers made of eco-leather. Those drivers who own expensive cars, in order to maintain their prestige, give preference to genuine leather, artificial suede, and Alcantara.

If the car cover is made of eco-leather, it will be suitable for car owners who have less prestigious vehicles.

According to motorists who purchased eco-leather covers:

the interior of the cabin becomes more beautiful in appearance;
there is no “sticky” effect when it’s hot;
it becomes more comfortable to sit on these covers;
the material will not fray or crack.

Eco-leather combines perfectly with lace, metal, and fabric appliqués. You can find products with different types of decor, imitation crocodile skin, iguana skin. Pleats on dresses and skirts look great!