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Faux Leather
Leather or hide is a material made from animal skin or synthetic fibers that resemble animal skin. In the latter case, we refer to it as artificial or faux leather, which is sometimes hardly distinguishable from genuine leather. Leather is used in a wide range of clothing, including leather jackets and pants, as well as shoes, sandals, and vests. Leather is also an excellent material for making bags, and is frequently used in the furniture industry.
Durable, versatile, and comfortable
As a clothing material, leather has been used for hundreds of years. Leather shoes and belts are known to have been made in the Middle Ages, but the first use of leather clothing probably goes back much further. Clothing made of leather is always considered modern and trendy. Leather jackets, for example, have remained popular since they hit the market. This is due to their timeless look, as well as the windproof nature of leather. Furthermore, the material is quite durable, which has made it popular for making pants and bags. However, shirts and dresses made of leather are also worth considering.
Animals no longer need to suffer to produce clothing with a leather look. Nowadays, there are various types of synthetic leather on the market that are indistinguishable in appearance from genuine leather. At Quality Textiles, we sell faux leather made from materials such as polyurethane, polyester, PVC, viscose, and rayon. Depending on the exact composition of the fabric, these artificial leather fabrics even offer some advantages that are not guaranteed with real leather. Fabrics made of PVC and polyurethane, for example, are more water-repellent and retain heat better. Additionally, faux leather is often more shape-retaining and colorfast than the natural option. It is also easier to clean.
Clothing made of leather or synthetic materials that resemble leather can complement almost any look. Cowboys, motorbikers, punk rockers, fashionable ladies - they have all embraced the fabric. This shows how versatile and comfortable the material is to so many. Furthermore, leather is a particularly durable material. Clothing made of it usually lasts a long time and stays beautiful for a long time. Our faux leather is available in various stunning colors. You can come to us for a more natural leather look, as well as brighter trendy colors.
The history of faux leather
Although genuine leather has been used for clothing and items for hundreds of years, faux leather is a surprisingly old invention. The earliest attempt to make leather without using animal ingredients took place in Germany in the nineteenth century. There, "Pressstoff" was made by treating paper pulp. Especially when leather became scarce during World War II, the material was widely used. British Rexine is another predecessor of faux leather as we know it today. Rexine was a fabric that, among other things, was given a leather-like appearance using camphor oil, alcohol, and cellulose nitrate. It cost a quarter of genuine leather and was mainly used for train seats.
Today, faux leather is mainly made from synthetic fibers. This began in the 1960s, when the American company DuPont introduced artificial leather made from a layer of polyester and a coating of polyurethane. Actually, that is still the basis of how faux leather is made today. However, different production methods can give faux leather certain properties that make it more suitable for specific applications than real leather. For example, a PVC coating makes the leather moisture-repellent; porous faux leather is breathable; and faux leather used for upholstery is often more resistant to wear and discoloration.
All the developments that faux leather has undergone over the years have enabled consumers to realize the beloved look with peace of mind. Faux leather can simply be a better choice for clothing or furniture upholstery depending on the type, because it has properties that are ideal for these applications. Consider, for example, water-repellent faux leather for leather jackets or breathable faux leather to wear in the summer. As a fashion fabric, leather has become even more versatile through the use of non-animal materials.
Sewing and washing faux leather
As so much clothing is already made of leather and faux leather, it is certainly possible to sew the fabric. The top layer of faux leather usually does not move easily under a normal presser foot. The inner layer does, but if you want to sew the outer layer, a walking foot is recommended. For thinner fabrics, a universal needle with a thickness between 75 and 90 is perfectly fine to use. Thicker fabrics are sewn with a leather needle. Faux leather is sewn with a longer stitch than most fabrics. It is preferable not to use pins, as the holes in the fabric will not recover. Fabric clips are a better idea.
Polyurethane does not shrink, so if the fabric is made from it, it is not necessary to wash it before sewing. Faux leather can be machine washed on the wool cycle, but especially if there are polyester or viscose fibers in the fabric, this should not be done at too high a temperature. Do not wash faux leather at more than 30 degrees and preferably by hand with lukewarm water. Spinning can damage the fabric. Do not put synthetic leather in the dryer because of the high temperature and let it dry in the air. Ironing is usually not necessary, but if necessary, it is only possible at low temperatures and preferably on the inside.
Buying leather online
There are few fabrics more popular for clothing and fashion accessories than leather. At Quality Textiles, various types of faux leather are available that are just as beautiful and durable as real leather. In some cases, faux leather is an even better choice than the natural option; for example, if you are looking for water-repellent or breathable fabrics. With all the different colors and fabric textures available in our collection, it is much easier to find the right fabric for your next jacket, pants, skirt, dress, handbag or furniture.