What Are the Disadvantages of Synthetic Leather?
While synthetic leather has many good points, it also comes with some drawbacks you should know about. One of the biggest problems is that it doesn’t breathe like real leather. This means that when you sit on synthetic leather seats or wear synthetic leather clothes for a long time, you might feel hot and sweaty. Real leather lets air pass through, which keeps you more comfortable. This is why many people prefer real leather for things like car seats or shoes where comfort matters most.
Another issue is that synthetic leather doesn’t last as long as the real thing. Over time, it can start to peel or crack, especially if it’s exposed to sunlight or extreme temperatures. The material breaks down faster than real leather, which can develop a nice patina with age instead of looking worn out. Once synthetic leather starts peeling, there’s not much you can do to fix it. You’ll probably need to replace the item, which isn’t always cheap or easy.
The feel of synthetic leather is different too. It often has a plastic-like texture that some people don’t like as much as the natural feel of real leather. High-quality synthetic leather can come close to mimicking the real thing, but it’s usually not quite the same. This might not matter for some uses, but for things you touch often like furniture or steering wheels, the difference can be noticeable. Some types of synthetic leather also make squeaky noises when you move on them, which can be annoying.
Cleaning synthetic leather can be tricky sometimes. While it’s generally easier to clean than real leather, some cleaning products can actually damage it. You have to be careful not to use anything too strong that might strip the protective coating. Once that coating is gone, the material becomes more likely to stain or fade. Real leather is more forgiving with cleaning products and can often be restored even if it gets damaged. With synthetic leather, damage is usually permanent.
Environmental concerns are another downside. Synthetic leather is made from plastics that don’t break down easily in nature. When you throw away synthetic leather items, they can sit in landfills for hundreds of years. Real leather comes from natural sources and will eventually decompose, though the tanning process does have its own environmental issues. If you’re trying to make eco-friendly choices, this is something to think about when deciding between real and synthetic leather.
