What Is Microfiber Leather? Everything You Need To Know

We’re all familiar with genuine leather, but what is microfiber leather? 

Microfiber leather is a type of synthetic leather made from polyurethane (PU) and polyester fibers. It is often referred to as "faux leather" because it looks and feels like genuine leather, but is much more durable and resistant to water and wear and tear. It's a popular choice for furniture, clothing, and accessories because of its affordability and durability. 

In this article, we’ll explore the manufacturing process, and the difference between genuine leather and microfiber, and compare microfiber leather to traditional leather.

We’ll also look at durability, pros and cons, environmental impact, and care and maintenance of microfiber leather.

Basic Overview

• Microfiber leather is a synthetic, durable material made from polyurethane and polyester fibers, often referred to as ‘faux leather’.
• It is more durable and resistant to water and wear and tear than genuine leather, making it a cost-effective alternative.
• Microfiber leather has advantages over genuine leather such as better resistance to wear and tear, improved breathability, and excellent waterproofing capabilities.
• It is used in various applications including upholstery, clothing, footwear, handbags, and fashion accessories.

Manufacturing Process

The process of making microfiber leather starts with the creation of a backing. This backing is usually made from either PU leather, synthetic leather, faux leather, or polyurethane.

It’s then woven together with tiny fibers, which are usually made from nylon or polyester. The result is a highly durable and flexible material that has a soft feel and a luxurious appearance.

The next step in the manufacturing process is the finishing process. This process involves adding a protective coating to the material, which helps to protect against tearing, fading, and water damage.

It also helps to create a beautiful, glossy finish to the material. This finish can be either matte or glossy, depending on the desired look.

Finally, the material is then cut and sewn into the desired shape and size. After this step, the material is ready to be used to create furniture, bags, apparel, and other products.

Difference between Genuine Leather and Microfiber

We’re comparing genuine leather and microfiber leather, two materials that have different qualities and benefits.

Features	Genuine Leather	Microfiber Leather
Material	Animal hide	Synthetic (polyester and polyurethane)
Price	More expensive	Less expensive
Durability	Will last longer	More durable
Breathability	Less breathable	More breathable
Flexibility	More flexible	Less flexible
Care and maintenance	May require special care and maintenance	Easier to care for
Suitability for clothing	Suitable for all types of clothing	May not be suitable for certain types of clothing

Overall, when choosing between genuine leather and microfiber leather, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each material.

Comparison Between Microfiber Leather and Traditional Leather

Here are the main differences between the two materials:

Features	Microfiber Leather	Traditional Leather
Material	Synthetic (polyurethane)	Animal hide
Price	Less expensive	More expensive
Comfort and breathability	More comfortable and breathable	Less comfortable and breathable
Durability and water resistance	More durable and resistant to water damage	Less durable and less resistant to water damage

These differences between microfiber leather and traditional leather make it easier to choose the best material for your needs.

Applications and Uses of Microfiber Leather

In terms of applications, microfiber leather is used in a variety of industries, including automotive, furniture, fashion, and sports.

It is also used to make items such as wallets, purses, laptop cases, and backpacks.

Here are some of the key advantages of using microfiber leather:

• It is much more affordable than real leather
• It is more durable and long-lasting than synthetic leather
• It is water-resistant and has excellent breathability

Overall, microfiber leather is an excellent alternative to real leather and synthetic leather, as it has all the benefits of both materials without the drawbacks.

Durability and Longevity

Microfiber leather is a type of synthetic leather made from non-woven fabric, making it much stronger and more durable than genuine leather.

Not only is it resistant to wear and tear, but it is also highly resistant to aging. It can withstand exposure to the elements and will not fade or discolor.

Moreover, it is easy to clean and maintain, making it a great choice for those looking for a long-lasting material.

Properties	Microfiber Leather
Durability	High
Longevity	High
Aging Resistance	High
Wear & Tear Resistance	High
Cleaning & Maintenance	Easy

Pros and Cons

Let’s explore the pros and cons of using microfiber leather.

Here are some of the key points to consider:

• Durability: Microfiber leather is more durable than genuine leather and synthetic leather, making it a great choice for furniture and other items that receive a lot of wear and tear.
• Cost: Microfiber leather is usually cheaper than genuine leather, making it a more affordable option for those on a budget.
• Breathability: Microfiber leather is more breathable than genuine leather, making it a better choice for items used in hot climates.
• Texture: Microfiber leather has a softer and smoother texture than genuine leather, making it less prone to cracking and fading over time.
• Care: Microfiber leather is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only a soft cloth and mild soap to keep it looking its best.

Overall, microfiber leather is a great choice for a variety of applications, offering a combination of durability, cost-effectiveness, breathability, texture, and easy care.

Environmental Impact

Microfiber leather is a synthetic material made from polyurethane (PU) and polyester fibers that is often used as a vegan leather alternative in clothing and furniture.

The production of microfiber leather uses chemicals and energy which can have a negative impact on the environment. Furthermore, microfiber leather is not biodegradable, meaning it can take hundreds of years to decompose.

On the other hand, microfiber leather is usually made from recycled materials and can be recycled again, making it a more sustainable choice than other vegan leather alternatives.

All in all, while microfiber leather can have a negative environmental impact, there are also some positive aspects that should be considered when deciding whether or not to use it.

Care and Maintenance of Microfiber Leather

Maintaining microfiber leather properly is essential to its longevity, so it’s important that we understand the best ways to care for it.

Here are some tips for keeping microfiber leather in good condition:

• Regularly dust and vacuum the microfiber leather furniture to keep it clean and free of dirt and dust.
• Use cleaning solutions specifically designed for microfiber synthetic leather. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives, as these can damage the fabric and reduce its aging resistance.
• Use high-performance PU sealants and protectants to help preserve the microfiber leather and keep it looking new.

Final Thoughts

Overall, microfiber leather is a great choice for those who want a good-looking, durable material that won’t break the bank.

It’s important to consider the environmental impact, however, and be sure to properly care for and maintain the material to ensure its longevity.

With the right knowledge and care, microfiber leather can be a great alternative to traditional leather.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Is Microfiber Leather Made?

We make microfiber leather by combining polyester fibers with a small amount of polyurethane. The fibers are tightly woven together to give it the look and feel of real leather. The result is a material that’s lightweight, strong, and durable.

Is Microfiber Leather Cheaper Than Traditional Leather?

Yes, microfiber leather is generally more affordable than traditional leather. It’s made from synthetic fibers, which makes it cheaper to produce than natural leather.

Are There Different Grades of Microfiber Leather?

Yes, there are different grades of microfiber leather. It ranges from low-grade to high-grade, with some grades offering a more durable finish than others.

How Does Microfiber Leather Compare to Genuine Leather?

We find that microfiber leather is a great alternative to genuine leather. It’s very durable and has a unique texture that’s similar to genuine leather. It’s also more affordable and easier to maintain.

Does Microfiber Leather Require Special Care and Maintenance?

Yes, microfiber leather does require special care and maintenance. It should be kept away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Cleaning should be done with a damp cloth and mild soap, and it should not be put in the washing machine.

How is microfiber leather different from real leather?

Microfiber leather is an artificial leather product, while real leather is made from animal skin. Microfiber leather is created by applying polyurethane resin to a microfiber fabric, giving it a leather-like appearance and texture.

What is the difference between microfiber leather and PU leather?

Microfiber leather and PU leather are both types of artificial leather, but they are made differently. Microfiber leather is made from microfiber fabric and polyurethane resin, while PU leather is made from a layer of polyurethane applied to a fabric backing. Microfiber leather is generally considered to be more durable and of higher quality than PU leather.

Can I clean microfiber furniture with microfiber leather?

Microfiber leather can be used to clean microfiber furniture. The soft and absorbent nature of microfiber makes it an effective material for cleaning and removing dirt and stains from furniture.

Is microfiber leather better than real leather?

Whether microfiber leather is better than real leather depends on personal preference and the intended use. Microfiber leather is generally more affordable, easier to clean, and more resistant to cracking and fading compared to real leather. However, real leather has a unique and luxurious feel that cannot be replicated by microfiber leather.

Is microfiber leather the same as PU leather?

Microfiber leather and PU leather are both types of artificial leather, but they are made differently. Microfiber leather is made from microfiber fabric and polyurethane resin, while PU leather is made from a layer of polyurethane applied to a fabric backing. They have similar properties but microfiber leather is often considered to be more durable and of higher quality than PU leather.

Resources Used for Research

• Conservation of leather and related materials
• The manufacture of leather
• Leather Processing & Tanning Technology Handbook
• Leather Tooling and Carving
• FAUX leather exploration: A creative approach
• EC86-418 Upholstered Furniture Care : Cleaning and Stain Removal