6 Pros & Cons to Know About Vegan Leather Before You Buy (2024)

There’s a lot of misinformation about vegan leather on the internet, and we’re here to set the story straight. This article will explore exactly what vegan leather is and the pros and cons of investing in a product made from it.

What is Vegan Leather?

Vegan Leather goes by many terms: faux leather, synthetic leather, and artificial leather. It’s all the same thing — fabric that imitates the look and feel of leather but is not made from animal hide.

If you’re thinking about buying vegan leather, here are the 6 Pros vs Cons to consider:

Pros of Vegan Leather

1. Cruelty-Free: The biggest advantage of vegan leather is that it doesn't involve the use of animal products. This makes it an ethical choice for those who are against animal cruelty.
2. Maintenance: Vegan leather requires less maintenance and it’s easier to clean than real leather. But it’s still important to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the longevity of the product.
3. Cost: While some types of vegan leather may be more expensive than others, there are many affordable options available. In fact, vegan leather is often less expensive than real leather, which makes it a great choice for those on a budget.

Cons of Vegan Leather

1. Durability: One of the biggest drawbacks of vegan leather products is that some are not as durable as real leather goods. They may crack or peel over time, especially with heavy use. It’s important to look for reputable brands that use high-quality materials and manufacturing processes to ensure that your vegan leather products will hold up over time.
   
2. Environmental Impact: Some types of vegan leather including PU leather (made from polyurethane) and PVC leather (made from polyvinyl chloride) aren’t environmentally friendly. But you can always opt for innovative plastic-free vegan materials such as mushrooms, cork, and even apple peels.
   
3. Limited Products: The market for vegan leather products is growing, but there's still a limited number available for sale compared to traditional leather products. The quantity of brands that sell high-quality vegan leather goods that are both durable and use plastic-free vegan materials is even smaller.

It's important to understand the consumer behavior around sustainable fashion to appreciate why these limitations exist.

It’s hard to figure out what exactly goes into making our vegan leather products. Greenwashing is a common trend among fashion brands who want the marketing of sustainability without committing to the cause. Making understanding the real impact of your purchase can be challenging. This is why Wildr brands are vetted with background and certification checks so you can rest easy that your impact with every purchase is a positive one.

Is vegan leather better for the environment than animal leather?

It depends on you! Buying one leather handbag is less harmful to the environment than buying six synthetic ones. Our suggestion? Choose one bag that you love, whether that’s vegan or leather — and forgo the other five you also like (at least until next season).

Sustainability is a series of choices that we make everyday — it’s a lifestyle. Whether you choose real leather or vegan leather, always make sure to shop from brands that prioritize the people and the planet.