Synthetic Leather

Definition and Overview

Synthetic leather is a material in which a surface layer is formed on a base fabric such as woven fabric, knitted fabric, or nonwoven fabric using polyurethane resin or polyvinyl chloride resin. By designing the grain, sheen, suede-like texture, and other surface qualities, it reproduces a leather-like appearance and feel.

“Gosei-hikaku” is an abbreviation for synthetic leather, and faux leather is used as a general term for materials made to resemble genuine leather. PU leather often refers to materials with a polyurethane-based surface layer, and is not synonymous with synthetic leather as a whole.

Features and Texture

Surface embossing and similar processes can create a wide range of appearances, such as smooth, grained, suede-like, and enamel-like finishes. It is easy to achieve faithful reproduction of colors and patterns, and another characteristic is that differences between cutting positions are generally smaller than with genuine leather.

Depending on the base fabric, the type of resin, and the surface finish, thickness, firmness, stretch, suppleness, and breathability vary greatly. Many products are less absorbent and easier to wipe clean, but susceptibility to stuffiness and long-term surface deterioration varies by specification.

Main Applications

In clothing, it is used for jackets, blousons, coats, skirts, pants, and dresses, as well as for partial applications such as collars, pockets, and elbow patches. Thick types with wind resistance are often used for autumn and winter apparel, while thin or stretch types are also used for year-round collections.

It is also used for fashion accessories such as bags, shoes, belts, and hats, as well as for interior applications such as furniture and vehicle interiors. However, because the required flexibility, abrasion resistance, flame resistance, and other properties differ between apparel use and miscellaneous goods or interior use, it is important to confirm the specification suitable for the intended application.

How to Choose and Handling Precautions

When selecting a material, check not only the appearance but also the type of base fabric, thickness, stretch, slipperiness of the back side, seam strength, and durability against friction and bending. Since the texture of the surface can also look different depending on the lot and lighting, it is important to check the color, sheen, and grain on an actual sample.

Whether it can be washed with water and how much it shrinks depend on the composition of the base fabric and surface resin. High-temperature irons, dryers, and agents containing solvents may cause deformation, surface stickiness, hardening, or peeling, so follow the care label and the manufacturer’s handling conditions.

During sewing, needle holes tend to remain, and resewing may stand out as surface damage. In test sewing, adjust the needle size, thread, stitch length, and presser foot pressure, and prevent feed-related damage and seam bursting. For storage, avoid high temperature and humidity, direct sunlight, and contamination transferred from other materials.

• Artificial leather generally refers to a material that uses a base made by three-dimensionally entangling ultra-fine fibers or similar materials, and its structure and terminology may differ from synthetic leather.
• Genuine leather is material made by tanning animal hide, and differs from synthetic leather in raw materials, structure, aging characteristics, and care methods.

Frequently Asked Questions