The short answer: full-grain and top-grain leather are real hides and last longest. Genuine leather is also real leather, but the term covers lower grades too. Bonded leather is leather scraps glued onto a backing. PU leather, faux leather and most vegan leather contain no leather at all: they are fabric coated with plastic. On a sofa, the label matters, because these materials wear very differently.
Types of leather at a glance
| Type | What it is | Real leather? | How it wears |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-grain leather | The hide’s complete outer layer, natural marks included | Yes | The most durable; develops a patina |
| Top-grain leather | The outer layer, lightly sanded and finished for an even look | Yes | Very durable; more stain-resistant, less patina |
| Genuine leather | Any real leather; often a lower layer of the hide with an embossed finish | Yes | Varies with the grade |
| Split leather and suede | The lower layer of the hide, left fuzzy or coated | Yes | Less strong than the outer layer |
| Bonded leather | Shredded leather scraps bonded with polyurethane onto a fabric backing | Partly | Prone to peeling and flaking |
| PU leather (faux leather) | Polyurethane coating on a fabric backing | No | Wipes clean; can crack and peel with age |
| PVC leather (vinyl) | Polyvinyl chloride coating on a fabric backing | No | Tough and water-resistant; less breathable |
| Vegan leather | Any leather alternative: usually PU or PVC, sometimes plant-based | No | Depends on the material |
What is full-grain leather?
Full-grain leather keeps the entire outer surface of the hide, where the fibers are densest, so it is the strongest and most breathable leather. It shows natural marks and grain, and it softens and darkens into a patina with use.
What is top-grain leather?
Top-grain leather also comes from the outer layer, but its surface is lightly sanded to remove marks and then finished. It looks more uniform and resists stains better than full-grain, with slightly less strength and character.
What is genuine leather?
“Genuine leather” simply means the material is real leather. It doesn’t tell you the grade: it is often used for lower layers of the hide with a printed or embossed surface. Look for the words full-grain or top-grain if you want the best quality.
What is bonded leather?
Bonded leather is made from leftover leather fibers mixed with polyurethane and pressed onto a fabric or paper backing, then embossed to look like leather. It contains some real leather but behaves more like a coated fabric, and the surface commonly peels or flakes after a few years of use.
What is PU leather?
PU leather is a fabric, usually polyester, coated with polyurethane and embossed with a leather-like grain. It contains no animal hide. It is soft, affordable and easy to wipe clean, but it doesn’t breathe or age like leather, and the coating can crack or peel over time. The label “PU leather” is occasionally also used for split leather with a polyurethane coating, so check the description.
What is vegan leather?
Vegan leather is any leather alternative made without animal products. Most is PU or PVC; newer versions use plant materials such as cork, cactus, pineapple leaf or mushroom-based fibers, usually combined with a polymer coating. “Vegan” describes what it is made from, not how long it lasts.
What is faux leather?
Faux leather is the general word for imitation leather: PU leather, PVC leather and leatherette are all faux leather. See how to clean a faux leather couch.
Leather finishes: aniline, semi-aniline and protected
- Aniline (also sold as full-aniline or pure-aniline): dyed through with no surface coating. The softest and most natural-looking; it absorbs spills and marks easily.
- Semi-aniline: dyed through with a thin protective coat. A balance of natural look and protection.
- Protected (pigmented): a colored, coated surface. The most stain-resistant and uniform; the usual choice for families.
Which is best for a sofa?
- Longest life: full-grain or top-grain leather.
- Homes with kids and pets: protected top-grain leather, or a good faux leather if you want to spend less.
- Softest feel: aniline leather, in a home that can look after it.
- Lowest price and easy wipe-clean: faux (PU) leather.
- Think twice: bonded leather, because of peeling.
Every leather sofa in our store states whether it is full-grain, full-aniline, pure-aniline or faux leather. Browse leather and faux leather sofas, and compare leather with fabric in fabric vs leather.
Frequently asked questions
Is PU leather real leather?
No. PU leather is a plastic-coated fabric made to look like leather.
Does faux leather peel?
It can. The coating may crack and peel with age, sunlight, heat and harsh cleaners. Gentle cleaning and keeping it out of direct sun slow this down.
Is faux leather durable?
It resists spills well and suits light to moderate use, but it usually doesn’t last as long as real leather or a good performance fabric.
How can you tell real leather from faux leather?
Real leather has an irregular grain, a fibrous, suede-like back and a distinct smell, and it warms to the touch. Faux leather has a very even pattern and a fabric backing. The label or listing should say which it is.