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Synthetic leather, which has become established as an alternative material to real leather, is entering a further stage of evolution in 2026.
In addition to the benefits of being lightweight and easy to handle, environmental consideration and a wider range of texture expression are now at the center of the trend.
In particular, new materials using plant-based polyurethane and highly durable polycarbonate-based resins are attracting attention.
Representing this new era of synthetic leather is Takashima Shoji’s popular series. Here, we introduce seven product numbers from that lineup that offer an excellent balance of texture, functionality, and application.
Sustainable material using Sorona® fibers for the base fabric.
It has a supple texture and a soft, flexible 2-way stretch.
Made by a wet process, it combines breathability and hydrolysis resistance, making it a next-generation material that stays beautiful for a long time.
A tag (hang tag) for products using Sorona® can also be purchased together.
What is Sorona®?
It is an environmentally friendly, high-performance material developed by DuPont™ using some plant-derived material (corn). Compared with nylon 6, it reduces CO2 emissions during production by about 63% and reduces the energy consumption required during production by about 30%.
What is OEKO-TEX®?
It is a certificate for textile products that meet the world’s highest standards, strictly checking whether production systems take environmental and worker considerations into account, as well as product safety.
With a firm 0.9 mm thickness and elegant sheen, it creates a luxurious and attractive finish.
Even with a substantial weight of 420 g/㎡, it still feels supple.
It has strong resistance to deterioration over time, and is a popular product number for outerwear, bags, miscellaneous goods, and interior applications.
Both #2160 and #3501 offer a rich range of brown color variations, while #3501 has a more vivid, higher-saturation and brighter color tone.
All are easy-to-use lineup options.
Uses a light, soft knit base fabric that resists fraying.
With ample lateral stretch and slight stretch in the lengthwise direction, it is easy to cut and handle, so it can be used for a wide range of applications, from apparel and apparel materials to outdoor items, miscellaneous goods, interior goods, and display-fixture materials.
With a restrained sheen that is almost matte and a fine grain pattern that does not stand out too much, plus a rich range of colors and high versatility, this is a long-selling popular item with a proven track record for stable quality. It is also recommended as an all-purpose type for those handling synthetic leather for the first time.
Its natural cowhide-like grain and substantial 1 mm thickness are its defining features, recreating the powerful presence of real leather.
A striking material suited to three-dimensional items such as jackets and blousons. Because its resistance to deterioration over time has been improved, it is used not only for apparel, miscellaneous goods, and bags, but also for shoes and industrial materials.
It has high resistance to hydrolysis, and in the jungle test (*) no peeling of the surface film was confirmed after 6 weeks, which means it can withstand about 6 years of actual use.
What is the jungle test?
A test that evaluates durability against deterioration over time by reproducing deterioration that normally takes one year in about one week under an artificially created high-temperature, high-humidity environment, and measuring peel strength every week.
The biggest feature of this product is its 2-way function, which stretches both vertically and horizontally.
Because polyurethane is included in the base fabric, the weave is dense and it has strong rebound.
The surface has no grain embossing, giving it a flat, smooth finish.
Color number #101 is pure white.
#1 off-white has been discontinued, and unfortunately there was no equivalent in a flat + matte off-white type.
This is an enamel-style synthetic leather with a glossy, smooth surface.
It is the glossy version of #4345 Stretch, and the blend ratio, industry weight, and rebound strength are equivalent.
Because of the surface gloss, fingerprints are easy to leave, but it is ideal for vivid expressions such as stage costumes.
Color number #1 is off-white, a slightly yellowish white.
#71 silver and #72 gold are pearl colors with a slightly grainy feel. #78 bronze creates a dull metallic tone that appears grayish to brownish depending on the light reflection.
This is a calf-leather-style dry synthetic leather that uses a polyester + cotton blended backing fabric and is bio-processed to express a distinctive wrinkled texture and feel.
It is washed in a detergent solution containing an enzyme that acts on cotton to reduce the cotton content, creating a moderately relaxed and soft look and feel.
Because it has lateral stretch, it can be used not only for outerwear and jackets, but also for bottoms and apparel accessories.
Color number #1 off-white is a subdued shade close to beige ivory.
Synthetic leather looks and feels close to genuine leather, and is easier to handle than genuine leather, so it is used in many garments and small items.
Another reason it is easy to handle is that it hardly changes in hardness due to temperature differences, unlike genuine leather. (Strictly speaking, PVC (vinyl chloride) leather does change in hardness depending on temperature differences.)
All seven product numbers introduced here are highly durable synthetic leathers using polyurethane that are less likely to deteriorate over time, but in any case, synthetic leather will deteriorate due to air moisture, sunlight, and temperature because of its chemical properties. Proper handling is necessary from cutting and sewing to storage methods.
Here, we explain in detail how to handle synthetic leather and points for making it last longer.
Synthetic leather is a material in which peeling and stickiness due to hydrolysis become more likely over time. This is an unavoidable characteristic of synthetic leather and cannot be completely prevented. However, products using polycarbonate-based polyurethane have high durability, and if handled properly, they can prevent surface peeling and stickiness for a long period of time. Also, care is needed when layering light and dark colors or using them in part, as there is always a risk of staining and color transfer. If dirt occurs, wipe it off with a neutral detergent, then wipe with a cloth firmly wrung out with water, and finish by dry wiping.
As a basic rule, raw material rolls of synthetic leather should be stored wound on a core without folding.
Avoid high temperatures, high humidity, and direct sunlight, and avoid igeta stacking, stacked storage, and standing storage. These can cause deformation and deterioration of the material.
Roll-out and relaxing are necessary. Before cutting, roll out the textile and leave it unrolled for at least 24 hours.
By rolling out and laying out in the same direction, you can prevent distortion and shrinkage after cutting.
Because handling during storage, cutting, and sewing is directly linked to product quality, it is important to proceed carefully.
Be sure to remove any damaged areas. Repairs are extremely difficult.
Use the cutting machine knife at low speed because friction heat may melt the resin and cause it to fuse.
Avoid marking with oil-based markers or ballpoint pens. They may stain the material due to resin peeling or ink rubbing off.
Store by color number and lot number, and do not fold.
Synthetic leather can be sewn with a standard industrial sewing machine, but there are several points to keep in mind.
Sew within the same roll. Not limited to synthetic leather, there may be differences in color and texture due to lot differences.
When sewing together the warp and weft of the textile, be aware that the stretch properties differ.
Use a sliding-ring presser foot, Teflon-coated parts, or resin-coated parts for the presser foot, needle plate, and feed dog. Metal parts may cause scratches.
Set the presser pressure slightly weaker and use fewer backstitches. Use reinforcement fabric in areas subject to stress such as pocket corners. This helps prevent surface scuffing, peeling, tearing, and bursting.
The recommended stitch density is 11 to 13 stitches per 3 cm, though this may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the material.
Since a hole is made once the needle passes through, be careful when resewing.
Use a fine needle size and prepare a new needle so there is no wear or damage.
For knit base fabrics, care is also needed to avoid breaking the ground yarn. Needles such as single-yarn, KN, and SF, or SU, ASU, and PSU needles with a surface treatment are recommended.
About ironing and pressing Do not use steam, and press from the reverse side with a pressing cloth at 110°C or below. Placing a textured nonwoven fabric underneath can prevent the embossed surface from collapsing.
Use a low-temperature fusible interlining, and confirm the pressing conditions in advance.
Because it is weak against light, moisture, and heat, keep it dry using a dehumidifier.
Store it hanging on a hanger without folding, and use wrapping paper on the coated side.
Be careful not to let the coated sides of products touch each other. This helps prevent color transfer.
Use polypropylene or polyethylene packaging for synthetic leather. Never use vinyl chloride packaging.
Synthetic leather is easier to handle than genuine leather, but it has the unavoidable property of hydrolysis.
Proper storage, cutting, sewing, and finishing can greatly extend the life of the product.
In particular, high-quality polycarbonate-based synthetic leather has excellent durability, so by handling it correctly, it is possible to significantly extend its life.
*The items described here are general handling guidelines, and may vary depending on the textile product number, item, design, sewing equipment, and technique.
Please confirm and consider these factors in advance before proceeding with mass production.
While retaining the look of real leather, this evolved synthetic leather that is lightweight and supple will lead fashion and interiors into an even more free and creative world.
PLANETA® is Takashima Shoji Co., Ltd.’s original brand and registered trademark, specializing in synthetic leather and Eco fur, based in Osaka.
Leveraging more than 30 years of know-how in handling synthetic leather and related materials, Takashima Shoji Co., Ltd. plans and sells high-quality products.
