Synthetic Leather
Synthetic leather is a sheet-like material made by coating and laminating resin onto a textile base fabric to create an appearance and feel similar to genuine leather.
Contents5 sections
Definition and Overview
Synthetic leather is a material with a surface layer formed on a base fabric such as woven fabric, knitted fabric, or nonwoven fabric using polyurethane resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, or similar materials. By designing the surface grain, gloss, suede-like finish, and other qualities, it expresses a leather-like appearance and texture.
“Gohi” is an abbreviation of synthetic leather, and faux leather is used as a general term for materials made to look like genuine leather. PU leather often refers to materials with a polyurethane surface layer and is not synonymous with synthetic leather as a whole.
Features and Texture
Through surface embossing and similar processes, a wide variety of appearances can be created, such as smooth, grain-like, suede-like, and enamel-like finishes. It is easy to reproduce colors and patterns, and it generally has less variation between cut parts than genuine leather.
Depending on the base fabric, type of resin, and surface finish, thickness, firmness, stretch, suppleness, and breathability can vary greatly. Many products resist absorbing water and are easy to wipe clean, but resistance to stuffiness and long-term surface deterioration differs by specification.
Main Applications
In apparel, it is used for jackets, blousons, coats, skirts, pants, and dresses, as well as partial use for collars, pockets, elbow patches, and similar parts. Thick types with wind resistance are often used in autumn and winter garments, while thin or stretchy types are also used for year-round planning.
It is also used for fashion accessories such as bags, shoes, belts, and hats, as well as interior applications such as furniture and vehicle interiors. However, because the required flexibility, abrasion resistance, flame retardancy, and other properties differ between apparel and miscellaneous goods or interior use, it is important to check the specification suitable for the application.
Selection and Handling Notes
When selecting, check not only the appearance but also the type of base fabric, thickness, stretchability, slipperiness on the back side, seam strength, and resistance to friction and bending. The surface texture can also appear different depending on the lot and lighting, so it is important to confirm the color, gloss, and grain with an actual sample.
Whether it can be washed with water and how much it shrinks depend on the combination of the base fabric and surface resin. High-temperature irons, dryers, and chemical agents containing solvents can cause deformation, surface stickiness, hardening, or peeling, so follow the care label and the handling conditions specified by the textile manufacturer.
In sewing, needle holes are likely to remain, and resewing can stand out as surface damage. Adjust the needle size, thread, stitch length, and presser foot pressure with trial sewing to prevent feed marks and seam breakage. During storage, avoid high temperature and humidity, direct sunlight, and contamination transferred from other materials.
- Artificial leather generally refers to materials that use a base material made by three-dimensionally entangling ultrafine fibers or similar fibers, and its structure and terminology may differ from those of synthetic leather.
- Genuine leather is material made by tanning animal hides, and it differs from synthetic leather in raw materials, structure, aging characteristics, and care methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between synthetic leather and artificial leather?
Synthetic leather is generally a material in which a resin layer is formed on a textile base. Artificial leather often refers to a product made by impregnating or applying resin to a three-dimensional base material made by entangling ultrafine fibers, and it is treated as having a structure closer to genuine leather. However, usage varies in commercial labeling.
Can synthetic leather be washed at home?
Whether it can be washed depends on the material composition and product specifications, so it cannot be judged uniformly. Because the surface resin may be affected by heat, moisture, detergent, and friction, check the product care label. Even if the label says it can be washed, it is important to follow instructions such as turning it inside out and washing it briefly.
What should be noted when sewing synthetic leather?
Because needle holes are likely to remain, it is basic practice not to pin visible areas and to reduce resewing. Test needles and thread that match the fabric thickness and base fabric, and check for feed marks, seam shrinkage, and seam splitting. For overlapping seam allowance areas, consider the thickness in the specification.
- Browse Artificial Leather products
- Products with material "Synthetic Leather"
- Products for style "For Outerwear/blousons/coats"
- Products for style "For Jackets/Suits"
- Products for style "For Pants"
- Products for style "For Skirts And Dresses"
- Products for style "For Bags"
- Products for style "For Interiors"
- Browse Textile products
