Real Leather vs Faux Leather Bomber Jackets: What’s the Difference?

Bomber jackets will always be in style. People wear them for both style and comfort, from fighter pilots to modern-day trendsetters. But every buyer has to make one key choice: should you get real leather or fake leather?
At first glance, they both look the same. But they act, age, and agree with different values. This article will help you figure out the main differences and choose the one that works best for you.

What is Real Leather?

Animal hides, usually from cows, goats, or sheep, are used to make real leather. The tanning process makes the hides supple, tough, and long-lasting. There are different kinds of real leather. You can choose between full-grain leather, which preserves the natural texture, and top-grain leather, which is smoother and more polished. 
Every authentic leather bomber jacket feels different. It feels warm and a little rough. Over time, it gets a beautiful surface change known as a patina. The more you wear it, the better it looks.

What is Faux Leather?

Faux leather is not real leather. It is made of plastic-based materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU). They make it seem like real leather on purpose. It usually has a smooth, even surface and comes in a lot of different styles.
Faux leather doesn't breathe like real leather. It feels colder when you touch it, and over time, it may break or peel. But a lot of people choose it because it's vegan or cheaper.

Key Differences Between Real and Faux Leather Bomber Jackets

Look and Feel

Leather that is real has a warm, natural feel. No jacket looks the same as another. Faux leather, on the other hand, often looks too good to be true. It could look shinier in the light and feel more like plastic than flesh. 

Durability and Lifespan

Real leather can endure ten to twenty years or more if you take good care of it. As it gets older, it gets softer and more fashionable. Faux leather usually lasts between two and five years. It can lose its shape or peel over time.

Price Range

Real leather jackets cost extra since they are made from animal hides and require trained workers. Prices usually start at $200 and can go up from there. Faux leather jackets are frequently cheaper. You can find a lot of decent ones for less than $100.

Environmental Impact

Both materials have an impact on the environment. Animal rearing and chemical tanning are both parts of making real leather. Plastic is used to make faux leather, and plastic doesn't break down in nature. A study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production in 2018 indicated that PU-based fake leather has a lesser carbon impact in the near term, but its shorter lifespan may mean more waste in the long run.

Maintenance and Care

You need to clean and condition real leather gently and regularly. It might dry out if you leave it damp or in the sun. You can clean faux leather with just a moist cloth. Once it starts to peel, though, it's hard to cure. 

Weather Resistance

Faux leather is excellent at keeping water out. But it can break in the cold. If treated, real leather can protect against wind and water. But if you don't treat it, it can soak up water.

Pros and Cons

Real leather jackets last for a long time and even get better with age. They feel well, are strong, and look better as time goes on. They can be expensive and need to be taken care of often, though. They are also not good for folks who like things that don't hurt animals.
Faux leather jackets are cheap, easy to clean, and in line with vegan beliefs. There are many different styles and colors to choose from. But they might fracture or peel after a few seasons, and they don't last as long as real leather.

 
Which One Should You Choose?

What matters most to you will help you decide. Real leather can be worth the money if you want a jacket that will last a long time and look and feel like leather. It's great for everyday use, biking, or going out in the cold.
Faux leather can still look good, though, if you don't want to spend a lot of money or want to avoid animal products. It's also easier to take care of and lighter, which is great for folks who want a jacket to wear every now and then or to follow fast fashion trends.
For instance, if you exclusively wear jackets in the fall, a faux leather bomber jacket might be all you need. However, if you wear one almost every day in the winter or when riding your motorcycle, a true leather jacket is a better long-term investment.

 
Final Thoughts

Both real leather and fake leather bomber jackets are fashionable. Real leather adds authenticity, warmth, and personality. Faux leather is stylish, easy to care for, and good for the environment. The greatest pick is the one that fits your values, budget, and how you plan to wear it.
At Amrika Leather, you may check through our selection of real leather bomber jackets and choose the one that goes with your style.