Have you ever been curious to know why leather is sought after so much? One of the main reasons is the huge variety you can get in different types of leather. No matter what your budget is, you’ll always be able to get something in leather without breaking the bank. Let's dive deeper into the difference between real leather and rexine so next time you go leather shopping, you’d know which one fulfills your requirements.

Real Leather

It comes from animals and is not artificially produced. Irrespective of whether the leather comes from sheep, cows, or lambs, it doesn’t make it any less genuine. Real leather products are tagged with animal hide symbols and some additional designation as a norm. These tags are often found on the lining of leather belts, the inside of bags, or is shown on attached informative product labels.

Rexine Leather

Rexine was originally the trade name of a particular fabric but now it is known as a faux leather material. It is coated with PVC and is used in upholstery, bookbinding, and insoles for footwear. The original Rexine was produced in the United Kingdom by Rexine Ltd. of Hyde close to Manchester. Embossed to resemble leather, it was made of cloth mixed with cellulose nitrate, camphor oil, pigment, and alcohol.

How To Differentiate Between Leather And Rexine

Rexine is a manufactured material that contains chemicals making it waterproof. Real leather is not waterproof and develops stains if it comes into contact with moisture or even the sun. This is due to the porous nature of leather that is caused by the hair found on animal hides. Commonly it has absolutely nothing to do with real leather. But in some cases, a small amount of leather is mixed with Rexine to make it more durable.

Which Is Better Rexine Or Leather

The better choice between the two is subjective and depends on the personal preferences of the user.

Appearance and Texture: Leather is often preferred for its natural, rich appearance and texture. It develops a beautiful patina over time, which is highly valued by many people. Rexine, conversely, is a synthetic material designed to mimic the look and feel of leather. It can come in a variety of finishes, but it may not provide the same level of authenticity as genuine leather.

Durability: Leather is generally considered more durable than rexine. It has natural strength and can withstand wear and tear for a long time with proper care. Leather can also resist punctures and scratches to some extent. Rexine, being a synthetic material, may be prone to cracking, peeling, or tearing over time, especially with heavy use.

Maintenance: Leather requires regular care and maintenance to keep it in good condition. It may need occasional cleaning and conditioning to prevent drying or cracking. Rexine, on the other hand, is typically easier to clean and maintain. It is less likely to stain and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

Cost: Rexine is generally less expensive than genuine leather. If budget is a concern, rexine can be a more affordable option that still provides a leather-like appearance. However, it's worth noting that the quality of rexine can vary, and cheaper options may not offer the same level of durability or aesthetic appeal as leather.

Sustainability: Leather is a natural material sourced from animal hides, which raises ethical and environmental concerns for some individuals. Rexine, as a synthetic material, doesn't involve animal products and may be considered a more sustainable choice by those who prioritize animal welfare.

Advantages of Real Leather: 

It helps reduce waste as it is a natural byproduct that depends heavily on the meat and dairy industry. Animal hides are put to their best use when transformed into leather as it helps ensure sustainability is at the forefront of production in today’s consumerist age.

Over 270 million cowhides are manufactured into leather each year. These are a by-product of the food industry and if leather manufacturing was out of the question, more than 7 million tones would contribute to landfills with adverse effects on the environment. Leather is a sustainable option in a society that is inclined to a fast culture.

Good leather ages well and lasts longer than most manmade materials. Owing to patina, like fine wine, it looks better as it ages, and with wear and tear, it grows into a character of its own. Leather helps us align with the ethos of quality over quantity. As an investment piece made to last generations, it is definitely one for the ages.

It requires very little maintenance to last a lifetime, which can easily be done at home, and doesn’t require laundry services as such. It also allows for the revival of artisan skills to restore treasured leather pieces.

Leftover leather and leather byproducts can be repurposed as stuffing for punching bags or mixed with other materials to make heels or insoles for footwear.

At the very end of its life cycle, leather becomes biodegradable and can be creatively incorporated into wall coverings to make the most use of its trimmings.

It is very versatile in its uses from the manufacturing of furniture to classic footwear, from fine dress gloves to sturdy motorcycle gloves, and from the softest jackets to firm boots, leather can do it all.

Disadvantages of Rexine Leather

It has the ability to produce heat making it unfit to use in the summer. Sitting on a rexine sofa may actually stain your outfit with its dye so it is important to keep an eye out for that. Cleaning it is also a tad bit tricky as it requires you to be very gentle with it otherwise it runs the risk of getting damaged. It doesn’t have much of a shelf life and will require replacement. It is less resistant than leather, gets heated very fast making it hazardous to health and the material is prone to cracking after 3-5 years.

It's important to factor in the pocket-friendliness of your purchases as well as their contribution to the world's carbon footprint. Making healthy choices that will, in turn, impact the environment will not only benefit us but those around us significantly.