Faux Leather Fabric & Material: Types, Specs and How to Choose
Faux leather fabric is a textile backing (woven, knitted, or non-woven) coated or impregnated with a synthetic polymer, usually PU or PVC, and finished to look like leather. To choose one, compare the polymer type, backing, thickness, weight, width, finish, and performance test results for your application.
Published 2026-10-12
If you are choosing faux leather for production, the label “faux leather fabric” is only the starting point. Two rolls with the same name can differ completely in feel, strength, and lifespan. This guide explains what the material is made of, which specifications matter, and how to compare options.
What Is Faux Leather Fabric?
Faux leather fabric (also called faux leather material, synthetic leather, artificial leather, or simulated leather) is a composite: a backing textile with a polymer surface layer that imitates the grain and feel of animal hide. For the broad definition and terminology, see What Is Faux Leather?.
“Simulated leather” is the same kind of material; it is a term sometimes used in product descriptions and specifications to make clear the product is not made from animal hide.
The Layers That Determine Quality
| Layer | Options | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Surface polymer | PU, PVC, PU on microfiber | Feel, durability, hydrolysis resistance, cost |
| Backing | Woven, knitted, non-woven, microfiber | Stretch, tear strength, stitching, hand-feel |
| Finish | Embossed grain, smooth, matte, glossy, suede-like | Appearance, scratch resistance, touch |
- PU is softer and more breathable; PVC is stiffer and often cheaper. See PU vs PVC Leather.
- Microfiber backing gives the closest structure to real leather; see What Is Microfiber Leather?.
- Knitted backing stretches; woven and non-woven backings are more stable. The right one depends on how the material will be cut, sewn, or wrapped.
How to Read a Spec Sheet
| Spec | Typical unit | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | mm | Matches the product: thin for linings and garments, thicker for upholstery and bags |
| Weight | g/m² (or oz/yd²) | Heavier usually means thicker or denser; 1 oz/yd² is about 33.9 g/m² |
| Width | cm or inches | Affects cutting efficiency and waste |
| Backing | Material and construction | Stretch, strength, bonding behavior |
| Surface polymer | PU or PVC; ester or ether PU | Ester vs ether affects hydrolysis (humidity) resistance |
| Finish and color | Grain name, color code | Consistency and color matching between batches |
| Test results | Abrasion, flex, color-fastness, aging | Whether it will survive your use |
Specifications differ by manufacturer and product line, so always get the actual sheet for the exact item and not a generic description.
Choosing by Application
| Use | Priorities | Typical choice |
|---|---|---|
| Bags and accessories | Appearance, flex, scuff resistance | PU or microfiber (bags) |
| Footwear | Flex, abrasion, backing for lasting | PU or microfiber (footwear) |
| Sofas and furniture | Abrasion, cleanability, compliance | PU, microfiber, or semi-PU (furniture) |
| Automotive | Aging, emissions, flammability | PU or microfiber (automotive) |
Questions to Ask a Supplier
- Which polymer and backing exactly, and is the PU ester- or ether-based?
- What are the thickness, weight, and width range?
- What test results are available for abrasion, flex, and aging?
- How consistent is the color and texture between production batches?
- Can you provide samples before ordering?
Looking for Faux Leather Material?
Fuding Lidu Leather supplies PU, microfiber, and semi-PU leather. Contact us with your application and requirements for specifications and samples.