What Is Leatherette? Material, Uses and How It Differs from Faux Leather
Leatherette is a synthetic leather imitation made by coating a fabric backing with a plastic layer, most often PVC or PU, embossed to resemble leather grain. The word is used interchangeably with faux leather and artificial leather, and is especially common in upholstery, automotive, and packaging contexts.
Published 2026-10-12
“Leatherette” is one of the many names for synthetic leather. It is common in product listings for upholstery, cars, and packaging, but it is rarely defined clearly. This guide explains what it means, how it relates to faux leather and vinyl, and how to choose it for a project.
What Is Leatherette?
Leatherette is a fabric backing coated with a plastic layer that is embossed and finished to look like leather. The coating is most often PVC or PU. The word is used for the material in general, not for one specific formulation, so the coating can differ from product to product.
Leatherette is not a protected technical standard. Two products sold as leatherette can differ widely in feel, durability, and price, so the underlying material should always be confirmed.
Leatherette vs. Faux Leather vs. PU Leather vs. Vinyl
| Term | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Leatherette | Common name for coated-fabric leather imitation, often PVC, sometimes PU |
| Faux leather | Broad umbrella term for any leather imitation (PU, PVC, microfiber, and others) |
| PU leather | Faux leather specifically coated with polyurethane |
| Vinyl | PVC-based coated material, often used for outdoor and heavy-duty uses |
| Pleather | Informal blend of “plastic” and “leather,” more common in casual use |
In practice, leatherette and faux leather overlap heavily. For the full terminology family, see What Is Pleather? and What Is Faux Leather?.
How Leatherette Is Made
- A fabric backing (woven, knitted, or non-woven) is prepared
- A polymer layer (PVC or PU) is applied by coating or lamination
- The surface is embossed with a leather-like grain and finished with color and texture
For the difference between the two main coatings, see PU vs PVC Leather.
Advantages and Limitations
Advantages
- Lower cost than genuine leather
- Uniform color, thickness, and texture
- Easy to wipe clean and generally stain-resistant
- No animal-derived material
Limitations
- Generally less breathable than genuine leather
- Lower grades can crack, peel, or delaminate over time
- PVC-based types can feel stiffer than PU-based ones
- Quality varies significantly, and the name alone does not indicate grade
Common Uses
- Furniture and upholstery: sofas, chairs, headboards, commercial seating
- Automotive interiors: seats, door panels, trim
- Bags and accessories
- Packaging and stationery: book covers, boxes, cases
See our application guides for furniture, automotive, and bags.
How to Choose Leatherette
- Check the coating: PU for softer feel, PVC for stiffer and more water-resistant uses
- Check the backing: it affects stretch and stitching strength
- Match thickness and weight to the use
- Ask for test data: abrasion, flex, and aging for your application
For a practical spec checklist, see Faux Leather Fabric & Material: Types, Specs and How to Choose.
Looking for Leatherette or Synthetic Leather?
Fuding Lidu Leather supplies PU, microfiber, and semi-PU leather. See our materials or contact us with your requirements.