Real and Faux Leather
PU Leather vs. Microfiber
Microfiber leather is PU on a microfiber non-woven base; ordinary PU sits on woven or knit fabric. Price, wear claims, uses and the checks that matter.
Microfiber leather is a kind of PU leather: both have a polyurethane surface, and the difference is the base underneath. Ordinary PU leather is coated onto a knitted, woven or non-woven fabric, while microfiber leather is coated onto a three-dimensional non-woven base of microfibers. Makers say microfiber is stronger and costs more, but their durability figures aren't independent and don't agree.
This comparison is part of our hub on real vs. faux leather.
Two things called "microfiber"
Check which one you're comparing. Microfiber itself is a synthetic fiber finer than one denier, usually polyester or polyamide. It turns up in two leather-like forms:
- Microfiber leather: a PU surface on a microfiber non-woven base.
- Microfiber upholstery and faux suede: a suede-like fabric sold for sofas on easy upkeep. Alcantara is one branded example, about two-thirds polyester and one-third polyurethane. For suede look-alikes, see faux suede vs. real suede.
The rest of this page compares ordinary PU leather with microfiber leather.
PU leather vs. microfiber leather at a glance
The prices are undated and the rub test isn't named, so treat both as one seller's claims.
| Column 1 | Ordinary PU leather | Microfiber leather |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Polyurethane coating | Polyurethane coating |
| Base | Knitted, woven or non-woven fabric | 3D microfiber non-woven |
| Price | Generally cheaper; one maker quotes USD 3.5–4.5 per meter | Same maker quotes USD 5.7–8.5 per meter |
| Abrasion (maker claim) | 30,000–50,000 rubs | Over 150,000 rubs |
| Comfort in clothing | Depends on how porous it is | Porous types with a microfiber backing are described as comfortable to wear |
| Moisture risk | Polyurethane can break down by hydrolysis | Same polyurethane surface, so ask about hydrolysis resistance |
Which lasts longer?
Nobody independent has published an answer. A microfiber maker says microfiber lasts 5–10 years against 3–5 for PU, yet a table on the same page gives PU 1–3 years. Other sellers and makers put PU at 2–5 years, 3–5 years or 1–7 years. These figures conflict, so don't treat any of them as settled. The full comparison is in how durable PU leather is.
A more useful question for either material is how it did in a hydrolysis test. One maker describes holding samples at 158 °F (70 °C) and 95% humidity for up to 28 days.
Which to choose by use
| Use | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Shoes, gloves, balls, bags | Kuraray sells its Clarino microfiber material for these |
| Car interiors | Alcantara is used on seats and steering wheels; one maker rates its high hydrolysis-resistant PU grades for automotive use |
| Fashion accessories | The same maker rates standard PU at 1–2 years for this use |
| Sofas | PU leather is washable; microfiber fabric is sold on easy upkeep |
How to check quality before you buy
A microfiber maker suggests three hands-on checks: a clear, leather-like surface grain, a crease that fades fast, and a surface that resists scratching. Hydrolysis resistance can't be seen, so ask the supplier.
Also check what "PU leather" means on the label. It can be all-synthetic, or a PU coat on split leather, which is not vegan. See is PU leather real leather? and microfiber leather vs. genuine leather.
Where to see real leather
Leather Collection doesn't sell PU or microfiber leather; store searches for faux materials return no products. Its men's leather jackets name the hide on every product page.
HitKB Editorial Team
HitKB articles are researched from published sources, cited in the text, and reviewed before publication.