For centuries, leather has symbolized luxury, quality, and endurance. Since ancient times, this durable material has been used to craft shoes, clothing, bags, and other goods designed to stand the test of time. Today, however, the market offers a much wider range of options. Alongside genuine leather, there are now synthetic and so-called “eco” leather alternatives.

This raises a common question: Is it better to invest in genuine leather or choose a more affordable, man-made version? Both options have their advantages and drawbacks. The right choice depends on what matters most to you – durability, appearance, price, or sustainability.

Genuine Leather: Heritage and Longevity

Products made from natural leather are crafted from animal hides, most often cowhide, through a meticulous and time-consuming process that requires skill and craftsmanship. When you hold a genuine leather item in your hands, you can instantly recognize its distinctive scent and texture – details impossible to replicate in synthetic materials. 

If the item is handmade, like those produced in The Manual Co. workshop, each piece is one of a kind, much like a fingerprint. Every mark and grain tells its own story, adding character and value.

Advantages of Genuine Leather

• • Durability: When properly cared for, genuine leather products can last for many years. Over time, natural leather doesn’t lose value; it ages gracefully, developing a beautiful patina that enhances its unique character. This natural aging process is what makes it such a worthwhile long-term investment. 
  • Comfort: Natural leather “breathes.” It adapts to temperature and absorbs moisture, which makes it particularly comfortable for shoes and clothing. Unlike synthetic materials, genuine leather molds to its user over time and becomes even more comfortable with wear.
  • Uniqueness: No two genuine leather pieces are exactly alike. Natural fibers and slight imperfections create individuality and a distinct story in every product.
  • Eco-friendliness: When produced using traditional methods, natural leather processing is more sustainable and less harmful to the environment than chemically treated synthetic alternatives.

Artificial Leather: A Short-Term Solution

Artificial leather, also known as faux leather, vegan leather, PU, or PVC leather, is made from synthetic materials like polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride. At first glance, it can convincingly imitate real leather. However, the differences become apparent after a short period of use, when the true nature of the material reveals itself. The main advantage of artificial leather products is their affordability. But it’s important to remember that the lower price often reflects lower quality.

Disadvantages of Artificial Leather

• • • Short lifespan: Synthetic leather wears out quickly. Over time, it tends to crack, peel, and lose shape – all of which reduce its aesthetic appeal and durability.
    • No patina: Unlike genuine leather, faux leather doesn’t age gracefully. It deteriorates instead of developing character.
    • No breathing: Because it’s made of plastic-based materials, artificial leather doesn’t allow for ventilation, often resulting in discomfort, especially in warmer environments.
    • Not eco-friendly: Being a mix of plastics and synthetic compounds, faux leather is difficult to recycle and adds to environmental pollution.

How to Tell Genuine Leather from Synthetic Alternatives?

At first glance, distinguishing real from synthetic leather can be tricky, since modern imitations look quite convincing. However, there are a few practical tricks that can help you identify true quality:

• • 1. Smell: Real leather has a unique, natural scent that’s impossible to fake. Synthetic leather, by contrast, smells chemical, plasticky, or unnaturally strong. If the product has no smell at all, it’s probably synthetic.
    2. Touch: Genuine leather feels warm and textured under your fingers, with a slightly uneven surface. Artificial leather tends to feel cold, smooth, and too uniform.
    3. Edges: The cross-section of genuine leather shows fibrous texture, while synthetic leather has flat plastic layers.
    4. Price: If a product is too cheap to be a genuine leather item, it probably isn’t.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

The answer depends on your needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a leather jacket, bag, or wallet that will last for years and age beautifully, natural leather is the clear choice. Nothing rivals its endurance, comfort, and timeless appeal, especially for items like everyday handbags, belts, wallets, or gloves. If, however, you just need a budget-friendly option for short-term or occasional use, artificial leather can do the job, as long as you’re aware of its limitations. 

But there’s one thing you can’t put a price on – emotion. Natural leather is more than just a material; it’s an experience. Its scent, texture, and patina form a bond between you and the item. A leather product becomes part of your story, with every crease and mark reflecting your journeys, meetings, and memories. That’s heritage that lasts

The Manual Co.: Premium Genuine Leather Products with a Soul

Both natural and artificial leather have their place in the market, but if you’re looking for a garment or accessory that will last and grow more beautiful with time, the answer is clear: choose genuine leather, especially when it’s made with passion and attention to every detail, as at The Manual Co. For over four decades, The Manual Co. has been crafting premium leather products with love for this timeless craft and deep respect for tradition. 

Our artisans handcraft each piece from the finest vegetable-tanned natural leather. Every bag, wallet, and belt passes through the skilled hands of craftsmen who use age-old techniques passed down from generation to generation, creating modern designs for today’s users. Our philosophy is not mass production, but devotion to detail. Every stitch, every edge, and every cut of leather is carefully selected and refined.

The result is a product that not only lasts, but tells a story. In an age where cheap, plastic goods dominate, The Manual Co. remains loyal to enduring values: quality, authenticity, and beauty that stand the test of time. If you want a truly unique piece that will accompany you for years to come, natural leather is always the right choice. And when that leather bears The Manual Co. signature, you can be sure you’re getting the finest craftsmanship available. Explore our full collection and find the piece that reflects your style, a reliable companion for everyday life.