Many people love clothing, hats or backpacks with leather patches because these accessories are unique and durable. There are various materials to make custom leather patches, including custom real leather patches and custom faux leather patches. Do you how to distinguish the real leather and faux leather? Here are several tips to help you better understand them.


The History of Leather Patches

When comes to the first leather patch, you may first think of those elderly British university professors who sewed leather patch on the elbows of their sweaters. But this is not the first leather patch. The first wide usage of leather patches may have occurred in Germany. During the World War I, German Stormtroopers sewed leather patches on their uniforms to protect themselves from crawling on the ground or in trenches.

During the World War II, military pilots came up with more creative ways to decorate and custom their flight jackets. Handmade leather patches sewn onto their jackets became popular to celebrate achievements or distinguish themselves from other pilots because of highly competiveness and self-motivation of the job. This culture continues to the present day.


The Difference between Custom Real and Faux Leather Patches

There are various differences between real and custom faux leather patches, respectively types, look and feel, as well as durability and longevity.

Types of Real and Faux Leather

Faux leather, also known as imitation or vegan leather, is a manmade fabric that looks like real leather but contains no animal parts. Diverse as real leather, different varieties of faux leather are made from diverse synthetic fibers.

Two major types pf faux leather are mainly vinyl (PVC) and polyurethane. The first one is the result of adding dye and plastic materials, making the fabric look more like real leather. Vinyl-based faux leather is softer than polyurethane but not breathable, which cannot be used in clothing.

The second one is the result of adding a polymer-based substance on coating natural fabrics like cotton or wool, and then processed into real leather look. This material is more breathable than vinyl, used more for clothing and items that will come into contact with your skin.

Look & Feel

Although custom faux leather patch looks and feels like custom real leather patch, there is a visual and textural difference between them. Custom faux leather patch is made in bulk by applying or laminating a polyurethane or vinyl finish on a substrate (usually polyester, cotton, nylon or rayon). Then, a roll applies artificial grain pattern to the surface of the material to give the leather a real animal look.

As a synthetic material, custom faux leather patch can be printed with any patterns or dyed with any colors, thus expending its appeal and use to a broad audience of consumers.

Custom real leather patch comes from animals. Custom real leather patch will have a random grain and texture, which was regarded as a natural imperfection to add the natural beauty and look. It will become luster or patina over time.

As time goes by, custom real leather patch becomes softer, which is more attractive to real thing. Custom real leather patch is not uniform in any way. If you want all your pieces of clothing to look uniform, custom real leather patches may not suit your needs.

Durability & Longevity

Custom real leather patch is extraordinarily durable. As time goes by, it becomes softer and softer, developing a “live-in” appeal. Although custom real leather patch will have an old look with age, some well-cared-for leather patch will actually become more valuable and sought-after as a good wine. Custom real leather patch can be durable for many years when cared for.

Custom faux leather patch has made an excellent advancement. However, this material is easier to tear or puncture than real leather. With various manufacturers, treatments and production methods, some custom faux leather patch will last longer than others.

Most custom faux leather patches are waterproof, while custom real leather patches are permeable. When the custom real leather patch gets wet, it can even rot or crack if not dried quickly.

Care and cleaning

As custom real leather patches come from animal skin, they must be well maintained for a long life. Custom real leather patches should not get wet, if does, please wipe the spills immediately to avoid permanent contamination or damage to the leather.

Besides, custom real leather patches should not be exposed under direct sunlight. The strong ultraviolet radiation will dry out the natural oils and cause discoloration and premature aging. You can clean your leather with a leather cleaner.

Most custom faux leather patches are more maintenance-free than custom real leather patches. They can be cleaned with water and a mild soap solution. After washing some custom faux leather patches, you should apply a small amount of polishing on a clean and dry rag.

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