What is Microfiber Leather?
A Detailed Look at Properties, Pros and Cons

Microfiber Leather is the Best Faux Leather Ever. 100% Vegan and Synthetics.
By Billy Lyu | July 27,2022 - 4 minutes read

What is microfiber leather? It is also known as microfiber PU leather fabric. In this report, you will discover the essence of microfiber leather.

1. In essence, it is 100% synthetic.
2. Best mimics leather. But, 100% vegan.
3. Wide range of quality levels.

Besides being highly similar to real leather in appearance, it outperforms vinyl and PU leather in terms of touch, look, and durability. It outperforms mushroom leather, cactus leather in terms of cost control. Read a “test report” in the performance section. Like all other products, it has a wide range of quality levels and prices.

The best balance for multiple goals : leather-like performance and controlled cost. Read on.

⚉ SEEK TRUTH
This post is for everyone thats wants “Truth” on the Microfiber Leather. The listed concepts and FAQs help you to understand from multi perspectives. A summary in the end.
Know truth. Then, you’ll make right decision.

In this post :

Necessary Concepts

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To start off, let’s view some necessary concepts first, and define what is not microfiber leather?

• Leather: It is created by tanning animal rawhide.
• Synthetic Leather: A.k.a faux leather, synthetic leather or leatherette. 100% synthetics.
• Vegan Leather: It provides 100% animal-free alternatives to genuine leather.
• Microfiber: Synthetic fibers/fabrics that are very fine, with strands less than one denier.
• Microfiber Suede: A type of microfiber fabric made to feel like suede leather.
• Non-fixed Island: A microfiber mfg. process. Individual fibers get randomly arranged.
• Fixed Island: Another microfiber mfg. process. The fibers get bonded in an orderly grid pattern.

In a word, the microfiber leather is 100% vegan leather. In nature, it is also synthetic leather. Its backing is microfiber. The non-fixed island and fixed island are 2 different mfg. processes of producing the microfiber backing. Different from microfiber suede, the microfiber leather also has a coating layer on top.

What is Microfiber Leather?

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1. What Is Not?

It is not real leather made from animal hides. It is synthetic faux leather. It is not regular PU leather made just from polyurethane with normal fabric backing. Instead, its backing is Non-fixed Island Microfiber Base or Fixed Island Microfiber Base.

2. Essence

It consists of a microfiber base layer coated with a thin polyurethane layer. The microfiber base provides enhanced breathability and flexibility compared to regular PU leather. The polyurethane coating gives it durability and aesthetics resembling natural leather.

What Is Microfiber Leather Made Of?

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1. Multilayer Structure

It typically has 2-3 layers:
Top layer – Thin PU coating
Middle layer – Microfiber base cloth
Bottom layer – Final PU coating

2. Raw Materials [1]: Resin

The resin used is usually polyurethane or PVC to form the outer PU layers.

3. Raw Materials [2]: Microfiber Base

The microfiber base is a non-woven fabric of ultra fine synthetic fibers, usually polyester, nylon or polyamide.

4. Production Process

The microfiber base is saturated with PU resin by a process like knife-coating. It is cured and then embossed with any final texture/grain patterns.

Why The Existence? (Values)

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1. Best Faux Leather Ever

It is considered one of the highest quality faux leathers available. It provides a closer resemblance to real leather compared to regular PU leather. The ultra-fine microfiber base creates a soft, breathable texture similar to genuine leather.

2. Increase Leather Supply

It helps supplement the supply of real animal leather. As consumer demand rises, it can help meet that demand in a more ethical and sustainable manner compared to expanding livestock farms.

3. More Affordable

It is typically more affordable than real leather. The base materials of polyester and polyurethane resin are relatively inexpensive. Automated production also helps lower costs compared to the labor-intensive process of working with real animal hides.

Is Microfiber Leather Good?

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1. How Durable Is Microfiber Leather?

It is reasonably durable, though not as strong and long-lasting as high-quality top grain leather. Factors like the microfiber structure and PU coating thickness impact strength. Proper maintenance helps it last several years.

2. How Is Performance?

Microfiber leather is more breathable, flexible and lightweight than standard PU leather. The microfiber base provides better air circulation. It also stretches better, aided by the non-fixed island structure. The soft hand-feel resembles suede.

3. How Is Processability?

Microfiber leather is easier to process, print, emboss, dye and cut compared to real leather. Automated techniques can be utilized. It also doesn’t get damaged by water like real leather.

4. Microfiber Leather vs Genuine Leather

Real leather is better in durability, natural aesthetics and prestige. But microfiber leather wins in cost, performance, easy maintenance and customization. It provides an excellent vegan alternative to real leather.

5. Microfibre leather or PU leather?

It is generally superior to regular PU leather due to enhanced softness, breathability and flexibility. It provides a closer approximation to real leather. The choice depends on the specific performance needs and budget.

What’s Tricky ?

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1. Different Types of Microfiber Bases

The microfiber base can be non-fixed island or fixed island. Non-fixed is softer, fixed-island is more durable.

2. Non-fixed Island Microfiber

The fibers are randomly arranged, resulting in a very soft and flexible feel.

3. Fixed Island Microfiber

Fibers are bonded in an orderly way for strength, but slightly less softness.

4. vs Microfiber Suede

Microfiber suede uses very short loose fibers to emulate suede’s nap and feel.

Applications

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1. Wide Applications

It is used to make a wide variety of products:

1. Footwear – shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals
2. Bags – purses, backpacks, wallets
3. Clothing – jackets, skirts, dresses, gloves
4. Furniture – couches, chairs, headboards
5. Automotive upholstery
6. Sports equipment padding

2. Why is It Suitable for Making Footwear

Footwear requires flexible, breathable and comfortable materials that can endure friction. Microfiber leather provides excellent performance in these areas. Its softness prevents blisters while its breathability reduces sweat. The PU coating offers abrasion resistance. It can be easily cut, stitched and embossed into any footwear designs.

FAQ

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What Are the Major Properties ?

Soft, flexible, breathable, affordable, easy to maintain and process.

Is microfiber good on a couch?

Yes, it’s durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. The texture is soft and comfortable.

How to Clean Microfiber Furniture

Vacuum regularly. Spot clean stains with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals.

Pros & Cons of Microfiber Leather

Pros: Soft, breathable, affordable, customizable. Cons: Less durable than real leather.

Is Microfiber Leather Waterproof?

No, the microfiber base absorbs water. Water-resistant treatments can help.

Is Microfiber Leather Real Leather?

No, it is a synthetic faux leather.

Is Microfiber Leather Fake?

Yes, it is an artificial leather imitation, not genuine animal leather.

Is Microfiber Leather Vegan?

Yes, it contains no animal products, only synthetic materials.

Microfiber Leather HS Code?

5903.90 – Textile fabrics impregnated, coated or covered with plastics, nesoi.

Is Microfiber Leather Better Than Leather?

In some ways like cost and maintenance. But leather is more prestigious and durable.

What Are the Cons of Microfiber Fabric?

Traps odors and bacteria. Not sustainable or natural fiber.

Are Microfiber Couches Good for Dogs?

Yes, microfiber is durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean pet hair.

Discussion

Now, I’d like to ask you – Are you using this material? How it goes?
Join the topic! Your feedback makes better content for the topic community.