Why is synthetic leather bad?
Firstly, the quality of some synthetic leathers is not very good. There are cheaply made synthetic leathers that feel stiff and uncomfortable. When you touch them, it’s like touching plastic instead of something soft and supple like real leather. For example, if you buy a pair of shoes made of low-quality synthetic leather, you might find that they rub against your feet and cause blisters because they don’t have the flexibility and comfort of genuine leather.
Another thing is that synthetic leather doesn’t breathe as well as real leather. Real leather has tiny pores that allow air to pass through, keeping your feet or body cool when you’re wearing leather items. But synthetic leather is often made from materials that don’t have this natural breathability. So, if you wear synthetic leather clothing or shoes for a long time, your feet or body can get sweaty and feel uncomfortable.
Over time, many synthetic leathers don’t age gracefully. They can start to peel or crack easily. The outer layer might separate from the inner layers, especially in areas that experience a lot of friction or bending. If you have a synthetic leather wallet that you use regularly, you might notice that after a while, the edges start to peel and it looks old and worn out much faster than a real leather wallet would.
Also, from an environmental perspective, the production of synthetic leather can involve using a lot of chemicals. These chemicals can be harmful to the environment during the manufacturing process and when the synthetic leather is disposed of at the end of its life. Some of these chemicals might not break down easily and can contribute to pollution.
In addition, synthetic leather often lacks the unique character and durability of real leather. It might not have the same ability to withstand wear and tear over a long period, and it doesn’t have the natural beauty and texture that real leather develops as it ages. So, in many ways, synthetic leather has drawbacks that make it less desirable compared to real leather.
