How to choose the right material for your bag.

When it comes to handbags, leather reigns supreme as the go-to material for style, durability, and elegance. But not all leather is created equal. Between real leather, bonded leather, and faux leather, there are significant differences in quality, longevity, and cost.

At Ownever Repair, we’ve repaired many handbags over the years, and we often encounter a surprising issue: bags that customers believe are real leather turn out to be synthetic or bonded leather. The disappointment is real - especially when a bag’s value doesn’t match expectations. This article aims to clarify the difference between the three materials so you can make an informed choice and know exactly what you’re buying.

Let’s break it down: real leather, bonded leather, and faux leather - what they are, how they compare, and which one is best for your handbag.

What is real leather?

Real leather is crafted from animal hides, most commonly cowhide. It’s prized for its durability, luxurious texture, and timeless appeal. The two most common types of real leather are:

• Full-Grain Leather: The highest-quality leather, featuring the natural grain and imperfections of the hide. It’s tough, authentic, and develops a beautiful patina over time.
• Top-Grain Leather: Sanded to create a smoother surface, it’s slightly less rugged but still incredibly durable.

Why choose real leather for your handbag?

1. Unmatched Longevity: With proper care, a real leather handbag can last for decades and look even better with age.
2. Luxurious Appeal: The natural grain, soft texture, and rich scent make real leather stand out.
3. Investment Value: A well-made leather handbag is not just an accessory - it’s a timeless piece that retains its value over time.

What to Watch For:

• Real leather requires regular care to maintain its suppleness and prevent cracking.
• It’s the most expensive option, but for many, the durability and beauty justify the cost.

What is bonded leather?

Bonded leather is made by combining leftover scraps of real leather with a polyurethane binder and adhering them to a paper or fabric backing. To mimic the look of real leather, a textured polyurethane coating is applied and embossed.

Why choose bonded leather?

1. Budget-Friendly: Bonded leather handbags are the most affordable option since they contain only 10-20% real leather.
2. Leather-Like Look: At first glance, bonded leather may look similar to genuine leather.
3. Lightweight: Due to its thin structure, bonded leather handbags are lighter and easier to carry.

The downsides:

• Bonded leather is fragile. It’s prone to peeling, flaking, and scratching after minimal use.
• It fades quickly when exposed to sunlight and does not handle heavy wear well.

At Ownever, we often receive bonded leather bags for repair that customers initially believed were real leather. Unfortunately, bonded leather’s lifespan is limited, and repair options can be more challenging, and sometimes impossible, compared to genuine leather.

What is faux leather?

Faux leather, also known as PU leather or synthetic leather, is entirely man-made and contains no animal materials. It’s crafted from thermoplastic polymers and designed to replicate the look and feel of real leather.

Why choose faux leather for your handbag?

1. Vegan and Cruelty-Free: Faux leather is an alternative to real leather, appealing to vegan buyers.
2. Easy Maintenance: It’s stain-resistant and waterproof, making it simple to clean with just a damp cloth.
3. Affordability: Faux leather offers a leather-like appearance at a much lower cost.
4. Customizable Designs: Faux leather comes in an array of colors, patterns, and textures, fitted for more fashion-oriented handbags.

The Downsides:

• Faux leather is less durable than real leather and can crack or peel over time.
• It lacks the natural breathability and aging characteristics of genuine leather.

Key differences at a glance

Feature	Real Leather	Bonded Leather	Faux Leather
Composition	100% animal hide	10-20% real leather + PU	100% synthetic (PU or PVC)
Cost	Expensive	Most affordable	Affordable, mid-range
Durability	Extremely durable, long-lasting	Fragile; prone to peeling	Moderate; prone to cracking
Maintenance	Requires conditioning & care	Minimal, but delicate	Low maintenance, easy cleaning
Composition	Natural grain, ages with patina	Imitates leather superficially	Uniform finish, versatile

 

Common pitfall: real vs. faux vs. bonded leather

At Ownever, we’ve seen countless handbags brought in for repair by customers who were shocked to discover their "real leather" bag was actually faux or bonded leather. The disappointment is real, especially when they thought they were investing in long-lasting quality.

To avoid this situation, always check the material description carefully before purchasing a leather handbag. Ask questions, look for terms like “genuine leather” or “full-grain,” and be wary of vague phrases like “leather-like” or “leather blend.”

When to choose real, bonded, or faux leather for handbags

1. Choose Real Leather If:
• You want a handbag that’s timeless, durable, and built to last decades.
• You appreciate the natural grain, rich feel, and patina that real leather develops over time.

1. Choose Bonded Leather If:

• You need a budget-friendly bag for occasional, light use.
• You don’t mind a shorter lifespan or delicate care requirements.

1. Choose Faux Leather If:

• You’re looking for a vegan alternative. 
• You want a low-maintenance, affordable bag with customizable designs.

 

Preserve your bag with Ownever Repair

No matter the material, handbags require care and occasional repair to stay functional and beautiful. At Ownever, we specialize in repairing real leather, but sometimes we can repair faux leather and even bonded leather items. It all depends. 

If you’re unsure about the type of leather your handbag is made of, send it to Ownever for a professional evaluation. Our expert artisans will identify the material, assess its condition, and determine if repair is possible. 

Because sometimes, you don’t need a new bag - you just need to repair and cherish the one you already own.