Companies explore imitation hide for leather garments

In the past year, about 60 percent of products were made of genuine animal skin. Diminishing resources and high costs, however, are prompting companies to turn to artificial variants.

Faux leather is not only an economical choice but also a versatile one. Unlike authentic kinds, it can be dyed in a range of colors. Black, khaki, camel brown, gray, navy blue, red, pink and yellow are currently popular hues. Washing, and applying prints and finishes are feasible as well.

The material’s low maintenance requirements are another advantage. Garments that adopt synthetic animal hide usually do not need special care.

PU and PVC types, and microsuede are commonly utilized. The first is soft, breathable, low-maintenance and does not distort after absorbing water, making it a popular choice for nearly all kinds of leather garments. One meter of PU leather costs $1.20 to $4.50. The synthetic is mainly procured from Shanghai, and Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Fujian provinces.

Nevertheless, many companies are still offering genuine leather apparel. Cowhide, pig split, goat suede, and sheep-, lamb- and pigskin are the mainstream input options.

While mostly adopted in shoes, cowhide is also a mainstream option for leather jackets. It is easy to care for, durable, breathable, flexible, and dirt- and water-resistant. Going for $2.60 to $5.40 per square foot, the input is available in Zhejiang, Guangdong and Hebei provinces. Imported variants are often from Italy.

Pig split, which is currently valued at $0.70 to $2.80 per square foot, boasts breathability and good water permeability. It can be dyed, coated and printed. The colors, however, may fade after washing. Besides leather coats and leather jackets, pig split is used in gloves, bags and footwear.

Goat suede promises softness and breathability but does not withstand abrasion and stains. In addition, leather garments in this particular hide often shrink after washing. Domestic providers of the animal skin are in Hebei, Henan and Guangdong provinces. The material may also be sourced from India and Ethiopia.

Soft, comfortable, lightweight and warmth-retentive, sheepskin is preferred by companies for upscale leather jackets, leather skirts and leather dresses. The input requires more care because it can warp with excessive use and tear apart when slit. Sheepskin is between $2.50 and $5 per square foot and comes primarily from Guangdong and Zhejiang.

Many high-end outerwear models from China are made of this lambskin. Costing up to $2 per square foot, the hide is said to be softer than sheep variants. Proper maintenance is needed as it scratches easily.

Manufacturers in China produce leather coats, leather jackets, leather pants, leather skirts and leather dresses, with the first two accounting for 85 percent of output. Prices are based on the kind and grade of hide adopted, fabric lining and design complexity.

Quotes for men’s leather garments are about 10 to 20 percent higher than those for women’s styles as they consume more materials.

The latest outerwear models boast stand-up or oversized collars and multiple pockets. Some incorporate fur or knitted textiles in select portions of the garment. Hoods, epaulets, elbow patches, embroidery and matching belts are added to enhance visual appeal. Zippers and buttons serve as closures.

Low-end leather coats and leather jackets are below $20 apiece. They come in microsuede, or PVC or PU leather, and have polyester or fleece lining. Products between $20 and $50 are considered midrange. Factories employ PU hide, pig or microsuede, or pig split for the shell. Several releases are padded. The inner layer can be made of polyester, cotton or fleece.

High-end designs exceed $50. Pig split, cowhide, sheep- or lambskin, and genuine suede are the preferred materials. These may be bonded with fur. Polyester or down padding is utilized. Models typically have polyester or cotton lining.

As regards leather skirts, leather pants and leather dresses, the least expensive items are no higher than $15 each, and adopt PU leather, or pigskin or suede. A few come in PVC.

Companies use PU, and pig- and lambskin for intermediate selections, which go for $15 to $30. The priciest versions are made of cowhide, or sheep-, lamb- or calfskin.

Releases are lined with polyester or satin. The usual closures are snap buttons, hooks-and-eyes and zippers.