Few materials offer the long-lasting durability, versatility, and style of leather. Unfortunately, you may notice that over time, the material starts to crack or split. When this happens, it ruins the aesthetic of the leather, turning your favorite treasures into a discarded garment you no longer favor. So, why does real leather peel, and how can this be avoided?

When it comes to understanding why real leather peels, it's important to distinguish between various types of leather and their quality. Real leather, particularly full grain leather, is known for its durability and resilience, and it's far less likely to peel compared to bonded leather or synthetic leather. Full grain leather retains the entire grain layer, making it resistant to cracking or peeling over time. However, genuine leather, while still made from animal hides, is of a lower grade than full grain leather, and can be more prone to peeling if not properly maintained.

On the other hand, bonded leather, which is made from scrap leather pieces bonded together with adhesive, often behaves more like faux leather or fake leather. These types of materials, especially poor quality versions, are more likely to crack or peel because they lack the integrity of full grain leather. Not all leathers are created equal, so it's essential to invest in good quality leather if you're looking to avoid leather peeling. Proper leather maintenance, including the regular use of a high-quality leather conditioner, can also help preserve the leather's surface and prevent issues like cracking or peeling. Taking care of your leather items ensures they last for years without showing signs of wear.

Faux leather goes by many names, including synthetic or vegan leather, leatherette, or pleather. What all these names mean is that this material isn’t actually leather and contains no animal products whatsoever. Instead, faux leather contains natural or synthetic fibers or a combination of the two. These fibers are coated with a plastic polymer that is colored and textured to give the finished product a leather-like appearance.

The issue with synthetic leather is that the PU or PVC materials and their coatings are not as durable as natural leather. The material begins to split within a few months, ruining its appearance. There isn’t any way to prevent this from occurring either, so it may be best to stick with natural leather to avoid such degradation.

Technically, bonded leather is made of real leather, though it doesn’t use the leather panels that higher-quality leather pieces contain. Instead, manufacturers gather the leftover leather scraps and shavings, grind them into a pulp, and combine them with a strong adhesive. Then the mixture is rolled out and attached to a polyurethane overlay. The result is an inexpensive alternative to high-quality leather options.

Though it includes some real leather, bonded leather has the same flaws as faux leather. With regular use, the reconstituted leather begins to pull away from the overlay. The more the material peels, the more unattractive the bonded leather becomes. Bonded leather also doesn’t have the same elasticity as natural leather. Even the slightest pull on the bonded leather causes it to split, which increases the damage and reduces the longevity of the piece.

Natural leather is made from animal hides and skins that are tanned and processed. The resulting material is durable, flexible, moisture-resistant, and breathable. It is also easy to clean and maintain, ensuring your leather lasts for decades with minimal wear.

Unlike faux or bonded leather, natural leather doesn’t peel, though there are times when it seems as though it is. If you notice cracks or scaly patches, it is usually the finish over the leather that is wearing out. Applying the wrong type of conditioner or cleaning solution can also cause a similar result, though again, it isn’t the actual leather that is damaged.

To avoid such unsightly issues with your natural leather, be extra careful when cleaning and conditioning it. Use only recommended leather products and follow the instructions for the best-looking leather possible.

Synthetic leather goods may be cheaper than natural leather, though they do require more frequent replacement due to the eventual peeling that will occur. To avoid this issue, stick with genuine leather. Though more expensive initially, the longevity of this material is well worth the cost.

When asking, "Does real leather peel?" the answer largely depends on the type of leather and how well it is maintained. Genuine leather is made from natural animal hides, unlike synthetic leather or fake leather, which are created using synthetic materials. High-quality, real leather products are known to last longer and age beautifully, especially if they are made from top grain leather, which is more resistant to wear and tear. However, even the best leather can be subject to leather peeling if not properly cared for. Good quality leather generally doesn’t crack or peel easily, but drying leather out or exposing it to harsh elements without proper care can lead to deterioration.

To prevent real leather peel, regular leather maintenance is key. Keeping leather items regularly moisturized by applying a leather conditioner will help protect the material and maintain its integrity. Neglecting to care for leather can lead to it becoming poor quality over time, causing the surface to crack or peel. This is especially true for cheap alternatives or lower-quality leather, which might mimic real leather's appearance but lack durability. By investing in high-quality leather and practicing proper care, your leather items will remain in great condition for years.