What is Microfiber Leather? Structure, origin and application

Besides traditional materials such as genuine leather, PU leather, ... Microfiber leather has emerged as an optimal alternative to genuine leather, attracting the attention of many people. So what is Microfiber leather , what is special about the structure and characteristics of this type of leather? Let's find out with Shondo!

1. What is Microfiber Leather?

Microfiber leather is a high-end artificial leather, created from super-small synthetic fibers (microfibers), only 1/100 the size of a human hair. These microfibers are woven into fabric, then processed with advanced technology to create a surface similar to real leather, with softness, durability and superior water and dirt resistance.

Besides the name "Microfiber leather", this type of leather is known by many other names such as artificial leather from microfibers, microfiber leather, microfiber leather,....

[caption id="attachment_6403" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Microfiber is a high-quality artificial leather[/caption]

2. Origin and development history of Microfiber leather

Microfiber leather appeared in the 1970s, but it was not until the 1990s, with the development of technology, that Microfiber leather was mass-produced and widely popularized.

The strong development of Microfiber leather is driven by low production costs, high durability, easy maintenance and environmental friendliness. Nowadays, Microfiber leather is widely used in the fashion and interior industries.

[caption id="attachment_6405" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Microfiber applications in many fields[/caption]

3. Structure and outstanding properties of Microfiber leather

The special structure and outstanding properties of Microfiber leather have made this type of leather popular and loved by many people.

3.1. Detailed structure of Microfiber leather

Microfiber leather is made up of 3 main layers:

• Lining: This layer is made of non-woven or woven fabric, which helps to create thickness and stiffness for the leather.
• Microfiber layer: A layer woven from microscopic synthetic fibers, creating a soft, smooth and highly durable surface.
• Surface coating: The coating is applied to the microfiber layer to create a surface similar to real leather, with leather grain, pores,... while enhancing water resistance, dirt resistance and color protection.

[caption id="attachment_6406" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Microfiber leather is made of 3 layers[/caption]

3.2. Outstanding features

Microfiber leather possesses many outstanding properties, bringing benefits to users:

• Features closest to real leather: The Microfiber leather surface is delicately designed, creating a grain effect, pores like real leather, bringing a soft, natural feeling.
• High durability, abrasion resistance, good scratch resistance: This layer of leather is more durable than real leather, abrasion resistance, good scratch resistance, helping the product to be durable and beautiful over time.
• Breathable, sweat-absorbent, comfortable to use: The microfiber layer of Microfiber leather creates a breathable structure, allowing the skin to "breathe", effectively absorbing sweat, providing a comfortable feeling to use.
• Waterproof, easy to clean and preserve: Leather has good waterproof ability, easy to clean with a damp cloth or mild detergent, helping to keep the product clean.
• Anti-UV, anti-fouling, anti-mold: Microfiber is treated with anti-UV, anti-fouling and anti-mold, helping to protect the product from environmental impacts.
• Safe for users, environmentally friendly: Microfiber is made from synthetic materials that do not contain toxic substances, safe for users and environmentally friendly.

[caption id="attachment_6407" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Microfiber leather is safe and environmentally friendly[/caption]

4. Applications of Microfiber leather in life

With outstanding advantages in durability, aesthetics and water and dirt resistance, Microfiber leather has become a popular material in many areas of life.

4.1. Fashion

Microfiber leather is widely used in the production of fashion products such as shoes, handbags, leather wallets, belts,...

This type of leather provides durability, abrasion resistance and effective water resistance, helping to keep shoes clean and durable. With a variety of colors and patterns, Microfiber leather also contributes to creating fashionable and unique handbags and leather wallets.

[caption id="attachment_6413" align="aligncenter" width="800"] At Shondo, Microfiber leather is used to make super durable sneakers[/caption]

4.2. Interior

Microfiber leather in furniture production such as sofas, dining chairs, beds, car leather seat covers, car interiors, etc. This type of leather brings luxury, durability, easy cleaning and dirt resistance to interior products.

With good water resistance and abrasion resistance, Microfiber leather helps protect the interior from environmental impacts and increases product life.

[caption id="attachment_6404" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Microfiber leather for sofa[/caption]

5. Compare Microfiber leather with PU leather and genuine leather

Let's compare Microfiber leather with PU leather and genuine leather to get an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of leather and make the most suitable choice for yourself.

5.1. Microfiber leather and PU leather

Both Microfiber leather and PU leather are high-end synthetic leathers, widely used in the fashion and interior industries. These two types of leather have similar quality if in the same segment, however, PU leather is cheaper.

However, PU leather has the disadvantage of being prone to cracking and peeling after a period of use, especially when exposed to high temperatures or chemicals. Microfiber leather is more durable, more waterproof and retains its color longer than PU leather.

[caption id="attachment_6409" align="aligncenter" width="800"] PU leather is cheap[/caption]

5.2. Microfiber leather and genuine leather

Microfiber leather has many advantages over genuine leather, such as fire resistance, scratch resistance, effective water resistance, diverse colors, easy to clean and cheaper price. This makes Microfiber leather the preferred choice for those who need a durable, easy-to-maintain product suitable for many purposes.

However, genuine leather still feels more natural, soft and breathable, meeting the needs of those who love luxury and comfort when using.

[caption id="attachment_6410" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Genuine leather still feels natural and softer than Microfiber[/caption]

6. Related questions

6.1. Is Microfiber leather durable?

Microfiber leather is durable, abrasion resistant, and scratch resistant compared to other types of synthetic leather. The product's lifespan depends on how it is used and maintained. With proper maintenance, Microfiber leather products can maintain their beauty and durability for a long time.

6.2. How to clean and preserve Microfiber leather products?

Clean Microfiber leather with a damp cloth, avoid using harsh detergents. Wipe the product clean after use and store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Limit exposure to high temperatures or chemicals to keep Microfiber leather durable and beautiful.

6.3. How to distinguish Microfiber leather from genuine leather?

Microfiber leather can be distinguished from genuine leather by its scent and some other characteristics. However, the most accurate way is based on the structure of the leather. Microfiber leather is made of super-small synthetic fibers, while genuine leather is made from animal skin. You can observe the leather surface closely to distinguish.

[caption id="attachment_6411" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Can distinguish Microfiber leather and real leather by scent[/caption]

The article on Shondo has provided complete information about what Microfiber leather is , from structure, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages to applications and preservation. Hopefully the article has helped you better understand this type of leather and make the right choice for yourself.