How Does PU Leather Stretch?

Polyurethane (PU) leather is a synthetic alternative to genuine leather. It is cheaper than genuine leather but will not stretch out or look as authentic as genuine leather. Instead of natural oils, PU leather contains billions of tiny holes which allow water vapor to escape while preventing moisture to enter. This makes the material much more durable than leather, and PU leather is often breathable. Here’s how it works.

How Does PU Leather Stretch?

PU leather is an imitation leather that’s made from a thermoplastic polymer with a backing layer made of a thermoplastic polymer. Unlike other leather imitations, PU leather is environmentally-friendly because it doesn’t contain dioxins. In contrast, PVC foam upholstery can release toxic gasses known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can lead to allergies and headaches.

While PVC is less commonly used today, it’s still found in vegan leather. It’s a more environmentally-friendly option than vinyl, https://www.vintageleather.com.au/ which can be dangerous if burnt. Moreover, PU is softer than real leather, making it cheaper to produce.

Although PU is cheaper to produce, it’s more expensive to make than vinyl. However, you can find PU in two types: water-based PU and oil-based PU. Water-based PU is much less harmful to the environment and is more environmentally friendly than oil-based PU.

Another option to stretch faux leather is to stuff damp newspaper inside your shoes. You can also put them in a plastic bag and freeze them. This will soften them up and stretch them. When water or moisture expands, it also expands the fabric inside the shoes. However, this method is not suitable for all types of leather boots.