What Is PU Leather in Handbags? PU vs Real Leather
What is PU leather in a handbag?
PU stands for polyurethane. In PU faux leather, the coating creates a leather-like surface over a supporting textile. A product description may identify the backing separately, but the lining inside the bag is not necessarily that backing.
PU leather, faux leather and genuine leather are different terms
- Faux leather: a broad term for imitation leather. PU is one type; PVC-based imitation materials are another.
- Genuine leather: real animal leather. The phrase does not, by itself, identify a quality grade, surface treatment or expected lifespan.
- PU-coated leather: real leather with a polyurethane surface coating. For example, bycast leather uses a coated split-leather base.
- Bonded leather: leather particles or fibres combined with a binder. It is different from both intact animal leather and textile-backed PU faux leather.
The Leather Naturally terminology guide explains genuine, split, bycast and bonded leather. If a listing says only “PU leather”, ask whether the base is textile or animal leather.
PU leather vs real leather: what matters for a handbag?
Compare the finished bags as well as the material names. Handles, stitching, closures, lining and construction all affect whether a bag suits your day.
| What to compare | PU faux leather | Real leather |
|---|---|---|
| Material base | Usually a textile backing with a polyurethane coating. | Tanned animal hide or skin, sometimes with a surface coating. |
| Appearance | Can have smooth, grained, suede-like or embossed finishes. | Appearance varies with the leather and its finishing process. |
| Ageing | The coating can wear, crack or peel. | Some finishes develop patina; leather can also scuff, stain or suffer damage. |
| Care | Follow instructions for the specific coating and finish. | Follow instructions for the leather type; one conditioner does not suit every finish. |
| Weight and price | Compare the actual bag, including lining and hardware. | Compare the actual bag rather than assuming every leather bag is heavier or better made. |
| Lifespan | No universal number of years follows from the PU label. | No universal number of years follows from the genuine-leather label. |
A 2021 study comparing leather, artificial leather and alternative materials measured structure and technical properties in selected samples. It helps explain why composition matters, but it does not establish how long a particular handbag will last in the UAE.
How to read a handbag material description
Use this material-reading card when comparing product pages or asking a retailer for details.
| Detail | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Body material | PU faux leather, real leather, coated canvas or another clearly named material. |
| Surface finish | Smooth, grained, croc-effect or suede-effect. This describes appearance, not necessarily the underlying material. |
| Lining | The material inside the bag, listed separately from the exterior. |
| Strap and trim | Separate information for woven straps, handles, tabs and other components where available. |
| Model and care instructions | A full model code and guidance that applies to that model and finish. |
What does “100% PU” mean?
Check which component the label describes. A “100% PU” exterior description does not establish that the lining, strap, trim and adhesives have the same composition. Ask for clarification if the description does not identify the component or backing.
Texture, smell and price can provide clues, but they do not reliably prove composition. Start with the label and model-specific information rather than a photograph alone.
Two David Jones bags: similar material, different finishes
These SHONATI product examples show why the finish and body material should be read separately. The information below comes from their product descriptions, not a comparative durability test.
David Jones CM8302-1: suede-effect PU faux leather
The David Jones CM8302-1 shoulder bag is listed with a PU faux-leather body, a suede or nubuck-effect surface and polyester textile lining. Its soft-looking finish does not make it genuine suede.
David Jones Navy CM7737-1: croc-effect PU faux leather
The David Jones Navy CM7737-1 handbag is listed with a PU faux-leather exterior, crocodile-effect embossing and contrasting smooth panels. Its lining is polyester fabric with synthetic trim. The pattern is a surface effect, not genuine crocodile leather.
The useful distinction: both descriptions identify PU faux leather, while the finishes differ. Choose the appearance you prefer, then follow the care instructions for that finish. Check the exact colour and current availability on the product page or with the store before visiting.
Does PU leather peel, and how long does it last?
PU coatings can crack or peel. Material formulation, coating adhesion, repeated flexing, abrasion, storage and exposure conditions can all influence performance. The label alone cannot tell you whether a particular bag will last one year, five years or longer.
Why can a stored bag deteriorate even when it is rarely used?
Low use does not stop every form of material ageing. Polyurethane materials susceptible to hydrolysis can deteriorate under warm, humid conditions. SATRA TM344 describes accelerated warm, humid exposure followed by mechanical testing for susceptible materials.
That does not diagnose the cause of damage to an individual bag, and laboratory exposure days should not be converted into a promise of years of handbag use. If damage appears, photograph it and ask the retailer for advice before applying a repair treatment.
For storage in the UAE, choose a dry indoor space away from direct heat and prolonged sunlight. Avoid leaving a bag in a parked car or storing it while damp. Follow the supplied instructions rather than assuming that a rarely used bag needs no care.
Is PU leather waterproof, vegan or sustainable?
Water resistance is not the same as a waterproof handbag
A material’s resistance to light moisture does not establish the performance of the seams, zip, lining or entire bag. Unless the exact model has a documented waterproof claim, do not treat it as protection for electronics or papers in heavy rain or immersion.
A synthetic exterior does not verify every component
Textile-backed PU faux leather can provide an alternative to an animal-leather exterior. A whole-bag vegan claim, however, needs information about the other components too. PU-coated animal leather is not an animal-free material.
“Vegan” and “sustainable” answer different questions
Animal-free composition alone does not establish a product’s overall environmental impact. A fair comparison needs information about production, service life and disposal. Choose a bag you will use, care for it appropriately and avoid treating a material label as a complete environmental assessment.
How to care for a PU handbag’s finish
Start with the instructions supplied with your bag. David Jones’ official faux-leather care guidance recommends gentle cleaning and avoiding solvents, alcohol and products intended for real leather. Individual finishes may need more specific handling.
Smooth and croc-effect finishes
For the CM7737-1, the product instructions recommend gently removing dust with a soft cloth. For light marks, test a slightly damp cloth on a concealed area first. Avoid soaking, abrasive brushes and harsh cleaning products, and let the bag dry naturally away from direct heat.
Suede-effect finishes
For the CM8302-1, the product guidance recommends a soft, dry cloth for surface dust. Do not automatically apply a wet-cleaning method, leather conditioner or suede treatment intended for animal leather. For a stain that gentle dust removal does not resolve, ask for model-specific advice.
Which material should you choose?
Choose around your priorities: appearance, budget, preferred material composition and the care you are willing to give the bag. If long-term repairability matters, ask about repair options for the exact product. If you want animal-free materials, ask for confirmation about the whole bag.
Material is only part of the decision. Check the closure, pockets, handle comfort and carrying style too. Our tote vs shoulder vs crossbody bag guide helps you compare how different shapes fit your day.
Seven questions to ask before buying
- What is the exact body material?
- Is its backing textile or animal leather?
- Does the finish description refer to an effect or an actual material?
- What is the lining made from?
- Are the strap and trim materials disclosed?
- What cleaning and storage instructions apply?
- Is the exact model and colour available, and what after-sales support applies?
Frequently asked questions
Is PU leather real leather?
PU faux leather is an imitation material, usually with a textile base. Real leather can also have a PU coating, so check the backing and full material description when the wording is ambiguous.
Is PU leather the same as faux leather?
PU faux leather is one type of faux leather. Faux leather is a broader category and can include materials using other coatings, such as PVC.
Are David Jones handbags made from real leather?
David Jones’ official FAQ describes its bags as faux leather in several finishes and directs shoppers to each model’s product page. The CM8302-1 and CM7737-1 examples in this guide are listed as PU faux leather.
Can I use leather conditioner on a PU handbag?
Do not use it unless the instructions for your exact bag approve it. David Jones advises avoiding products made for real leather on its faux-leather bags.
Is suede-effect PU genuine suede?
No. “Suede-effect” describes a suede-like appearance. Genuine suede is animal leather; read the body-material description to distinguish the two.
Compare handbag materials at SHONATI
Explore the linked models online, or visit SHONATI in Sharjah or at Wafi Mall, Dubai, to compare selected bags in person. Bring the model code and colour you want to check so the team can help you confirm availability and the relevant product details.
Contact SHONATI or find our stores
Sources
Material references and product descriptions checked on 10 October 2026.