Leather is often seen as a symbol of elegance and professionalism in office furniture. Whether it’s for a sleek executive chair or a comfortable lounge sofa, the choice of leather material plays a major role in appearance, comfort, and durability.

But not all “leather” is created equal. Understanding the differences between materials can help you make better decisions when sourcing or recommending products.

1. Genuine Leather (Top Grain / Full Grain)

This is real animal hide, typically from cow or buffalo.

Full grain retains the natural texture, while top grain is slightly sanded for a smoother look.

1.1. Advantages: Durable, breathable, naturally ages over time.

1.2. Disadvantages: Higher cost, limited color options, requires maintenance.

2. Split Leather

This comes from the lower layers of the hide, underneath the top grain.

It’s usually coated with pigment or PU to create a more uniform surface.

2.1. Advantages: Lower price than full grain, real leather feel.

2.2. Disadvantages: Less durable, not as breathable, may crack more easily.

3. Bonded Leather

Made from leather scraps and fibers bonded together with adhesive and covered with a synthetic surface layer.

3.1. Advantages: Very economical, visually similar to real leather at first.

3.2. Disadvantages: Poor durability, tends to peel or flake with time, not breathable.

4. PU Leather (Polyurethane)

A fully synthetic material designed to imitate leather.

4.1. Advantages: Cost-effective, wide range of colors and textures, easy to clean.

4.2. Disadvantages: Not breathable, can feel plastic-like, shorter lifespan.

5. PVC Leather

Another synthetic option, more plastic-based than PU.

5.1. Advantages: Water- and scratch-resistant, very cheap.

5.2. Disadvantages: Hard texture, not breathable, uncomfortable for long use.

6. Microfiber Leather

A high-performance synthetic material that closely resembles natural leather.

It’s made by combining microfiber fabric with PU coating.

6.1. Advantages: Soft, durable, breathable, consistent quality.

6.2. Disadvantages: More expensive than PU, but not genuine leather.

How to Judge Leather Quality

Here are five key indicators you can use when assessing the leather used in office chairs or sofas:

1. Touch & Texture
Genuine leather is soft and warm to the touch. PU and PVC feel colder and smoother.

Microfiber leather is closer to real leather in feel, but still slightly uniform.

2. Smell
Real leather has a unique natural smell. PU and bonded leathers often smell like plastic or chemicals.

3. Breathability
Real and microfiber leather breathe better, making them suitable for long sitting hours.

PU and PVC may trap heat, leading to discomfort.

4. Durability
Top-grain and microfiber leathers offer the best resistance to wear and cracking.

Bonded leather and PU may look fine at first, but tend to peel or crack over time—especially in hot or humid regions.

5. Certification & Test Reports
Ask for abrasion resistance (Martindale test), tear strength, and aging tests from suppliers.

Reputable factories often offer these reports.

Leather is one of the most important contributors to how a chair or sofa feels, looks, and lasts. While synthetic leathers are improving every year, knowing the differences helps you avoid problems like peeling, cracking, or customer dissatisfaction down the road.

Whether you’re selling under your own brand or sourcing for B2B projects, don’t just focus on price—focus on performance over time. And if you need help comparing leather types, our team at Ofiexperts is happy to send samples or test reports for reference.