Faux leather, often labeled PU or vegan leather, is popular for good reason. It's lighter than real leather, comes in more colors and is easy to wipe clean. Like any material, though, it lasts longer with a little care. Here's a simple routine.
What is PU leather?
PU (polyurethane) leather is a fabric backing coated with a flexible polyurethane layer that has a leather-like grain. "Vegan leather" usually means the same thing: no animal hide. It's different from genuine leather, and it needs slightly different care.
Several of our bags are PU, and we list the material on every product page. Examples include the Loopers drawstring crossbody, the Cinchers ruched-handle bag, the Chainers chain-strap baguette and the Loungers oversized vintage-grain tote.
Everyday cleaning
- Dust it off. Wipe the bag with a soft, dry cloth every week or two.
- Spot-clean marks. Use a soft cloth that's only slightly damp. Wipe gently, then dry straight away with a dry cloth.
- Never soak it or machine-wash it. Water that gets into seams can weaken the backing and stitching.
Protect it from heat and sun
The biggest enemies of PU are heat and long sun exposure. Don't leave your bag on a hot car seat or near a radiator. Store it away from a sunny window, which can fade the color and make the coating brittle over time.
Store it the right way
- Stuff the bag lightly with paper so it keeps its shape.
- Keep it in a breathable dust bag, not plastic, which can trap moisture.
- Don't hang heavy bags by the strap for months. Lay them flat or stand them up on a shelf.
- Keep light-colored bags away from dark denim and newsprint, which can transfer dye.
What about genuine leather?
Real leather, like the first-layer cowhide on our Slingers camera bag, likes the same gentle dry-cloth cleaning, plus an occasional leather conditioner to keep it supple. Only use conditioner on genuine leather, not PU.
Shop the look
Every Winsome order ships with tracking, free on orders of $50 or more, and every item comes with 30-day returns. Questions about a bag? Email us at info@winsomeboutique.com.