Naugahyde vs. Leather — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 8, 2024
Naugahyde is a synthetic, vinyl-coated fabric designed to mimic leather, primarily used in upholstery, while leather is a natural material made from animal hides, valued for its durability and luxurious feel.
Difference Between Naugahyde and Leather
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Naugahyde is an artificial leather-like fabric created by coating a knit or woven base with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It's durable, water-resistant, and often used in automotive interiors, furniture, and marine applications due to its ease of maintenance. On the other hand, leather is a natural material obtained from the processed hides of animals like cows or goats. It is widely known for its longevity, flexibility, and premium feel, often used in high-quality furniture, car interiors, and fashion accessories.
Naugahyde is consistent in appearance and color, with many designs and finishes that replicate leather. In contrast, leather varies in grain and texture depending on the animal source and tanning process, which adds to its unique aesthetic.
Leather, while luxurious, requires careful maintenance to prevent cracking or discoloration. Naugahyde, being synthetic, is generally easier to clean and maintain but lacks the breathability and authentic look of real leather.
Naugahyde is more cost-effective and animal-friendly due to its synthetic nature. However, leather retains its high value and is preferred for its unique feel and ability to develop a desirable patina over time.
Comparison Chart
Material
Synthetic, vinyl-coated fabric
Natural, processed animal hides
ADVERTISEMENT
Durability
High, resistant to moisture
Very high, but requires maintenance
Appearance
Uniform, mimics leather
Varies naturally in grain and texture
Maintenance
Easy to clean and maintain
Requires specific care to prevent cracking
Cost
More affordable
More expensive due to processing
Compare with Definitions
Naugahyde
Simulates leather appearance.
The Naugahyde couch looks like real leather.
Leather
Natural, processed animal hides.
The luxury handbag is made from genuine leather.
Naugahyde
Synthetic leather-like fabric.
The car seats are covered with Naugahyde for durability.
Leather
Retains natural grain and texture.
Each leather jacket has unique grain patterns.
Naugahyde
Easy-to-clean upholstery material.
Furniture with Naugahyde is easy to wipe clean.
Leather
Known for longevity.
Leather furniture can last decades with proper care.
Naugahyde
Vinyl-coated for water resistance.
Naugahyde is popular in marine upholstery for its water resistance.
Leather
Requires careful maintenance.
Regular conditioning prevents leather from cracking.
Naugahyde
Affordable alternative to leather.
Naugahyde provides a leather-like look at a lower cost.
Leather
High-value material.
Leather is prized for its luxurious feel and appearance.
Naugahyde
Naugahyde is an American brand of artificial leather. Naugahyde is a composite knit fabric backing and expanded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic coating.
Leather
Leather is a strong, flexible and durable material obtained from the tanning, or chemical treatment, of animal skins and hides to prevent decay. The most common leathers come from cattle, sheep, goats, equine animals, buffalo, pigs and hogs, and aquatic animals such as seals and alligators.Leather can be used to make a variety of items, including clothing, footwear, handbags, furniture, tools and sports equipment, and lasts for decades.
Naugahyde
An artificial material designed to resemble leather, made from fabric coated with rubber or vinyl resin.
Leather
A material made from the skin of an animal by tanning or a similar process
A leather jacket
Leather
A piece of leather as a polishing cloth.
Leather
Short for stirrup leather
Leather
Beat or thrash (someone)
He caught me and leathered me black and blue
Leather
The dressed or tanned hide of an animal.
Leather
Any of various articles or parts made of dressed or tanned hide, such as a boot or strap.
Leather
The flap of a dog's ear.
Leather
To cover wholly or in part with the dressed or tanned hide of an animal.
Leather
(Informal) To beat with a strap made of hide.
Leather
Made of, relating to, or resembling dressed or tanned animal hide.
Leather
A tough material produced from the skin of animals, by tanning or similar process, used e.g. for clothing.
Leather
A piece of the above used for polishing.
Leather
(colloquial) A cricket ball or football.
Leather
(plural: leathers) clothing made from the skin of animals, often worn by motorcycle riders.
Leather
(baseball) A good defensive play
Leather
(boxing) A punch.
Leather
The skin.
Leather
Made of leather.
Leather
(transitive) To cover with leather.
Leather
(transitive) To strike forcefully.
Leather
(transitive) To spank or beat with a leather belt or strap.
Leather
The skin of an animal, or some part of such skin, with the hair removed, and tanned, tawed, or otherwise dressed for use; also, dressed hides, collectively.
Leather
The skin.
Leather
To beat, as with a thong of leather.
Leather
Of, pertaining to or made of leather; consisting of leather; as, a black leather jacket.
Leather
An animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and then tanning
Common Curiosities
What is Naugahyde?
Naugahyde is a synthetic, vinyl-coated fabric designed to resemble leather.
How does leather differ from Naugahyde?
Leather is a natural material from processed animal hides, while Naugahyde is synthetic and made from vinyl-coated fabric.
Is leather more expensive than Naugahyde?
Yes, leather is typically more expensive due to its natural origin and processing.
Does Naugahyde offer different finishes?
Yes, it comes in various textures and finishes to mimic different types of leather.
Which is more durable, Naugahyde or leather?
Both are durable, but leather requires more careful maintenance to retain its condition.
Is Naugahyde animal-friendly?
Yes, as a synthetic material, it doesn't involve animal hides.
Is Naugahyde easier to maintain than leather?
Yes, Naugahyde is easier to clean and maintain compared to leather.
How does leather age over time?
Leather develops a patina, becoming softer and more attractive with age.
Can leather be used in marine applications?
While possible, leather is less suited for marine environments due to moisture exposure.
How do you clean Naugahyde?
Naugahyde can be wiped with mild soap and water.
Is Naugahyde waterproof?
Naugahyde is water-resistant due to its vinyl coating.
Can leather be dyed or customized like Naugahyde?
Yes, leather can be dyed and customized, but the process is more involved than with Naugahyde.
Can Naugahyde develop a patina like leather?
No, Naugahyde remains consistent in appearance and doesn't age like leather.
What types of products use Naugahyde?
Naugahyde is used in furniture, car interiors, and marine upholstery.
Does Naugahyde feel like leather?
It feels similar but lacks the breathability and warmth of natural leather.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Citation vs. Quotation
Next Comparison
Aim vs. FocusAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
