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Pleather/Faux Leather Fabric
by the yard

Pleather/Faux leather fabric by the yard is a versatile, animal-free alternative to genuine leather, offering a stylish look with excellent durability and easy maintenance. Typically ranging from 180gsm to 450gsm, it’s made from PU (polyurethane), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), or polyester-coated blends that replicate the texture and sheen of real leather. This fabric’s surface can be embossed, grained, or smooth, giving endless creative options for both apparel and décor. It’s widely chosen for its affordability, consistent quality, and suitability for both machine and hand sewing projects.

  • Fabric Content/Material: PU Leather, PVC Leather, Polyester Coated Fabric
  • Fabric Application: Jackets, Skirts, Pants, Handbags, Car Interiors, Sofas, and Wall Panels
  • Color: Black, Cognac, White, Olive, Burgundy, Tan, Navy, and Metallic Gold

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Everything You Need to Know About Faux Leather

PU vs. PVC: Choosing the Right Base

Faux leather fabric comes in two primary constructions: polyurethane (PU) and PVC. Polyurethane leather fabric is softer, more breathable, and easier to sew, making it the top choice for garments like jackets, skirts, and structured tops. PVC faux leather is stiffer and more water-resistant, lending itself well to upholstery, bags, and heavy-duty craft projects. Understanding the difference helps you select the right weight and finish for your specific application.

Stretch Faux Leather for Form-Fitting Designs

Stretch faux leather combines a synthetic leather face with a knit or spandex backing, giving the material two- or four-way stretch for body-conscious silhouettes. This makes it ideal for leggings, bodysuits, and performance-inspired outerwear where flexibility matters as much as aesthetics. If you're working on a project that demands both structure and movement, pairing stretch faux leather with a 4 way stretch fabric lining can deliver outstanding results. Our stretch options are available in weights from 180gsm upward to suit a range of end uses.

Matte, Glossy, and Textured Surface Finishes

The surface finish of faux leather dramatically changes the look and feel of a finished piece. Glossy finishes deliver a high-impact, patent-leather aesthetic suited to statement garments, bag fabric applications, and theatrical costumes. Matte finishes read as more understated and sophisticated, working beautifully for upholstery, accessories, and everyday wearables. Textured options — including crocodile, snake, and pebbled embossing — add visual depth without the ethical concerns of genuine exotic hides. Browse our range alongside faux suede fabric to compare animal-free alternatives side by side.

Cognac synthetic leather unfurled on a wooden table next to a sewing machine and structured tote bag.

Premium Animal-Free Leather Fabric Sold by the Yard

Our pleather and faux leather fabric collection gives designers, manufacturers, and independent makers access to wholesale-priced synthetic leather without compromising on quality or ethics. Every roll is sourced for consistent color, surface integrity, and sew-readiness — so you spend less time troubleshooting and more time creating. Whether you're producing a run of structured tote bags, reupholstering commercial seating, or cutting a leather-look jacket, our range covers weights from 180gsm to 450gsm across matte, glossy, and embossed finishes. For projects that call for a softer, suede-like alternative, our faux suede fabric collection is an excellent companion category worth exploring. We also carry a broad selection of coated fabric options for applications where additional surface protection is a priority.

Cognac pebbled material unrolled on a wooden table next to a black jacket on a tailor's mannequin.

Versatile Faux Leather for Fashion, Bags, and Upholstery

Faux leather fabric has become one of the most versatile synthetic textiles in both fashion and interior design, and it's easy to see why. A single category spans everything from ultra-lightweight stretch pleather ideal for leggings and bodysuits to heavy, rigid PVC sheeting built for commercial upholstery and automotive interiors. Our inventory includes solid colorways in classic black, white, and rich jewel tones, as well as embossed textures that replicate exotic hides — all cruelty-free. For costume designers and theatrical productions, combining faux leather with costume fabric staples opens up a huge range of dramatic, durable looks.

Ordering faux leather by the yard from Global Fabric Wholesale means you get access to trade pricing whether you're buying a few yards to prototype a design or hundreds of yards for a full production run. Our fabric arrives pre-cut to your specified yardage and is ready to sew right off the bolt, with no pre-washing required. If you're building out a complete collection, consider pairing your faux leather selections with bag fabric options for lining and interfacing needs. Our team is also available to assist with bulk quotes, sample requests, and technical questions about any fabric in our range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between pleather and faux leather fabric?
The terms are used interchangeably in the trade. 'Pleather' is an informal portmanteau of 'plastic leather,' while 'faux leather' is the broader category name. Both refer to synthetic fabrics — typically PU or PVC — engineered to mimic the look and hand feel of genuine animal leather. All of our pleather and faux leather fabrics are 100% animal-free.
What weight of faux leather fabric should I choose for upholstery?
For upholstery and furniture applications, we recommend selecting faux leather in the 350–450gsm range. Heavier weights offer greater durability, resistance to cracking under repeated stress, and a more substantial hand feel that holds up well to daily use. Lighter weights in the 180–250gsm range are better suited to garments and accessories where drape and flexibility are priorities.
Can faux leather fabric be sewn on a regular home sewing machine?
Yes, most faux leather fabrics can be sewn on a standard home machine with a few simple adjustments. Use a Teflon or roller presser foot to help the material glide smoothly, and opt for a leather or sharp needle in size 90/14 or 100/16. Increase your stitch length slightly — around 3.0–3.5mm — to avoid perforating the material too closely, which can cause tearing along seam lines.
Is faux leather fabric suitable for outdoor or marine use?
PVC-based faux leather is highly water-resistant and UV-stable, making it a practical choice for outdoor furniture, marine seating, and boat upholstery. PU faux leather, while still water-resistant on the surface, may be more susceptible to prolonged UV exposure and moisture over time. For any outdoor application, we recommend confirming the specific product's UV and weather ratings before purchasing in bulk.
How do I care for and clean faux leather fabric after sewing?
Finished faux leather items should generally be wiped clean with a damp cloth and mild soap rather than machine washed, as agitation and heat can cause delamination or surface cracking. Avoid ironing directly on the faux leather surface — if pressing is needed, use a pressing cloth on the reverse side with a low heat setting. Store finished pieces away from direct sunlight and extreme heat to prolong the life of the surface coating.