Leather patches are a unique way to add recognition to your business brand or add cohesion to your business wear. Choosing the right patch depends on several factors. Let’s dive in to see what factors play a role in your decision making.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE
Leatherette: This is a man made product created to simulate the look of leather. It tends to be thinner, but still looks amazing to create the effect of leather. It has a polished finish that will lack the “scarring” or natural imperfections that are present in real leather. It also comes in many color choices that might be hard to find in leather.
Genuine Leather: This comes from cowhide or some other animal hide and has been processed to allow engraving or stamping. No two patches created from genuine leather will be identical. Some will be smoother with less imperfection and others will be marked and may have a more weathered appearance. While color choices are more limited, finishes can be applied for a very unique look, such as sunburst (fade finish).
FINANCES
Cost can play a big part in choosing the leather patch or leatherette patch that works for you. While you might want genuine leather, if you are a new business, your budget may be limited to your startup capital. Leatherette is a nice option as it is more cost effective than genuine leather. You can start out with leatherette and then move to genuine leather as your budget increases.
If you are selling a product using leather patches, choosing your leather type might be determined by what your end pricing needs to be. Leather generally leads to a higher end product, while leatherette leads to a more affordable end product. In this case, you might even choose to offer both as a pricing strategy.
BRANDING
If you are new to business, you are probably learning about how important branding is. Choosing between leatherette and genuine leather can emphasize your branding. Identifying your end customer is extremely important. This will play a big role in your decision to choose leatherette or leather. Branding is used to attract YOUR customers. Ask yourself, what would my customers prefer?
EASE OF APPLICATION
Leatherette tends to be easier to apply as it is thinner. Application without professional equipment is possible. You can use an iron or easily use a strong adhesive for application. Sewing them on with a household sewing machine is also an option.
Leather, on the other hand, tends to be more difficult to apply without professional equipment. Ironing from the reverse side is possible on flat items, such as jackets or cloth bags, but not possible for hats. If you have a hat press, applying these will be easier, but if not, it is suggested that you use a special leather glue or cement to adhere. It is common to have leather patches sewn on as well. Hand sewing to a beanie is possible with stitch holes added, but not possible by common household sewing machines.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
You may also want to consider the material itself when choosing leather versus leatherette.
Genuine leather is typically made from bovine hide that has been tanned or chemically treated for preservation and durability.
Not all genuine leather is created equally, however. Some suppliers utilize ethically sourced leather in which cows have not been raised explicitly for their hides.
Leatherette, often called “vegan leather,” is a synthetic material with a similar look and feel to genuine leather. Animals are not used to create this artificial leather.
IN CONCLUSION
After considering these factors, it should be much easier to make an informed choice. If you are still unsure, try comparing the two options here:
Best of luck on your business branding!