Rexine vs Leatherette vs PVC Leather vs PU Leather: A Buyer's Guide
Where the word "rexine" comes from
Rexine was originally a British brand of artificial leather cloth made by Rexine Ltd in Hyde, near Manchester. Production under that name ended in 2005, but in India the word stayed in everyday use and became the general name for leather-like coated fabric. Today a buyer asking for "rexine" in Mumbai, Surat or Delhi almost always means PVC synthetic leather.
"Leatherette", "leather cloth", "artificial leather" and "faux leather" are used the same way. On B2B marketplaces you will even see spellings like "rexin" and "leatherite". They all describe a fabric backing with a leather-look coating on top.
PVC leather vs PU leather: what is actually different?
The difference is the coating. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is made flexible with plasticisers and applied in layers on the fabric. PU (polyurethane) is a different polymer with a softer, more open structure. That single change affects feel, breathability, durability and cost.
| Property | PVC leather (rexine) | PU leather | Genuine leather |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Firmer, smooth | Softer, closer to leather | Natural, varies by hide |
| Water resistance | Very good | Good | Needs treatment |
| Breathability | Low | Moderate | High |
| Abrasion & scuffing | Strong with a good top coat | Good | Good, but marks easily |
| Cleaning | Wipe clean | Wipe clean, gentler cleaners | Special care |
| Relative cost | Lowest | Medium | Highest |
| Typical uses | Car & bike seats, sofas, hoods, stationery, bags | Fashion, footwear, garments | Premium goods |
These are general tendencies, not fixed rules. A well-made PVC leather with a soft knitted backing can feel better than a cheap PU, so always judge the actual sample.
Which one is bigger in India?
According to IMARC Group's India synthetic leather market report, PU-based synthetic leather holds the largest share of the Indian market (about 55.5%), and footwear is the largest end use (about 34.2%). PVC remains the workhorse wherever toughness, water resistance and price matter most: automotive seat covers, auto rickshaw hoods, furniture upholstery, book binding and luggage.
How to choose for your product
- Car, bike and auto seat covers: PVC leather with heat and UV stabilisers and a knitted backing that stretches over contours.
- Home and office sofas: PVC leather with a soft hand feel and a stain-resistant top coat; PU if softness and breathability matter more than price.
- Shoes and sandals: PVC or PU footwear grades with good flex and tear strength.
- Bags and fashion: PU for a premium soft feel, PVC for structured, hard-wearing bags.
- Stationery and book binding: coloured PVC leather that folds cleanly and holds its shape.
Whatever you choose, ask your supplier for the thickness, GSM, backing type and width in writing, and approve a physical sample before bulk.
Quick FAQ
Is rexine real leather?
No. Rexine is an artificial leather: a fabric backing coated with PVC (or sometimes PU) and embossed to look like leather.
Is PU leather better than PVC leather?
Neither is better for every use. PU is softer and more breathable; PVC is tougher, more water-resistant and usually cheaper. Choose by application.
Does rexine crack?
Low-grade material can crack over time, especially in cold conditions or when plasticiser is lost through heat and sunlight. A good grade with the right backing lasts much longer.