Pleather
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pleather ("plastic leather") is a slang term for synthetic leather made out of plastic. For some, pleather is a mildy derogatory term, implying that its use is a substitute for genuine animal hide leather to cut costs.
Pleather is often used as an inexpensive substitute for leather. Pleather may also be preferred because it is lighter than leather. Others choose to wear synthetic leather as an alternative to real leather citing reasons of animal cruelty. However, pleather, being made of plastic, will not decompose as quickly, so this must also be taken into consideration.
Pleather isn't a trademarked fabric or brand name, according to Fred Schecter, vice president of Sommers Plastics, a New Jersey maker of elaborate synthetic fabrics. "It just really means a man-made leather, but it's not any specific type."
Still, not all imitation leather is the same. The best pleathers are made of polyurethane, which Schecter said is washable, can be dry-cleaned and allows some air to flow through the garment. Another version of pleather is made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, which doesn't breathe and is difficult to clean.
"PVC under no circumstances can be dry-cleaned," Schecter said, because the cleaning solvents can make the fabric unwearably stiff.
[edit] Naugahyde
The most well-known brand name of pleather is Naugahyde, which used to be made in Naugatuck, Connecticut. It is now made in Stoughton, WI.
Naugahyde marketing includes a fictional animal called the "Nauga" whose hides are supposedly the natural source of all the Naugahyde manufactured. According to the story [1], which has become something of folk-lore in parts of Connecticut, the Naugas are nocturnal, hairless, aquatic mammals of many colors that live in the Naugatuck River, and can be made to come to the surface at night by shining a flashlight into the water. The Naugas are then captured and sorted by color to be made into the various colors of Naugahyde. Allegedly, when rolled together on a mechanical press, the seams between the Naugas disappear, resulting in a seamless, leather-like product. A popular bumper sticker stated simply: "Save the Naugas!".[citation needed]
One popular application of Naugahyde is purses and messenger bags. They are lighter than leather, easier to keep clean and better suited for rainy weather.
