You’ve picked the perfect colour, the right finish, and a gorgeous grain. But have you thought about
thickness? It’s easy to overlook, but faux leather thickness is one of the biggest factors that can make or
break your project.
Too thin, and your piece might wear out fast. Too thick, and your sewing machine breaks.
Whether you’re upholstering a cosy corner chair or crafting a sleek everyday tote, getting the thickness
right helps everything fall into place.
In this guide, we’ll help you figure out exactly what you need for comfort, durability, and that polished finish.
Why is Faux Leather Thickness Important in Your Project
1. Durability and Longevity
The thickness of faux leather significantly influences how well it stands up to wear and tear.
Thicker faux leather typically means more material, which provides greater resistance to punctures, abrasions, and general damage.
This is especially important for upholstery in high-traffic settings such as commercial spaces, offices, restaurants, or even busy living rooms at home. Thicker materials can handle more friction and pressure, resulting in a longer lifespan.
In contrast, thinner faux leather is more likely to crack, peel, or show signs of wear over time, especially in areas exposed to frequent movement or flexing.
2. Comfort and Feel
While thicker faux leather is often more durable, it can also impact how the material feels. Comfort is especially important in seating applications.
A medium faux leather thickness is often the sweet spot for achieving both comfort and resilience. This range offers a soft, supple texture without compromising strength.
That said, some thicker faux leathers are designed to be pliable and luxurious. Conversely, faux leather that’s too thin may feel flimsy, while material that’s too thick could be stiff and less inviting.
3. Workability
The thickness of faux leather also affects how easy it is to work with. Thicker materials may require specialized tools such as heavy-duty sewing machines, leather needles, or walking feet to avoid skipped stitches and uneven seams.
Thicker faux leather can also be more rigid, making it harder to shape around curves or tight corners.
Thinner faux leather is more flexible, easier to drape, and generally more manageable during the fabrication process, especially for complex or detailed designs.
4. Weight and Portability
Thicker faux leather adds more weight to a finished product. This can be beneficial when you need structure and support, but it might be a drawback for portable or wearable items.
For example, heavier bags or garments may become impractical if made with overly thick materials. Lighter faux leather is often preferred in such cases for ease of use and comfort.
5. Cost Considerations
In general, thicker faux leather is more expensive due to the higher material content and the added complexity in its production.
However, while it might increase upfront costs, choosing the right thickness can enhance the durability and quality of the final product, resulting in better long-term value.
6. Appearance and Structure
A certain amount of thickness is necessary to give faux leather the body and structure it needs for a premium, polished look.
Thinner faux leather may lack that solid appearance, sag over time, or lose its shape, especially in upholstery. Thicker faux leather helps maintain a defined silhouette and a professional finish.
Read more: Leather or Faux Leather Sofa: Which is Better?
How to Determine Faux Leather Thickness for Your Project
1. Lightweight Projects (0.5mm – 0.8mm)
For delicate or low-impact projects, faux leather in the 0.5mm to 0.8mm range is an ideal choice.
This lightweight thickness is perfect for garment linings, decorative accents, book covers, interior cabinet panels, wallets with a slim profile, and small craft items.
Its high flexibility and softness make it easy to cut and sew using most standard domestic sewing machines.
While not the most durable option, it offers just enough structure for items that don’t face heavy wear.
2. Everyday Use and Decorative Upholstery (0.8mm – 1.0mm)
If your project requires a balance between flexibility and moderate durability, faux leather in the 0.8mm to 1.0mm range is a great middle ground.
This thickness works well for light to medium-use furniture like accent chairs and headboards, as well as tote bags, cushions, and certain apparel items. It’s soft enough for comfortable seating but still holds up to moderate use.
With the right needle and presser foot, it can usually be sewn on a domestic machine, making it a popular choice for DIY projects.
3. Standard Upholstery and Structured Accessories (1.0mm – 1.2mm)
When durability becomes a priority, especially for furniture that sees daily use, faux leather between 1.0mm and 1.2mm is the go-to thickness.
This range is widely used for residential sofas, dining chairs, and office furniture, and is also suitable for more structured bags and even belts when used with backing.
It offers a more substantial, high-quality feel and greater resistance to wear and tear.
Because of its thickness, sewing may require a heavy-duty domestic or industrial sewing machine equipped with leather-compatible tools.
4. Heavy-Duty and High-Traffic Applications (1.2mm – 2.0mm+)
For the most demanding applications, such as commercial seating in restaurants or healthcare facilities, or items like duffel bags, backpacks, belts, and pet collars, faux leather in the 1.2mm to 2.0mm+ range is recommended.
This heavy-duty material offers exceptional durability and tear resistance, ideal for high-stress environments.
However, it’s significantly stiffer and less flexible than thinner options. Projects using this thickness will require industrial or heavy-duty domestic sewing machines for proper fabrication.
Read more: Real vs Faux vs Vegan Leather Fabric: How are They Different
Faux Leather That Performs and Lasts
Understanding the importance of faux leather thickness is essential to achieving the right balance of performance, comfort, appearance, and practicality in your project.
Whether you’re upholstering a commercial space or adding decorative accents to a home interior, the thickness of your material directly influences how well it will wear, feel, and hold up over time.
At Kintex, we make that decision easier. Our PU and PVC faux leather collections combine strength and sustainability with thoughtful design.
We’re committed to ethical manufacturing and reducing waste, all while offering a wide variety of textures and thicknesses for every need.
