Faux leather is a popular choice for clothes, upholstery, furniture, and car seats because it is affordable and easy to care for. But does faux leather get hot in the sun? And if so, is there anything that can be done to make it more comfortable in warm weather? This article will explore the answers to these questions and more.
Faux leather is made from various synthetic materials, including PVC, polyurethane, and acrylic. These materials are not breathable, so they can trap heat and make the surface of the faux leather hot in the sun.
To learn more about the reasons why faux leather gets hot in the sun and a few other tips and tricks, continue reading!
Reason Faux Leather Gets Hot In The Sun – The Details
There are a few reasons faux leather gets hot in the sun. Here are a few of the most important details:
1. Faux leather Is Not Breathable
The main reason faux leather gets hot in the sun is because it is not a breathable material. The main material used in faux leather is PVC, which is a plastic material.
And like we all know, plastic is a non-breathable material. This means your faux leather jackets, boots, sofas, and car seats can get quite hot when exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.
The trapped heat will cause the surface temperature of the faux leather to increase, making it uncomfortable to touch or sit on.
2. Faux Leather Is Made From Synthetic Materials
Another reason why faux leather gets hot in the sun is the fact that all faux leather materials are made from synthetic materials.
As we mentioned before, PVC is the most common material used in faux leather. But faux leather can also be made from polyurethane and acrylic.
All of these materials are man-made and don’t have the same properties as natural leather. This means that they won’t breathe as well and will trap heat more easily, making the surface of the faux leather hot in the sun.
3. Faux Leather Is Not a porous Material
Another reason why faux leather gets hot in the sun is that it is not a porous material. Porous materials can absorb and release heat more effectively than non-porous materials.
This means that when the surface of faux leather is exposed to direct sunlight, the heat will be trapped more easily, and the surface temperature will increase.
Not only is this uncomfortable for you, but it can also damage the faux leather material over time.
How To Use Faux Leather In The Sun – A Few Tips
Now that we’ve covered the reasons why faux leather gets hot in the sun, let’s take a look at a few tips on how to use faux leather in the sun:
1. Use Faux Leather In Moderate Temperatures
If you want to use faux leather in the sun, it’s best to do so in moderate temperatures. For example, if you’re considering using your faux leather couch in your backyard, ensure it is placed in a shady spot.
This will help prevent the faux leather’s surface from getting too hot in the sun. If it’s a poolside lounge chair you’re looking for, consider using an umbrella for added protection.
2. Choose Light-Colored Faux Leather
Opt for light-colored faux leather materials if you will use your faux leather items in the sun. Light colors will reflect sunlight better than dark colors, which will help keep the surface of the faux leather cooler.
3. Add A Breathable Layer
If you plan on using faux leather in direct sunlight, adding a breathable layer between you and the faux leather is a good idea.
For example, consider adding a light cotton blanket or slipcover if you’re using a faux leather sofa. This will help absorb some of the heat and make it more bearable and comfortable to sit on.
4. Avoid Prolonged Exposure
Finally, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is important when using faux leather items. If possible, bring your faux leather items inside when they’re not in use.
This is easy to do for faux leather jackets, boots, and other clothing items. Simply hang them up or store them in a cool, dark place when you’re not wearing them.
However, this may not be possible for larger faux leather items like sofas and chairs. In these cases, try to use them in well-shaded areas or during cooler times
This will help prevent the surface of the faux leather from getting too hot and potentially damaging the material.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, faux leather can get hot in the sun for several reasons.
The most common reason is that faux leather is made from synthetic materials that don’t breathe well and trap heat easily.
Additionally, faux leather is not a porous material, so it doesn’t absorb and release heat as effectively as natural leather.
If you plan on using faux leather in the sun, it’s best to do so in moderate temperatures and add a breathable layer between you and the faux leather.
Avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is also important. Following these tips can help prevent faux leather items from getting too hot in the sun.
FAQs
Q: Does faux leather crack in the sun?
A: Faux leather can crack in the sun if it gets too hot. This is because the heat from the sun can cause the synthetic materials that make up faux leather to break down quickly. When this happens, the faux leather item will not last as long as it was intended.
Q: Does faux leather fade in the sun?
A: Faux leather is generally resistant to fading mainly because the pigments and coloring agents used are UV-stable. However, over time and with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, faux leather can start to fade.
For more details, check out an article I published earlier on the reasons why faux leather does not fade in the sun.
Q: Can you wear faux leather in the summer?
A: We are all different regarding how much heat we can tolerate, so there is no simple answer to this question. But generally, faux leather wearables will be warmer to wear in summer since faux leather is not breathable and does not allow air circulation.
