There are two major types of faux leather - vinyl-based and polyurethane-based. Our faux leather is polyurethane-based. Vinyl-based is basically dyed plastic. Examples are marine vinyl and clear vinyl (which are very stiff). Polyurethane-based is made by coating natural fabrics like cotton or polyester, then treating it to look like real leather. This type of faux leather is more soft, flexible, and breathable than vinyl-based leather.