evidence: Vegan leather is no longer confined to vegan-centric brands: it's everywhere. But what is vegan leather? Whether a pair of black pleather pants or a fiery red synthetic leather clutch, the new, glossy iterations are like leather's cooler younger sibling that went vegan and didn't tell the family until Thanksgiving day. With sustainable fashion becoming ever more mainstream, vegan leather has gone from being a niche alternative to becoming both a sustainable staple and part of the greenwashing wave. Here, we break down the pros and cons of vegan leather — and whether it's a fashion phase or an effective way to combat climate change. [...] In recent years, vegan leather has gotten incredibly close to feeling like the real deal. The obvious plastic-like dupes have evolved into more buttery and luxurious leather alternatives. Unfortunately, vegan leather products tend to have a lifespan of only two to five years. But, leather-like products offer a more eco-friendly option, especially for those concerned about their carbon footprint. Traditional leather relies on livestock like cattle, and industrial animal-raising contributes to deforestation and greenhouse gases. By cutting out cattle as a source of leather, fake leather seemingly provides a more sustainable and cruelty-free option. But this is where it gets a little tricky. [...] Both forms of leather have a ways to go in terms of sustainability, but making an informed decision on your next leather purchase, whether it's vegan or not, contributes to that environmental impact.