Synthetic leather, also known as faux leather or vinyl, is a material that is designed to mimic the appearance and texture of genuine leather. It is typically made from polyurethane or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and may be embossed with a pattern to give it a more authentic look. Synthetic leather is often used as an eco-friendly alternative to real leather, since it requires fewer resources to produce and has a lower environmental impact. However, unlike genuine leather, synthetic leather does not breathe or stretch, making it less comfortable for some applications such as clothing or upholstery.