Does Outback use real leather?
Outback Steakhouse generally uses vinyl or faux leather upholstery for seating rather than genuine leather across most locations. There is no publicly published universal policy mandating real leather, and materials can vary by location and franchisee. This article explains what is typically used, why this is common in casual dining, and how to verify for a specific restaurant.
What materials are commonly used in Outback locations
This section outlines the seating materials you’re most likely to encounter in Outback interiors today, based on corporate material choices and industry norms.
- Vinyl and faux leather upholstery for chairs, booths, and seating surfaces, chosen for durability, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning in busy dining rooms.
- Fabric or fabric-like coverings in some refurbishments or regional variations, though these are less common in typical casual-dining interiors.
- Genuine leather is not the standard across the chain and, if present, would typically be limited to a small number of premium spaces or special-design concepts rather than a universal policy.
In summary, the typical Outback interior prioritizes synthetic upholstery that stands up to high foot traffic, with occasional exceptions depending on location or renovation plans.
How to verify the seating materials at a specific Outback location
Because interior materials can differ by market and franchisee, it’s best to verify directly for the restaurant you’re interested in.
- Check the restaurant’s official pages or interior photos on Outback’s site or app for descriptions or visual cues about upholstery.
- Call the location directly or contact Bloomin’ Brands customer service to ask about the seating materials and whether real leather is used in any area.
- Ask about sustainability or supplier disclosures related to upholstery, which some brands publish in corporate responsibility reports.
- Look for recent refurbishments or press releases that mention interior materials, which may indicate the use of premium or alternative upholstery.
Because interior design can vary widely by market and franchisee, direct confirmation from the specific location is the most reliable method to determine whether real leather is used in a given Outback restaurant.
Summary
Publicly available information does not show a universal policy requiring real leather at Outback Steakhouse. The prevailing practice across most locations is vinyl or faux leather seating, chosen for durability and ease of cleaning in busy dining rooms. Real leather, if used at all, is not typical and is unlikely to be standard across the chain. To know for sure about a particular restaurant, contact the location or corporate channels for precise material details.
How do I tell if my seats are real leather?
The easiest way (apart from trusted labels) is to find an edge of the leather and peek beneath it. If you see suede fibers, it is leather. A second less reliable way is to gently scratch with your fingernail. Real leather will FEEL like leather and PVC with feel grippy like plastic.
Which car brands still use real leather?
Leather Interiors on New Vehicles
- Audi (100% Leather) All Audi models have leather interiors as a benefit of owning one of these cars.
- Land Rover (100% Leather)
- Porsche (100% Leather)
- Volvo (98% Leather)
- BMW (79% Leather)
- Lexus (78% Leather)
- Ford (71% Leather)
- Chevrolet (70% Leather)
What material are Subaru seats made of?
Subaru offers different seat materials, including StarTex, a water-repellent, durable synthetic upholstery made from polyurethane and recycled materials, and leather. Some models also feature traditional cloth or "soft-touch" upholstery. StarTex is a popular non-leather alternative for models aimed at active lifestyles, while leather is offered in higher trim levels.
StarTex
- Composition: A synthetic polyurethane material with a backing made of 25% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
- Key Features:
- Water-repellent and easy to clean.
- Durable and designed to be more resilient to dirt and moisture than traditional leather or cloth.
- Vegan and animal-product-free.
- More breathable than standard vinyl and stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter than leather.
- Lighter than leather.
- Availability: Often found on models like the Forester Wilderness, Outback Onyx XT and Wilderness, Crosstrek Sport and Wilderness, and Ascent Onyx Edition.
Leather
- Composition: Traditional leather upholstery.
- Key Features:
- Offers a more luxurious feel and appearance.
- Requires more care and maintenance than StarTex to prevent cracking or damage over time.
- Availability: Offered on higher trim levels.
Cloth
- Composition: Traditional fabric upholstery.
- Key Features:
- Comfortable and a standard option on some models.
- Availability: Available on certain trim levels.
Which outback has leather?
The Subaru Outback with leather seats comes in the Limited, Touring, and Touring XT trims. The Limited trim features leather upholstery, while the Touring and Touring XT trims offer more premium Nappa leather, along with other upgrades like ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
Outback trims with leather seats
- Limited: The first trim level to include leather seats.
- Touring: Adds Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a power moonroof, and a heated steering wheel to the features of the Limited trim.
- Touring XT: This is the top-tier trim that includes all the features of the Touring model, plus a turbocharged engine for a sportier performance.
Additional features in higher trims
- Ventilated front seats: The Touring and Touring XT models provide ventilation to the front seats for added comfort.
- Heated steering wheel: The Touring and Touring XT trims come with a heated steering wheel.
- Nappa leather upholstery: The Touring and Touring XT trims feature a more luxurious Nappa leather.
