Real vs Fake Leather

Real Leather vs Fake Leather: How to Identify Authentic Leather

As the synthetic leather industry prospers year by year, distinguishing real leather from fake can be tricky. High-quality real leather products are luxurious and expensive, so no one wants to take fake leather goods home at the price of real leather. Our detailed guide on real leather vs fake leather will help you identify genuine leather from faux leather in no time.

Key Differences Between Real Leather and Fake Leather

The primary difference between real leather and fake leather is their origin. Real leather is made from animal hides such as buffalo, goat, and cow, making it a natural material. In contrast, synthetic or faux leather is made from plastic bases like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU), chemically treated to mimic leather but lacking actual animal skin.

How to Spot Fake Leather: Easy Steps

Test 1: Check the Label

Labels often indicate the type of leather. Real leather is usually proudly stated on product labels, while faux or synthetic leather is also mentioned. Always check product labels before purchasing to know more about the leather, place of manufacturing, and care instructions.

Test 2: Check the Price

Original full-grain leather is one of the highest quality leathers you can buy and is priced accordingly. Full-grain leather is expensive, while top-grain leather is less so, and split leather is even cheaper. However, all these will still be more expensive than synthetic faux leather. Checking the price tag can give you an idea of the leather type.

Test 3: Check Visible Characteristics

Real leather has a unique texture and imperfections, such as scratches, wrinkles, and creases, indicating its natural origin. It has a rough, grainy surface and wrinkles when touched or pressed due to its stretchable and flexible nature. Faux leather, on the other hand, has a smooth, uniform finish with an even and repetitive pattern. It looks unnatural and behaves more like plastic, retaining its structure when touched or pressed.

Test 4: Examine the Pores

Real leather has an inconsistent pattern of pores with minor imperfections, especially visible in full-grain leather. In contrast, fake leather has a consistent, evenly spread pore pattern that repeats uniformly. If it seems too perfect, it is likely faux leather.

Test 5: Smell the Leather

Real leather has a distinct animal skin smell that cannot be artificially replicated. For many, the smell of real leather is one of the best. However, some people may not like it. The smell of leather indicates its authenticity. In contrast, fake leather is usually odorless or smells like plastic and chemicals, a telltale sign of synthetic materials.

Test 6: Check the Edges

If the leather goods have visible edges, inspect them closely. Real leather has rough, uneven edges with strands, while fake leather has smooth, clean-cut edges with no strands. This can be a significant indicator when comparing real leather vs fake leather.

Conclusion

In summary, identifying real leather from fake leather involves checking the label, price, visible characteristics, pores, smell, and edges. By following these steps, you can ensure that you purchase genuine leather products and avoid the pitfalls of fake leather. Whether you're a leather enthusiast or just looking to buy quality leather goods, understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision.

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