7+1 Ways to recognize genuine leather

Before you give your money for a wallet, bag or any other leather product, make sure you recognize the quality of the leather you are buying. Nowadays it is difficult to distinguish an authentic leather product from an imitation.
Here are some ways to make sure you make the right purchase, or to check if a product you already have is made of genuine leather.

Touch the leather

Palpate and wrinkle the leather to see how it responds. The leather is divided into 2 surfaces, the inner and the outer. Genuine leather is most often flexible and soft on the outside, while on the inside it has a rough surface. On the other hand, a synthetic leather is harder, usually shiny on both sides and resembles plastic. Many qualities of genuine leather have the ability to "stretch" slightly when pulling it. Also at the point where you will crumple it you will notice that the leather may become a little lighter and leave a temporary mark. This is perfectly normal and at the same time proves that the leather is authentic. What is not normal is that the leather is not flexible and "breaks".

Smell it

Yes, you read that right. We know it might awkward but if you have the chance do it. It used to be one of the safest ways to recognize authentic leather . The leather has a characteristic smell that can hardly be missed and is hard to find in an imitation. In the case of the latter there is usually not even an smell, and if there is it is that of plastic, as these products are made of chemical materials. Unfortunately for us in recent years companies have found a way to give synthetic leathers the scent they want by spraying it with special fragrances, which makes it even more difficult for the consumer to understand its quality.

Observe the pores of the leather

The truth is that this method will help you more if you go to buy a relatively large product for example a bag. Pay attention to the outer surface of the leather and notice any repetitions in the pattern. If you see specific patterns on the leather repeating it means it is not authentic. The pattern of an authentic leather is unique and depends on the animal it comes from. If you see that a leather has imperfections or its color is darker in other places and lighter in others, consider it completely normal and trust it.

Check it's edges

The edges of a leather product are also evidence. Genuine leather has a natural shape and is often rougher (unless polished). In contrast, synthetic leather has a glossy texture, resembling plastic and is eaysily visible. ATTENTION at this point so as not to confuse an authentic very well polished leather with a synthetic one.

Pour a few waterdrops on it

 

Leather is a living organism, which breathes and reacts like all organisms. Try pouring a few drops of water on it. You will notice that the genuine leather after a few minutes will absorb these drops of water. On the other hand the synthetic will have no reaction with the water, so the drops will remain intact. This way of separating the skin excludes the cases where a leather has received waterproofing.

Weigh it

Genuine leather is heavier than synthetic leather. This is because the latter consists entirely of chemical elements that do not have any significant weight. Of course even different leather types do not weigh the same. For example, calfskin is heavier than sheepskin. In any case, all of the above are heavier than synthetic leathers, which often have the same weight as a cotton product.

Rate it based on it's price

The price will always tell the truth. Genuine leather can not be cheap. And this is because before it reaches our hands a product has been processed for 1-2 months or more. During these months it has passed through the hands of many experts and this is one of the reasons it has increased production costs. The main factors that shape the price of the leather are the type of skin (full grain, top grain, splits, etc.), the animal from which it comes, the point of the animal (side, abdomen, legs, shoulders, etc.) as well as the method of processing (vegetable tan, chrome tan). We will analyze all this in a future article.

Bonus Tip: Try to burn it

It's one of the most popular ways, though we do not recommend it. However it will give you a good idea of ​​the product you have in your hands. Take a lighter and try to burn the leather. You will notice that synthetic leather catches fire directly and melts as it is made up of chemicals which are most often flammable. This is not the case with genuine leather. The second has the characteristic of absorbing heat, so the fire will not have any impact on it. Of course, if you leave it on the fire for a long time, there will be some deterioration and it will smell like burnt hair. If you try it, be careful.

By acquiring an authentic leather product, you make your own a product of value that lasts over time and in fact, as the years go by, it becomes better. In any case, keep in mind that the leather is a living organism and needs care. Apply a balm once in a while, wipe it off in time if liquid is spilled on it and protect it from prolonged exposure to the sun.

In our store you will find handmade leather wallets, cardholders and other products, which will stay with you for years. See them by clicking here.