When shopping for leather products like jackets, shoes, or handbags, it can be difficult to tell if you’re getting the real deal or just a cheap imitation. While synthetic materials may be less expensive and more widely available, true leather has a timeless look and quality that is unmatched. Thankfully, a few simple signs can help you identify if a product is crafted from genuine leather. In this article, we’ll share five tips from Armodo – a premium leather goods brand – so you can shop with confidence and invest in top-quality leather.
1. Smell
One of the easiest ways to tell if a product is made from genuine leather is by its scent. Real leather has a distinct, earthy smell that can’t be replicated, while synthetic materials smell more like plastic or chemicals. When shopping for leather goods, take a deep breath and see if you can detect that classic leather scent. If you can’t, the product might not be made from real leather.
2. Texture
Another characteristic of real leather is its texture. Genuine leather may have slight variations in texture and colour which is difficult to accurately replicate with synthetic materials like polyurethane or PVC. Apart from that pure leather will have natural marks and creases. By feeling the product, you’ll know if it’s pliable or stiff. Genuine leather feels soft to the touch and its suppleness and flexibility will also increase over time making the product more comfortable and easier to use.
3. Price
Real leather is a premium material, so you will have to pay a premium price for products made from quality leather. This is one of the simplest ways to determine if a product is constructed from genuine leather. If you’re getting a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is, and the item might not be made from real leather. You might need to do some comparative pricing and see how much genuine leather costs. Then, you’ll know if what you’re buying is genuine or fake.
4. Grain
The grain is the natural pattern on the outside of the animal hide. When leather is produced it inherits the pattern of the skin. The grain of genuine leather is unique as it will have hairs, irregular patterns and pores with visible texture which is difficult to replicate through artificial means. In some cases, the grain will be obvious and linear, helping you see the pattern clearly. In others, it might not be as defined, but it should still be present, nevertheless. If you can’t see or feel any grain, then the product may not be made from genuine leather.
5. Burn Test
Though this might not be the most practical method, the burn test is an effective way of identifying genuine leather. It simply requires burning a small piece of the leather to identify its authenticity. If the burned piece crumbles into ash, it’s likely not real leather. On the other hand, if it smolders and smells like burnt hair, it’s probably the real deal.
When purchasing leather goods, it’s important to know what to look for so that you can purchase products that you are happy with. The tips discussed in this article will help you recognize genuine leather and prevent you from getting duped with fake leather products. Invest in fixtures crafted from premium leather that will be durable, sophisticated, and long-lasting like Armodo’s premium leather goods.