Top Four Tips to Help You Determine Genuine vs. Imitation Leather

Have you always wondered how to identify real leather from a clever imitation? Quality leather makes all the difference in the products you buy, not just in terms of durability, but also in terms of appearance. If you’re buying any leather products or hides in Baton Rouge, LA, here’s how to tell real leather from faux.

Read the label

As you’re purchasing leather goods in Baton Rouge, LA, the easiest way to tell real leather from faux is by checking the label. Manufacturers aren’t subtle about showing that their products are made from genuine leather, so there should always be a mention on the label. If there’s no label on the product at all, take it as a warning sign and choose another option. If you see a label that includes the term “man-made materials,” it’s safe to assume that all or at least part of the product contains faux leather, which reduces its value.

Do a “smell test”

It might come as a surprise that your sense of smell can aid you in weeding out imitation leather products from the good ones. Whenever you’re questioning the authenticity of a leather good, bring it up to your nose and get a good feel for the aroma of the product. You’ll be able to distinguish the earthy, warm scent of genuine leather from the synthetic, chemical and almost plastic-like aroma of an imitation. With a little practice, you’ll be able to use the “smell test” before making any purchase.

Use your sense of touch

Genuine leather comes in a variety of textures, from coarse to smooth—it just depends on both quality and type. Use your sense of touch to explore the texture of a leather good. If it seems far too smooth, there’s a good chance you’re holding a plastic imitation. Also look for variations in the texture. Since genuine leather is a natural product, there’s going to be less consistency in the texture. These inconsistencies are a big part of genuine leather’s raw, natural beauty, and it’s a great way to weed out the fakes.

You should also use your sense of touch to check the edges of any product. The edges of a genuine leather product should feel slightly rough and raw. Fake leather products usually have a completely smooth edge with a machine-like quality. Run your hands along the edges of a wallet, belt, handbag or whatever catches your interest to easily see if it’s real.

Examine the pores

One of the final pieces of advice for checking the quality of a leather good involves checking the pores. If everything looks too consistent and perfect, it’s likely a man-made leather. Lack of a pattern and variation is a good thing—it’s a signal that the piece is authentic.

Now that you know how to identify real leather, you can make the most of your purchases of quality leather goods in Baton Rouge, LA. Whether you’re purchasing raw leather for crafting or buying an expensive leather handbag, taking these simple steps to ensure quality can give you peace of mind that you’re making a smart investment. Contact Acadian Leather today to learn more about the benefits and characteristics of genuine leather.

Categorised in: Leather Accessories