Decoding the Leather Conundrum: Distinguishing Genuine Leather from Its Counterfeit Imitators
Leather has long been admired for its timeless appeal, durability, and luxurious feel. However, in an era where synthetic materials are becoming increasingly sophisticated, discerning between real and fake leather can pose a challenge.
With an array of faux alternatives flooding the market, it's crucial to be equipped with the knowledge and techniques that can unravel the secrets of genuine leather. In this article, we delve into the art of distinguishing real leather from its deceptive counterparts.
By unraveling the distinct characteristics and employing a keen eye, you'll be empowered to make informed decisions when investing in leather goods and avoid being misled by the allure of imitation. Let's embark on a journey to uncover the secrets that lie beneath the surface, where authenticity reigns supreme.
Check the label or Description
The very first thing to do is to check the label. In most cases, the label will say if it is actually genuine leather. If you find the tag missing, chances are that you have fake leather or artificial leather.
So, experts always recommend checking the label. You will find some other information about how to take care of it too. Therefore, this would be your first task. If there are no such labels, be assured the leather is artificial.
Surface checking
Experts also recommend checking the surface of the item. If the surface is not smooth, the product is real. Usually, there are some rough surfaces available on genuine leather, but if the leather is artificial, it will instead be seamless and smooth; there would not be any imperfections. Real leather will bear signs of scratches and maybe some wrinkles too.
Natural smell
Leather items have that natural smell. Artificial leather is made from plastics so they will have a chemical smell or some kind of bizarre odor.
Burn to test
Have you ever smelt burnt hair? Real leather will give off the same smell when it undergoes burn testing. To do this, you need to cut a small piece of your product. Then, you just grab a lighter and light it up! If it smells like plastic, then it is not real leather but if it smells like burning hair it is real.
Also, note … artificial leather will catch fire instantly while real leather will take a longer time.
Water testing
The last test you can do is water testing. If you place a drop of water on the leather, it should absorb it. Faux leather will never absorb the water. It will be more waterproof.
