![]() ![]() COLOR IS NOT ALWAYS A CLUE TO FAKE LEATHER Almost all synthetic materials will repel water instantly. Most leather will absorb some amount of water, just like a real cow. TEST THE LEATHER WITH WATERĭepending on the finishing process, real leather can have water repellent properties. And, now you know why cows don't burst into flames. Such are the consequences of testing a fake leather bag. You may have damaged your bag, but now you know. If the product catches fire or melts, it's synthetic (fake leather). If the leather chars and smell like burnt hair, it's leather. However, if you own the product (and are seriously curious) and can find an inconspicuous interior seam, hold a lighter’s flame on a small piece of the material. Obviously, you’ll be destroying part of the material. TEST THE FAKE LEATHER WITH FIREįor obvious reasons, this test is not recommended on a product you have not purchased. It also may differ in color a bit from the finished top side grain. Real leather may be rough or smooth, finished or not. Often a leather-like surface is glued or laminated to fabric or a paper-like material. If you can get a glimpse at the back of the leather, you may be able to determine if it's fake (or not). WHAT DOES THE BACK OF THE “LEATHER” LOOK LIKE? They are leather, but heavily coated.įake or synthetic materials just depress under your finger but retain their shape, firmness, and texture. Heavily coated leather may not react the same way as more natural finishes, so this test depends upon the leather coating or finish.įull leather athletic shoes use thin leather that has multiple layers of a clay-like substance applied to give a smooth finish. Does it wrinkle and crease like your skin? Can you see any pores? Remember, leather is tanned and finished skin from the animal. The absence of wrinkles, no blemishes or an appearance that is “too perfect” are good clues the bag is made from fake leather. However, real leather may also be stamped (aka "plated") to create a pattern that didn't exist in the natural hide. If there is a texture stamped into the fake leather to give it grain, or the appearance of real leather, you can often detect a repeatable pattern much like wallpaper. Often, you may see natural imperfections such as scars, stretch marks, veining, etc. Real leather smells like leather.Ĭheap leather can also smell like chemicals if the processing is not done right. How can you tell if leather is real leather? Use your nose.įake leather smells like chemicals or plastic. Here are some Brand Names that manufacture synthetic leather: ![]() ![]() Leatherette (Fabric covered in plastic).If you are looking for an authentic leather bag, stay away from terms like: Synthetic leathers can often be marketed to sound like real leather. REAL LEATHER | How to Spot Fake or Imitation Leather ![]()
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