How to Identify Genuine Leather vs Fake Leather
When it comes to leather, the difference between real leather and fake leather is often subtle but important. At Woodheads, Cape Town’s leading supplier of premium leather and leatherworking materials, we’re passionate about quality. Whether you’re purchasing leather for a new project or simply curious, understanding the qualities of genuine leather can save you time and ensure you’re getting the value you deserve. Here’s your guide to leather identification – a few quick tips to help you identify real leather versus fake leather with confidence.
Why Choose Genuine Leather?
Genuine leather is prized for its durability, natural texture, and timeless appeal. At Woodheads, we offer a wide range of high-quality leather types, from veg-tanned to corrected grain and full hides. With proper care, real leather can last decades, making it a sustainable and worthwhile investment. Fake leather, on the other hand, often lacks the depth and resilience of genuine leather, and it can wear down faster.
When you’re working with Woodheads’ authentic leather, you’re choosing a product with integrity that will age beautifully over time.
Look and Feel: Key Characteristics of Real Leather
One of the simplest ways to identify real leather is by examining its look and feel. Genuine leather has natural irregularities and a unique texture, while fake leather often looks too uniform.
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Grain and Texture: Real leather often has subtle variations in grain, with slight imperfections that add character. At Woodheads, our leather options vary in texture and finish, from smooth nappa to textured suede, each providing an authentic look that fake leather cannot replicate.
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Flexibility: Genuine leather is naturally flexible and softens over time. When you bend or fold it, it develops a natural patina rather than cracking like fake leather. We recommend feeling the leather in person if possible – our knowledgeable staff can assist you in distinguishing between textures and types.
The Scent Test: Recognizing Real Leather by Smell
One of the most distinct characteristics of real leather is its smell. Genuine leather has a rich, earthy scent, whereas fake leather often smells like chemicals or plastic due to synthetic components.
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Leather’s Scent: This earthy, natural smell is something that can’t be replicated with artificial materials. At Woodheads, the moment you step into our store, you’ll experience the unmistakable aroma of real leather, which we proudly offer to our customers.
The Water Test for Leather Identification
Real leather and fake leather respond differently to moisture. Genuine leather is porous and absorbs small amounts of water, which can be a good indicator.
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Absorption Test: If you place a tiny drop of water on the surface, real leather will absorb it and darken slightly. This test should be performed with caution, but it’s effective for distinguishing genuine leather from synthetic options.
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Woodheads stocks a variety of leathers that exhibit this natural characteristic, from upholstery leather to bag leather. Our team can guide you on the best care practices to keep your leather in top condition, even if it occasionally encounters moisture.
Inspecting the Back Side of Leather
The backside of leather often reveals whether it’s real or fake. Genuine leather typically has a suede-like backing, while fake leather may have a fabric or plastic lining.
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Backside Texture: Woodheads’ leather hides have a natural backside that varies depending on the leather type. Full-grain leather, for instance, has an unaltered, textured backing that adds to its authenticity and quality.
Burn Test: Proceed with Caution
The burn test is sometimes used to identify leather, but it should only be performed as a last resort due to the potential for damage.
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Testing: Real leather doesn’t burn or melt the way synthetic leather does; instead, it will char and produce a natural smell. However, we advise using this method sparingly or consulting our Woodheads team for alternative identification methods.
How to Identify Real Leather When Shopping Online
When buying leather online, identifying genuine leather can be challenging. At Woodheads, we take pride in offering clear product descriptions and detailed images to help our online customers make informed choices.
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Detailed Descriptions: Our website provides extensive information on each type of leather, including grain, thickness, and suitable applications. With over a century in the industry, we stand behind the authenticity of our leather offerings, ensuring you receive quality, genuine leather every time.