A Complete Guide to Spot Real Leather Products

When buying leather products, whether it’s shoes, jackets, bags, it’s crucial to know whether you’re getting genuine leather or a synthetic (fake) alternative. Many manufacturers use artificial leather, which looks real but lacks the durability, comfort, and luxurious feel of authentic leather.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to identify genuine leather vs. fake leather so you can make an informed purchase.

1. Check the Texture and Grain

• Genuine Leather: Has an irregular grain pattern with natural imperfections. No two pieces of real leather look exactly the same.
• Fake Leather (PU or PVC Leather): Has a perfectly uniform texture, as it is machine-made. It may look too smooth or plasticky.

Pro Tip: Run your fingers over the leather. If it feels soft, flexible, and slightly uneven, it’s real. If it’s too smooth or stiff, it’s likely fake.

2. Smell the Leather

• Real Leather: Has a rich, earthy, and natural smell that is difficult to replicate.
• Fake Leather: Has a chemical, plastic, or synthetic odor due to the artificial materials used.

Pro Tip: If the leather smells like plastic or chemicals, it’s fake!

3. Perform the Water Absorption Test

• Genuine Leather: Absorbs water slightly because it has natural pores.
• Fake Leather: Water stays on the surface without absorption.

How to Test?

• Place a few drops of water on the leather surface. If it absorbs slightly and darkens, it’s real leather. If the water sits on top and doesn’t absorb, it’s fake.

4. Check the Edges

• Real Leather: Has rough, uneven, and fibrous edges because it’s made from animal hide.
• Fake Leather: Has perfect, smooth, and plastic-like edges due to machine processing.

Pro Tip: Look at the cut edges. If they seem too uniform or shiny, it’s probably synthetic leather.

• Real Leather: Bends and wrinkles naturally when you press or fold it.
• Fake Leather: Stays stiff or forms unnatural creases when bent.

Pro Tip: Press the leather with your fingers. If it wrinkles naturally like human skin, it’s real!

6. Check the Back Side (Underside of the Leather)

• Genuine Leather: Has a suede-like, fibrous texture underneath.
• Fake Leather: Usually has a woven fabric or plastic backing.

Pro Tip: If you see fabric or plastic on the back, it’s fake leather.

7. Perform the Fire Test (Only for Extreme Cases!) 🔥

• Real Leather: Does not catch fire easily. It chars and smells like burnt hair.
• Fake Leather: Melts and smells like burnt plastic.

⚠️ Caution: Don’t try this on expensive products! It’s only for extreme cases where you can afford to risk damaging the leather.

8. Price and Brand Trustworthiness

• Real Leather: Is expensive due to the natural processing. High-quality full-grain leather products come at a premium price.
• Fake Leather: Is cheap and mass-produced.

Pro Tip: If the price seems too good to be true, it’s probably fake!

Final Verdict: How to Ensure You Buy Genuine Leather?

✅ Buy from trusted brands and sellers like BWOK that specialize in genuine leather products.
✅ Look for labels like “Full-Grain Leather” or “Top-Grain Leather.”
✅ Use these tests to verify authenticity before making a purchase.

BWOK offers premium quality genuine leather products, including shoes, bags, jackets, and accessories. Visit our website BWOK Store to explore our collection!