How to tell the difference between natural and artificial leather: simple methods

Leather products have always been popular due to their practicality, durability and aesthetic appearance. Natural materials are strong, durable, and can emphasize a person's status.

However, there are many fakes on the market that can be easily confused with genuine leather. To prevent you from wasting your money on low-quality items, TSN told us how to distinguish artificial materials from natural ones.

In fact, artificial leather can also be of high quality and have a beautiful appearance. However, it does not have the same characteristics as natural leather and will not last as long. Therefore, when buying leather goods, be sure to pay attention to a number of factors.

Price

Genuine leather is a luxury item, so it cannot be cheap. If the seller offers you too big a discount, you should think twice.

Tags

Before buying, check the tag from the manufacturer. It should clearly state that the leather is genuine. If you see the words "eco-leather," "vegan leather," or "regenerated leather," you know that you are dealing with a fake.

Smell

Genuine leather has a characteristic odor that is very difficult to imitate. Imitation leather usually smells like chemicals. And eco-leather doesn't smell at all.

Texture

Genuine leather has a heterogeneous texture with small pores, wrinkles, and irregularities, while artificial leather usually has a perfectly smooth surface.

Elasticity

Genuine leather is pleasant to the touch, soft and elastic. In addition, if you press artificial material, it will leave creases, while natural leather will smooth out over time.

Weight

Genuine leather goods are usually heavier than those made from imitation leather.

Tests

Fire. If you hold a lighter near genuine leather, it will not catch fire but will only begin to smolder. Artificial leather melts when heated and emits a pungent odor.

Water. if you apply a little water to genuine leather, it will absorb it.

However, you should not conduct these tests in the store because they are quite risky. Use them only as a last resort.

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