Furniture, accessories and – most importantly – jackets, can all be made from leather, a 100% natural material.
It can be difficult to tell if a jacket is made from genuine or fake leather or to spot the differences. This is especially true now that fake leather jackets are increasingly being sold as genuine leather jackets on the marketplace.
Here are nine things to look out for to ensure you’re getting genuine leather with your next purchase.
1-Check the price tag:
Price of a leather jacket
There is a considerable price difference between genuine and artificial leather products. The price difference between real leather and a synthetic leather jacket is there for very high. A low price indicates that the jacket is quite likely made of synthetic leather and that you should probably avoid it. There are other various test to determine if a product is made from genuine or faux leather, which you can perform on the spot.
2-Touch and feel:
The sensation of leather
Genuine leather is always softer and warmer to the touch than synthetic leather. Only trustworthy clothing shops have a broad choice of both genuine and artificial leather jackets available so that you can compare both. If it feels overly smooth and plastic-like, it’s probably Faux.
3-Check textures and patterns:
Leather’s texture
Synthetic leather has asymmetrical textures and patterns since it is produced by chemical synthesis in a machine. However, genuine leather has distinct and irregular textures and patterns that might vary from piece to piece. Because genuine leather jackets are made of natural materials, they will have a distressed appearance and a noticeable grain. You should always start off by thoroughly checking the pattern. The right pattern and texture will ensure you leave a tough and bad-ass impression.
4-Smell the Leather:
The scent of a leather jacket
Leather can be easily identified by the way it smells. Genuine leather has a more natural and organic scent than synthetic leather. Most consumers choose genuine leather jackets due to their appealing scent and addictive nature.
Once you’ve smelled genuine leather, you’ll never be able to forget it’s distinctive scent.
5-Test for water absorption:
Observing the absorbing of liquids
The pores in genuine leather allow it to absorb water in a unique way. Until the water fully evaporates, there will be dark areas in the leather where the moisture is present. Put 1-2 droplets of water on the leather’s surface and see whether it absorbs; if it does, the leather is genuine. If the water droplets remain visible on the surface, the jacket is most likely made out of synthetic material.
A new leather jacket seems complicated to try on and check at the shop. Make sure to ask the retailer if they have an additional sample that might be used for quality testing purposes.
6-Check the edges:
The distinct edges of leather
It is easy to tell the difference for those of you who used a genuine leather product before. Natural leather has always had a rough fullness and coarse edges, but the edges of Faux or synthetic leather will seem smooth and faultless.
Some manufacturers try to go for a smoother look for their genuine leather products, but despite their best efforts, you will always be able to identify real leather.
7-Fire test:
Heating the leather
Only do this test when you have the product at home as it is a somewhat delicate process. Take both ends of a piece of the leather and apply heat it to see if they will stick together. Natural leather doesn’t have that distinct smell of burning plastic, so you can be sure it’s not faux.
Note: I do not encourage trying this test and suggest that you look into alternative options; it’s not advised if you are new to leather products.
Comparison of the bend:
Bending the leather
This demonstrates the variance in color and the pores of genuine leather. Natural leather has a greater range of elasticity than faux leather. It has a more natural appearance and wrinkles easier.
Faux leather however, stretches and can crack and rip, which is nearly impossible for genuine leather.
8-Weight check:
Real leather is heavy
Another simple way to tell whether something is made of genuine leather is to check the weight. Natural leather is heavier than synthetic leather because it is made from animal hides like lambskin and cowhide.
First-time buyers need to go to shops to compare the weights in order to be able to tell the difference.
9-Final thoughts:
Real and fake leather can be easily identified using these simple techniques. Real leather is both long-lasting and pricey. While a real leather jacket will keep you warm and dry, a synthetic leather jacket’s only positive that it is cheap. Real leather is a one-time purchase that will serve you for many years to come.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION (FAQ’s):
1: When purchasing a leather jacket, what features should I keep in mind?
2: How do you determine whether a leather item is high-quality?
Regardless of your experience, you can notice the grain and smoothness of good leather simply by touching it. Cheaper leather will not give you the same premium feeling. If you’re new to leather, you must get a feel for the various quality-levels leather has to offer.
3-How much does a genuine leather men’s jacket cost?
A good leather jacket may cost anywhere from $200 to $2000, depending on the quality. Keep in mind however, that a higher price does not always means you are getting a higher quality product. Many companies demand a premium because of their brand name recognition.
4: How to Recognize Fake Leather
To spot imitation leather, run a few droplets of water over the surface and see whether it smear or if it is waterproof. Real leather wicks away the moisture, but faux leather won’t absorbe any of it.
5: Are highly priced leather jackets worth it?
Lambskin, calfskin, and cowhide are the main materials used to create expensive leather jackets. This is a one-time purchase that will last you a lifetime if cared for properly. It will also keep you warm while looking great.
6: What is the best way to break in a leather jacket?
The most straightforward and natural approach to breaking in your leather jacket is to include it in your usual clothing. If you want to break in your leather jacket fast, wear it more often, even when you don’t feel comfortable doing so.