How to identify the authenticity of leather
In recent years, with the popularity of leather products in the market, fake and shoddy products have emerged one after another. Whether you are buying leather clothes, leather shoes or leather bags, the ability to identify genuine leather and imitation leather is particularly important. This article will combine hot topics and hot content in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed leather identification guide to help you easily identify real and fake leather.
1. Basic classification of leather

Leather is mainly divided into two categories: natural leather and artificial leather. Natural leather can be divided into top layer leather, second layer leather, etc., while artificial leather includes PU leather, PVC leather, etc. Here’s a comparison of common leather types:
| Type | Features | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| scalp skin | Soft texture, good breathability and durability | High-end leather clothes, leather shoes, leather bags |
| Split leather | Harder, slightly less breathable | Medium and low-end leather goods and shoe soles |
| PU leather | Smooth surface and low price | Imitation leather products and furniture |
| PVC leather | Harder and airtight | Low-end leather goods and decorative materials |
2. How to identify genuine leather and imitation leather
1.Observe texture
The texture of genuine leather is natural and irregular, and the texture of each piece of leather is unique. The texture of imitation leather is often too uniform and even has repeating patterns.
2.Touch feel
Genuine leather feels soft, delicate and elastic. Imitation leather is usually hard, feels astringent, and lacks the warmth of real leather.
3.smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive leather smell, while imitation leather may have a pungent smell of plastic or chemicals.
4.Burn test (use with caution)
When the dermis is burned, it will emit a smell similar to burning hair, and it will look ash after burning. When imitation leather burns, it emits black smoke and has the pungent smell of burning plastic.
5.drip test
Leather has good water absorption, and a drop of water on it will be gradually absorbed. Faux leather is impermeable and water droplets will stay on the surface.
3. Common counterfeiting methods in the market
According to recent hot topics, some unscrupulous merchants will use the following methods to pass off substandard products:
| Counterfeiting means | How to identify |
|---|---|
| embossed faux leather | A texture similar to real leather is produced by machine, but the texture is too regular. |
| coating mask | Applying paint to low-quality leather to hide the actual material |
| mixed materials | Some genuine leather is spliced with imitation leather, please check the seams carefully. |
4. Purchase suggestions
1.Choose formal channels
When purchasing leather products, try to choose brand stores or reputable e-commerce platforms, and avoid buying from small vendors or stores from unknown sources.
2.View labels and certificates
Genuine leather products usually come with a material description and quality inspection certificate, so check the information carefully.
3.price comparison
If the price is much lower than the market average, it is probably not genuine leather.
4.Trial experience
You can try it on or test it before buying to feel the comfort and breathability of the leather.
Conclusion
Identifying the authenticity of leather requires some experience and skills, but through the above methods, you can significantly reduce the risk of purchasing fake leather. I hope this article can help you feel more comfortable when purchasing leather products and avoid being deceived.
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