Aside from gaining knowledge on how to properly recognise real leather from fake, it’s crucial to choose wisely where you buy from. A wonderful example of this is the Italian start-up company called Mirta that has created an e-commerce shop where customers from around the world can buy, with a simple click, authentic Italian leather goods handcrafted by the local artisans they work with.
Without further ado, here are the five ways you can differentiate genuine leather goods from fake ones.
1. Check the label
You can first identify real leather goods from synthetic leather ones by checking the label or tag. Most 'Made in Italy' products come with a label indicating what type of leather from which they are made. Real leather products have labels such as '100 % pure leather,' 'genuine leather,' and 'top grain leather.' Fake or synthetic leather has tags such as 'man-made material,' 'synthetic leather,' or 'flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC).'
2. Take a close look
Another simple but effective way to determine if 'Made in Italy' products are made of genuine leather is carefully examining. Since real leather is made from actual animal skin, it will have blemishes. If you realise the product is made of leather that seems perfect without imperfections, it might imply it is a fake. Synthetic leather has a smooth and regular texture you don't get with authentic leather.
3. Check the edges
Another way you can purchase authentic 'Made in Italy' leather products is to examine its edges. The edges of your product will give you hints on whether the leather is natural or synthetic. Natural leather has an irregular advantage that is tough. Synthetic leather has a perfect and smooth finish. It would have a plastic feel while those made of authentic leather have a rough feel.
4. Smell it
Another simple way to distinguish genuine leather from synthetic is by smelling it. 'Made in Italy' leather products with a natural and organic leather scent can help you identify authentic products. Fake products can smell like plastic, which is due to the chemicals used in manufacturing. Although you cannot purely rely on your sense of smell, you can use it with other tips to determine if it is genuine.
05. Examine the pores
The final tip on determining if a 'Made in Italy' leather product is genuine is studying the pores. Natural leather has irregular and inconsistent pores on its surface. If you realize that your belt, shoe, bag or any accessory has uneven pores, it would be a sign that it is genuine. Synthetic leather has regular pores that occur in a consistent pattern.
If you are not sure, you can make more inquiries by asking relevant questions such as the product's origin, and the type of leather used. Look out for sellers who insist their products are genuine without being able to prove it. Generally, if an item looks 'too perfect' it is rarely genuine leather.
If you are not sure, you can make more inquiries by asking relevant questions such as the product's origin, and the type of leather used. Look out for sellers who insist their products are genuine without being able to prove it. Generally, if an item looks 'too perfect' it is rarely genuine leather.
*Written in collaboration with Emily Jones
It's so important to check the label as well as use your eyes and smell it. Real leather has that distinctive smell
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