Actually I am very glad that people can buy Armani even if it’s a fake. I like the fact that I’m so popular around the world. – Giorgio Armani
As they say, inspiring emulation is the sincerest form of admiration. Thi
s saying fits true for leather products, which are always known for being premium and expensive. And consequently, the birth of faux leather took place. However, fake leather, or faux leather, is a material that resembles ditto to real leather, although it’s created from a synthetic framework.
The birth of faux leather took place as it is much cheaper than real leather. Anyhow, the quality of the faux leather is lower than the original one. Now, in a market, we can find lots and lots of real and faux leather products, but the fact is many of us can’t really judge which one is real and the right choice. So, to enjoy a pleasurable shopping experience, you should know the difference between real leather and faux leather. It is, therefore, necessary to know and understand the pros and cons between the two and simple tips and tricks that can help you save lots of money.
Tricks to Spot Difference Between Real Leather And Faux Leather
Let’s check out simple tests to spot the difference between genuine leather and faux leather:
- Compare Smell of Both
Faux leather is available in variety of forms getting industrially treated with dye, wax and number of other chemicals to develop variable texture and color. However, it’s a factory-made product, this is why the fabric contains an ordered tone throughout its design.
Usually, real furs have an exact characteristic odor. This odor is different depending on the leather, like: belts, leather jackets, shoes, or small leather goods. Remember, stronger will go smoother. The leatherette have a characteristic smell of plastic
- Take a Close Look at the Backside of Them
The right is genuine leather and the left is artificial leather. If you examine each of the inner part, faux leather has a fabric treatment, and real leather is rough like a tax (suede).
Leather coating technology has been gone through big advancement progress and that made it difficult to compare one leather to another. But once you look at the inner or lower part closely, you will see a rough surface tax (suede). However, artificial leather generally comes with seams poking out because it’s treated with thin fabric or gauze.
- Use the sense of Touch
When it comes to touch and pick the real leather, use this in-person trick that is to touch and feel the difference. Genuine leather and faux leather feel very different from each other, the former exhibits a change in color when pulled or stretched or feels more flexible. If it feels like plastic, there is a good chance that this is exactly what it is.
- Let it Get Fired or Face Heat
When bought closer to the heat, the real leather item will never change its shape. Chances are: there might be slight shrinkage when it will get cooled, but it will regain the natural shape soon. Whereas, the fake leather products will contort easily. They can even burn, if brought extremely closer to the fire source. Therefore, don’t forget to take precautions before carrying out this test.
- Do Detailed Pores/Surface Test
While searching for real leather, pores tell a lot about the authenticity of it. Manufactured products like synthetic leather have pores that are uniformly placed. Even the boundary of products made with a faux leather is coherent. Whereas, pure leather edges are rough and it has inconsistent pores.
- Judge Them with Weight and Flexibility
The easiest way to judge the realness of leather is to check its flexibility. The trick to check is: while folding genuine leather, you will be able to fold it gently in a half. And due to its firmness on its curves, it will not wrinkled easily due to the firmness. On the other hand, fake leather does not have any elasticity or smooth curving.
And when it comes to picking the real leather jackets, they are particularly easy to tell. Authentic leather is heavy, whereas, faux leather is light. Lambskin is notably lighter than cow leather, but still faux leather is even lighter than both.
- Droplet of Water On Both the Leathers
To spot a rip-off, you can rely on testing the water resistance, it’s also a dynamic way to take help while you are in search of real leather. Genuine leather bags typically absorb little water when wet, whereas the products made from fake leather have a tendency to pool water on their surface.
Pros and Cons of Real Leather and Faux Leather
Faux Leather: This has the look and feel that is particularly similar to real leather and costs much lesser than real ones. Artificial leather products are lighter and can be dyed into any color. It is also very easy to clean, but do not last long. Usually, the life span of Faux Leather product is one third of genuine leather items.
Real Leather: There is nothing like the feel, touch, class, and smell genuine Leather. The leather also becomes more attractive and softer with time. These products are bit expensive, especially when they are hand-made. However, they last a lifetime while staying attractive, they are very durable.
Final Verdict
We do agree that low price tag of faux leather may be more enticing, but it must be essential to consider the long-term value and classiness of your purchase. While many faux leathers are attractive, but their laminated surface often cracks and with time they losses all the sharpness and beauty. Whereas, Genuine leather has been known to last for 10 to 20 years or longer and they look exactly the same and more comfy to use years after years. Pick the one that is worth your money and let your style speaks louder!