How to check the leather is genuine or fake

To check whether leather is genuine or fake (synthetic), you can use the following methods:

1. The Touch Test
   Genuine Leather: Feels soft, supple, and slightly textured. It may also have slight imperfections, as natural leather isn’t perfectly uniform.
   Fake Leather: Feels smoother, sometimes plasticky, and often lacks texture or has an overly uniform pattern.

2. The Smell Test
   Genuine Leather: Has a distinct, natural, earthy smell that’s hard to replicate artificially.
   Fake Leather: Often smells like plastic or chemicals due to its synthetic materials.
3. The Water Absorption Test
   Genuine Leather: Being porous, it absorbs a small amount of water when a drop is applied, darkening temporarily.
   Fake Leather: Water beads up and does not absorb since synthetic materials are not porous.
4. The Burn Test (Be cautious with this method!)
   Genuine Leather: Burns slowly and gives off a natural, hair-like smell when burned. It doesn’t melt.
   Fake Leather: Melts quickly, giving off a chemical or plastic-like smell.
   Note: Use this method on an inconspicuous area or sample piece.

5. The Edge Test
   Genuine Leather: The edges look rough and fibrous, as it is made from animal hide.
   Fake Leather: Edges appear smooth and plastic-like, often with a synthetic finish.
6. The Crease Test
   Genuine Leather: When bent, it develops natural wrinkles or creases that disappear when the leather is smoothed out.
   Fake Leather: May resist creasing, or the creases stay permanently.
7. Check the Pores and Pattern
   Genuine Leather: Has an inconsistent pore pattern, as it comes from natural hide.
   Fake Leather: Often has a uniform and repetitive pattern, as it is machine-made.
8. The Weight Test
   Genuine Leather: Tends to be heavier than synthetic leather due to its density and thickness.
   Fake Leather: Feels lighter and less substantial.
9. Label or Tag
   Look for tags or labels such as “Genuine Leather,” “Top Grain,” or “Full Grain.” Be wary of terms like “PU Leather” or “Bonded Leather,” as these are synthetic or mixed materials.
10. Price and Durability
    Genuine Leather: Is typically more expensive and lasts much longer.
    Fake Leather: Is cheaper but tends to peel or crack over time.
    Using these methods, you can confidently determine if a leather product is genuine or synthetic.