9 Ways To Identify A Genuine Leather Jacket | How To Tell If Leather Is Real

Introduction:

To begin with, identification of 9 Ways To Identify A Genuine Leather Jacket | How To Tell If Leather Is Real. The decision to buy a leather jacket is an investment, not just a fashion. If you know how to identify genuine leather, chances are high you will get an original leather jacket. It’s needless to say that a genuine leather jacket lasts for years to come, always feels great, and gives you comfort and style without trying too hard. With so many fake jackets, and scams out there, it can be tough to know if you are getting the real leather jacket. In this detailed blog, we will explore 9 ways to identify genuine leather so you can buy it with confidence. 

Why It’s Important to Know the Difference

Knowing the difference between a genuine leather and a fake one is significant. First thing is, real leather costs more than a fake leather. The reason is super simple. Original leather comes from animal hide, and goes through a particular detailed tanning process. It is hard, stronger, more breathable, lasts for years, and ages beautifully. On the other hand, fake leather, also faux leather, or PU leather is made from plastic materials. It may look similar to original and genuine leather, but one thing is sure. It does not last as long as genuine leather. Also, it has no feeling of genuine leather. 

If you know the difference, you can make a smart call, and save yourself from wasting your money on fake leather jackets. 

1. Smell the Leather

When shopping for genuine leather jackets for women, always check for a natural, uneven grain pattern. It’s a strong sign that the leather is real. You know one of the easiest ways to check if the leather is genuine? Smell. Yes, you read it right. You need to know that genuine leather smells rich, earthy scent. It has a bit of a musky and organic smell. On the other hand, fake leather smells like plastic or chemicals. When you are in the store for a leather jacket, do one thing: bring the jacket close to your nose. If it has that rich, natural scent, chances are very high that it’s a genuine leather. Blue leather blazers should have raw, uneven edges if they’re real.

2. Check the Texture

Another point: check the texture of leather. Just keep in mind that real leather has a grainy, uneven texture. The fact is no two pieces of real leather look exactly alike. If you look closely, you’ll see tiny pores, wrinkles, or creases. These differences are a sign of authenticity, and telling you that you make a call for this jacket

While on the other hand, fake leather apparently looks too smooth or perfect. It might have a printed grain pattern that looks the same all over. If the surface of a leather looks too uniform, it’s probably synthetic. A black leather jacket should have a slightly matte finish and a heavy feel.

3. Feel the Surface

Touching is another important sign. You need to remember one thing: real leather feels soft, warm, and flexible. It has a slightly rough texture in some areas, and it should feel natural under your fingers.

When you have a fake leather in your hand, it feels cold and plastic-like. It might be stiff or overly smooth. When you press your finger into real leather, it should give slightly and then return to its shape. Fake leather often stays flat or wrinkles in a strange way. Blue leather blazers are trendy.

4. Look at the Edges

This is another important sign. The edges of a leather jacket can tell you a lot. Real leather has rough, uneven edges.you know why? Because it’s made from a natural material, after a tanning process. You might see fibers or layers at the cut.

Fake leather has clean, smooth edges. Since it’s made from plastic and fabric. There are cuts that are often too perfect. Look at the seams and the edges of the cuffs and collar to check for signs of authenticity.

5. Do the Water Test

This one is my favorite. Here’s the truth: real leather absorbs water. Want to check if the leather is real? Just drop a small amount of water on the surface. It should soak in slowly and darken the leather. If this happens, this shows that the material is breathable.

Fake leather doesn’t absorb water. In this regard, the question is: Why? Because fake leathers are made of synthetic. And synthetic materials are not porous like genuine leather. So, the water drop will stay on the surface. Genuine leather jackets for women feel soft and slightly textured.

Pro Tip:

Be careful while testing the leather with water. Only use a tiny drop and wipe it off quickly.

6. Examine the Label

Point 6 also plays a significant role in identification of genuine leather. That’s all about labels.

The leather jacket tag tells a lot about the quality.

Always check the label on the jacket. Genuine leather items usually say things like “Full-Grain Leather,” “Top-Grain Leather,” or simply “Real Leather.” if the jackets have labels, read it. 

Fake leather might be labeled as “PU Leather,” “Vegan Leather,” or “Synthetic Material.” Some manufacturers try to make fake leather sound better by using tricky words, so always read carefully. A leather coat made of real leather has natural grain and weight.

Pro Tip:

Check the leather jacket tag for labels like ‘100% genuine leather. You can’t rely just on labels. 

7. Observe the Back Side

There are so many signs of genuine leather. One of them is if you can access the inside of the jacket or a hidden area, check the back of the leather. original leather usually has a rough, suede-like backside.

While on the other hand, fake leather often has a fabric or plastic backing. It may look shiny, smooth, or overly finished. If you can find an edge where the inside is visible, it might help you tell if it’s genuine. Vintage leather flight jackets often show natural aging and creases.

8. Check the Price

You need to remember one thing: price is an important factor, and can be a big sign, yet only price can not guarantee the quality of leather. Real leather jackets are expensive. Why?  because the material and craftsmanship are high quality.

If the jacket seems very cheap, it’s probably not real leather. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. A genuine leather jacket is an investment, and the price usually reflects that. A black genuine leather jacket feels heavy and smells earthy. I hope it helps you while purchasing the leather jacket.

9. Ask the Seller Questions

Asking questions is a trick! It’s understood that a knowledgeable seller should be able to tell you what kind of leather it is, where it came from, and how it was made.

So, don’t be afraid to ask related questions.  

Ask questions like:

• Is this full-grain or top-grain leather?
• Where was this jacket made?
• How should I take care of it?

If the seller gives vague answers or doesn’t know, that’s a red flag. You can move ahead! Got the point?

What Is Full-Grain vs. Top-Grain Leather?

Partially, this point is already discussed. While purchasing the Leather Biker jacket, check its labels. You may see terms like “full-grain” or “top-grain” when shopping. These are types of genuine leather:

Full-Grain Leather is the highest quality. It uses the top layer of the hide and hasn’t been sanded or corrected. Full-Grain leather is the most durable and develops a beautiful patina over time.

Top-Grain Leather is another high quality. However, it has been sanded to remove imperfections. It’s slightly more flexible and has a smoother finish.

Both types are real leather, but full-grain is considered the most premium.

Common Myths About Leather

There are many myths about leather, so let’s clear up a few:

Myth: All leather is waterproof.

Truth: Leather is water-resistant but not waterproof. It can be damaged by too much moisture.

Myth: Fake leather lasts just as long as real leather.

Truth: Real leather lasts longer, especially if you take care of it properly.

Myth: You can’t tell the difference between real and fake leather.

Truth: With a little practice, you can easily spot the signs.

The smell and texture of a vintage leather flight jacket are often dead giveaways of genuine material.

Taking Care of Your Leather Jacket

You identified and got a genuine leather jacket. Cool! Once you buy a real leather jacket, taking care of it is key. Always store it in a cool, dry place. Want to keep it soft, and prevent it from drying out? Use a leather conditioner every few months. Avoid too much water. Never ever  use harsh chemicals to clean it.

A well-cared-for leather jacket can last for decades and even look better with age

Final Thoughts

In the light of the above discussion, it is stated that identification of a genuine leather is fun. No doubt, buying a leather jacket is exciting, but it can also be tricky with so many fake options out there. By using your senses like touch, smell, and sight, and following the steps in this guide, you’ll be capable enough to tell the difference between real and fake leather.

With the right knowledge, and experience, you’ll be able to make a smart choice and enjoy a stylish, quality leather coat years to come.