Real or counterfeit?

Sometimes even experts doubt that at first glance, some items may look like genuine leather, even though they are counterfeit.

Here are some simple ways to distinguish natural leather from synthetic products (so-called eco-leather):

in particular, it is advisable to touch the material and leave your hand for some time. If you feel the warmth after a while, then you are touching real skin. On the other hand, if the surface stays hard or you may notice sweat stains, you are definitely touching a synthetic product.

The leather can even be recognized by the smell, as the smell of the leather is undeniable. Try to check the smell of the product you are inspecting once you are used to the smell, it will be very easy to recognize and appreciate the typical natural leather smell.

Another simple trick is to keep a close eye on what you want to buy: minor flaws usually indicate that the product is natural. If the sofas you are looking at are too perfect because there are no streaks, small colors, stains, scars, or different shades on them; and they have a very ideal surface, a very uniform texture, then it is very likely that the furniture is made of counterfeit leather.

A useful tip is to look at the seams, through the holes of the needle you can look at the base of the material: if it is plastic, it will have a fabric base, which you can possibley see.

It should always be remembered that the properties of wear and durability will be more favorable for natural skin than for plastic imitations, even the real properties of natural leather reveal itself after using it; shine, tenderness, softness, pleasing to the eye “falling” appears. Instead, after using them, if they are made cheaply, synthetic products permanently lose their original properties and must be practically discarded when the film that covers them breaks and peels off. 

In any case, if you are planning to buy a new leather sofa, a fashionable pair of shoes or a handbag, rely on common sense and the little tricks we have offered, and remember that if the prices are low or medium, and the seller declares the product is made of leather, then there is the biggest need for accurate verification. 

Furthermore, after using them, if they are made cheaply, synthetic products permanently lose their original properties and must be practically discarded when the film that covers them breaks and peels off.