How to Spot Real Leather: A Guide by Tan-Lad

Leather products exude timeless elegance and charm, and investing in genuine leather can elevate your style for years to come. However, with the rise of synthetic options, spotting real leather can be a sophisticated skill. At Tan-Lad, we pride ourself on using only the finest genuine leather and we believe in guiding our customers to be able to recognize it too and make the best purchase decisions. Here’s a simple, friendly guide to help you recognize genuine leather, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

The Touch Test: Feel the Texture

 Genuine leather has a natural, unique and irregular texture that feels soft yet firm. When you touch it, you’ll feel slight imperfections and tiny variations. This is a clear sign of authenticity. Synthetic leather, on the other hand, often feels smooth and uniform—too perfect to be real. At Tan-Lad, we carefully source premium leather to offer that signature tactile experience in every product.

 

The Smell Test: Embrace the Earthy Aroma

One of the easiest ways to tell if leather is real is by its smell. Genuine leather has a distinct, earthy aroma due to its natural origin and tanning process. Fake leather often smells like chemicals or plastic. When you open a Tan-Lad bag, you’ll be greeted by that unmistakable natural leather scent that reflects our commitment to quality.

 

The Pores Test: Check for Natural Grain

 Genuine Leather is beautifully imperfect. Each piece of authentic leather its own set of natural marks, wrinkles and unique grain patterns. These small imperfections add to its character and charm and make it one-of-a-kind. Faux leather, however, often features a uniform and consistent pore pattern that looks too perfect and artificial. With Tan-Lad’s handcrafted leather products, you’ll notice beautiful natural variations that reflect the leather’s authenticity.

 

The Flexibility Test: Observe the Stretch and Flex

Real leather feels luxurious to the touch and is flexible and durable. When you bend it, it stretches slightly and creates tiny creases, but it returns to its original form. Synthetic leather on the other hand feels cold, stiff and unnaturally smooth and lacks this flexibility and often shows noticeable cracks or wrinkles when bent. Our bags at Tan-Lad are designed to age gracefully, adapting beautifully with time.

 

The Water Test: Real Leather Absorbs Moisture

Genuine leather is porous and will absorb a small drop of water within seconds, creating a dark patch that eventually dries. Artificial leather, being non-porous, will simply let the water sit on the surface. However, remember to test with caution, as water exposure can sometimes alter the appearance of leather.

 

The Fire Test: Caution Required!

For those who are willing to sacrifice a tiny piece of leather (such as a small, hidden corner), the burn test is highly effective. Real leather will char and smell like burnt hair when exposed to a flame, due to its organic origins. Faux leather, on the other hand, will melt and smell like burnt plastic. This test should be performed with caution.

 

Why It Matters to Spot Genuine Leather

Investing in genuine leather means investing in durability, elegance, and a product that will grow more beautiful over time. At Tan-Lad, we understand the importance of quality in our customers’ lives and aim to create pieces that reflect a blend of style, functionality, and longevity.

Whether you're in the market for a tote bag, laptop bag, or stylish accessory, knowing how to identify real leather empowers you to make informed decisions. Tan-Lad offers high-quality, stylish leather bags and accessories, handcrafted with care and designed with you in mind. We encourage all our customers to choose products that reflect authenticity and quality.

 

Looking for Premium Leather Accessories? Discover Tan-Lad

We prioritize our customers’ views and the quality of our products. Visit our store or explore our collection online, and let us help you find a stylish piece that perfectly complements your lifestyle.