Modern technologies allow for the creation of high-quality synthetic leather that even a professional may not always be able to distinguish from natural leather. However, no matter how good it is, it is still synthetic. How can one recognize a product made of synthetic leather that is passed off as a natural material? In a finished product, it is often difficult to tell leather from synthetic leather. Synthetic leather can look like leather, have a similar pattern, and feel like natural material. The responsibility for this should lie with the seller and the manufacturer, but unfortunately, the punishment for counterfeiting is minimal, so people have to come up with ways to distinguish leather from its substitute. Material Name In the store, when trying on, it is not so easy to distinguish leather from synthetic leather. Time is limited, and no one will allow you to conduct experiments that could affect the appearance and quality of the product. Therefore, experts advise paying attention to the name of the material of the product. Note: an exception is made for split leather. Such leather does exist; split leather is the second, thinner layer of thick leather. It is often used to make suede products. Price – A product made of natural leather cannot be cheap, as the labor intensity of its production is always higher, – notes the expert. – Inexpensive leather items may be found on sales, but even there they cost more than products made of substitutes. Tag – Many manufacturers that produce leather goods attach a small sample of leather, which makes it easy to determine that it is a natural material. Synthetic leather is a fabric coated with a polymer, and this is noticeable. Folk Methods Thermal Conductivity If you hold leather in your hands for a while, it will become warm. Natural material absorbs heat well, while synthetic will remain cold. Smell Leather has its unique smell. Synthetic materials, especially cheap and low-quality ones, can have a strong and unpleasant chemical odor. Sometimes this smell does not dissipate. Weight A leather product will always weigh more than a substitute. However, if a synthetic leather bag has a lot of hardware, it may not be too light. Creases A product made of natural leather, if rolled or deformed, quickly returns to its original shape. Creases on synthetic products may remain for a long time.
