When shopping for leather products — like wallets, belts, jackets, or bags — it’s easy to get confused. There are so many types of leather on the market. There are even more synthetic options that look real. How can you tell if what you’re buying is genuine leather?
This guide will walk you through simple ways to check if a product is made of real leather. You don’t need fancy tools or deep industry knowledge.
1. Look at the Surface Texture
Genuine leather has an irregular texture. You see small wrinkles, pores, or slight imperfections. These natural details vary from piece to piece because real leather comes from animal hide.
What to look for:
- Uneven grain or pattern
- Slight scars, wrinkles, or pores
- No two pieces are exactly the same
Fake leather (like PU or bonded leather) often has a repeating pattern that looks too perfect or smooth. It’s made in factories using molds, so it lacks the natural variation of genuine leather.
2. Check the Back Side
If you can see the back side of the leather, it should feel fibrous. Check places like the inside of a belt or bag flap. It should also feel rough — like suede. This is because it’s the underside of the hide.
Fake leather usually has a smooth fabric backing or a plastic feel on the reverse side.
3. Smell It
Real leather has a unique, natural smell — warm, earthy, and organic. Once you’ve smelled it, you’ll recognize it easily.
Fake leather often smells like chemicals or plastic, especially when it’s brand new.
4. Touch and Feel
Genuine leather feels soft but firm. It has a slightly uneven surface, and when you press into it, it can show small wrinkles or stretch marks.
Fake leather feels more rubbery or plastic-like. It feel cold to the touch or too smooth.
5. Check the Edges
The edges of real leather are usually rough and uneven, because it’s made from layers of hide. Over time, these edges darken slightly or show signs of wear.
Fake leather often has clean, plastic-like edges — usually sealed with paint or glue. They won’t change much over time.
6. Water Test (Small Amount!)
This test should be done carefully and only if you’re allowed to test the item (like on your own product).
Place a small drop of water on the leather surface. Real leather absorbs moisture slowly. The drop will sink in a little and darken the leather temporarily.
Fake leather usually causes the drop to stay on the surface, because it’s coated and doesn’t absorb water.
7. Look at the Label (But Be Skeptical)
Sometimes, products are labeled “Genuine Leather,” “Real Leather,” or “100% Leather.” These terms can be helpful — but also misleading. For example:
- “Genuine Leather” is real, but it’s a lower grade
- “Bonded Leather” is made from leather scraps and glue
- “PU Leather” or “Vegan Leather” are not real leather
Always use the look, feel, and smell tests — not just the label — to confirm quality.
8. Check the Price (Within Reason)
Real leather, especially full-grain or top-grain, tends to cost more. If a leather product is very cheap but claims to be genuine, it is bonded leather or synthetic.
That said, high price alone doesn’t prove authenticity, so it’s just one factor to consider.
Bonus Tip: Ask the Seller
If you’re unsure, ask questions:
- What leather is this?
- Is it full-grain, top-grain, or bonded?
- Where is the leather sourced from?
At Meilleur Cuir, we believe in transparency. We clearly label what leather is used in each product. This ensures our customers know exactly what they’re getting.
Final Thoughts
Knowing if leather is genuine helps you make better choices. This is useful whether you’re buying a wallet for yourself or a gift for someone else. Real leather lasts longer, feels better, and often looks better over time.
Use your eyes, hands, and nose — they’ll tell you a lot more than a price tag or label can.
If you ever have questions about the leather in our products, we’re happy to help.
