How Can You Tell If A Bag Is Real Leather?
Introduction
Leather bags have always been a fashion statement and a symbol of luxury. It is important to know how to identify a genuine leather bag from imitation leather bags that are inexpensive and easily accessible. In this article, we will guide you on some simple tips to determine if a bag is real leather or not.
What is leather?
Leather is a durable and flexible material made from animal hide. It is created through a tanning process and can be made from various animals such as cows, sheep, goats, and others. The tanning process can take several months, and it involves treating the hides with chemicals and oils to make them soft, durable, and resistant to water and heat.
The look and feel of leather
One of the easiest ways to determine if a bag is real leather is by its look and feel. Genuine leather bags have a natural texture, which is soft, smooth, and supple to the touch. They also have visible pores and can sometimes have small scars. Leather bags have a distinctive smell, which is a combination of tanning chemicals and the natural scent of the animal hide.
However, this may not always be a reliable method as some synthetic leathers are made to resemble the natural texture and smell of leather.
The edge of the bag
Another way to determine if a bag is real leather is by examining its edges. Genuine leather bags have unfinished edges, which will have a rough and fibrous appearance. The edges of synthetic leather bags are usually coated with a layer of plastic or paint, which will have a smooth and uniform appearance.
Burn test
Another method to determine if a bag is real leather or not is to perform a burn test. Cut off a small strip from an inner seam or edge of the bag and ignite it with a lighter. Genuine leather will curl and form a dark ash while synthetic leather will melt and form a hard ball.
Water test
The water test is another method to determine if a bag is real leather or not. Put a small drop of water on the surface of the bag, and wait for a few seconds. If the water droplet is absorbed, the bag is likely to be genuine leather as leather is porous and absorbs water. If the water droplet rolls off the surface, the bag is likely to be synthetic leather as it is non-porous and repels water.
Scratch test
A scratch test is performed by scratching the surface of the bag lightly with a fingernail or the edge of a coin. Genuine leather will scratch and leave a mark as its surface is not perfectly smooth. Synthetic leather will also scratch, but the scratch will not leave a visible mark as its surface is uniform.
Price
The price of the bag can also be an indicator of its authenticity. Genuine leather bags are expensive as they are made from high-quality materials, and the tanning process is costly. If the price of the bag is too good to be true, then it probably is.
Conclusion
Identifying genuine leather bags from synthetic leather bags requires some knowledge and experience. The tips above can help you to determine if a bag is real leather or not, but it is always best to purchase from a reputable vendor or brand that guarantees the authenticity of their products. With the right care and maintenance, a genuine leather bag can last for years and even become an heirloom.