How to distinguish skin from leatherette

Modern manufacturers have learned to make artificial leather, exactly similar to natural analogues. All would be well if the seller admitted during the sale and told the buyer about all the properties of the goods.

It often happens that on the shelves there is a product made of artificial material, but sold, as if from natural raw materials. There are many ways not to be deceived, and to be able to distinguish the original from a fake. The most effective and reliable methods are highlighted in this article.

Why distinguish skin from substitute?

Leatherette and genuine leather differ in properties and quality. Such characteristics directly affect their cost. A leather product is more expensive and has several advantages that affect its cost and durability:

  • Attractive appearance of the product.
  • The material does not tear and does not give in to pollution.
  • Unpretentiousness in leaving. It is enough to wipe things with a clean soft cloth with a solution of soap, water and ammonia.
  • Frost resistance.

The substitute is cheaper, but she needs additional care. Leatherette products must be cleaned and treated with water repellents (especially shoes). They are not recommended to be worn in rain and cold. Under the influence of precipitation and low temperature, artificial material quickly fails.

External differences

There are many ways to distinguish a substitute from genuine leather. Differences can be found visually and experimentally. Of course, no seller will allow to set fire and incise material in the store, but any person has the right to inspect the purchased goods.

Quality stitches and interior seams

Inspection is best to start from the wrong side. To do this, find the sewn sample of the material from which the thing is made. If a piece is not found, you should look inside the shoes, bags, jackets and find a stitched seam.

Features of genuine leather:

  • threads, textile lining or warp must not protrude from the joint of the parts of the product;
  • natural material does not exfoliate;
  • the inner side is rough to the touch, has traces of incompleteness.

Reference! Natural items are more expensive because parts are harder to stitch. They are thicker and denser than artificial material.

Material Thickness and Edge

Artificial leather is thinner than its natural counterpart. Artificial material is usually thinner. It has a smooth and even edge.

The naturalness of the material is confirmed by its rough edge.

Elasticity and color when pressed or bent

A fake is usually given out by its creases when bent and a smooth standard shade. At the bend, the substitute usually changes color.

Natural material quickly takes shape after deformation. It has a unique pattern, small porosity.

Relief and pores of the material

Take a closer look at the texture of the product. If you do not see the pores or notice their identical and symmetrical arrangement, then you have a leatherette. Natural material has arbitrary porosity and small wrinkles on the surface.

Wrong side (fibers or fabric)

Leatherette has a textile or knitted base. It can be smooth and well-crafted. Natural has a fibrous inner surface.

What to do in the store to distinguish products?

There are certain methods that are commonly used in stores and markets. If the leatherette was not recognized by the above methods, but doubts remained, you can try to make the following manipulations:

  • Warm by hand and check heat dissipation. Put your hand near the material. If she quickly feels warmth and does not moisturize, it means that you have real skin. The leatherette heats and moisturizes for a long time, that is, it does not allow heat to pass through.
  • Pay attention to the smell. If the manufacturer does not care and does not aromatize the artificial skin, it can be emitted by a pungent smell of the chemicals that process the product. Natural material has its own specific pleasant smell.
  • Examine the label (form, inscription), check the presence and shape of the tag. On things that are manufactured at the factory, manufacturers usually label the material with a label with a special badge or inscription. It is customary to designate the skin on a small piece of the product marked: "genuine leather", natural leather, etc. Leatherette is usually indicated by a diamond-shaped icon or the words “Skin”.

Important! A leather substitute is any product that has undergone chemical treatment. That is, even if the skin of the animal was treated with chemical solvents, it can not be considered natural.

Differences not applicable in the store

If after a visual inspection there are doubts, you can test the product with water and flame. Such experiments with the skin are unlikely to allow you to make in the store. The experiments with heating and water are most often carried out at home.

Water reaction

If a little water is dripped onto natural skin and it is gradually absorbed, then this is not a fake. Water from leatherette drains and leaves a dry surface and a white mark after itself. Even if you completely wet the leatherette - only its lining absorbs water. From the outside, the water drains without ever getting inside.

Wet items made of genuine leather can be ironed with a warm iron without steam through gauze. In this way, small creases are removed from the skin.

Reference! Genuine leather must not be dried on a battery or a hot iron. After drying, it will change its size to a smaller side and lose its appearance.

Experience with fire

If you take a small sample of the skin and bring it to the flame, the result will immediately allow you to recognize a fake from a natural product. The leatherette immediately melts, and the skin gradually begins to deform, dry out and emit the smell of burnt hair.

Conclusion Safe place increases purchase guarantees

In order not to be deceived, you should buy natural things from trusted sellers who can provide a certificate of quality and a guarantee for the purchased goods.

The document confirming the quality must indicate the material from which the product is made. The certificate must bear the seal and signature of the representative of the certification body.