How to Tell Genuine Leather: Your Comprehensive Guide from Texture to Smell
When purchasing leather products, how to distinguish genuine leather from imitation leather is a question that many consumers are concerned about. Genuine leather is not only durable but develops a unique texture over time, while imitation leather may wear or crack after a period of use. This article will provide you with a systematic method to help you easily identify genuine leather.
1. Observe the texture

The texture of genuine leather is natural and irregular, and each piece of genuine leather has its own unique texture. The texture of imitation leather is often too uniform and lacks natural feeling.
| Features | genuine leather | imitation leather |
|---|---|---|
| texture | irregular, natural | Evenly and repeatedly |
| pores | Visible tiny pores | No pores or printed pores |
2. Touch feel
Genuine leather feels soft and elastic, and you will feel slightly moist when you touch it. Imitation leather is usually harder and feels more plasticky.
| Features | genuine leather | imitation leather |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Soft and elastic | Hard, plastic feel |
| temperature | Warm to the touch | cool to the touch |
3. Smell
Genuine leather has a unique leather smell, especially new leather, which has a stronger smell. Imitation leather usually has a chemical smell or is odorless.
| Features | genuine leather | imitation leather |
|---|---|---|
| smell | natural leather smell | Chemical or odorless |
4. Combustion test
When safe, genuine leather can be identified through a burn test. Genuine leather will smell like burning hair when burned, while imitation leather will melt and smell like plastic.
| Features | genuine leather | imitation leather |
|---|---|---|
| Combustion performance | Emitting black smoke and smell of hair | Melted, smells like plastic |
5. Price and brand
Genuine leather is usually more expensive, especially genuine leather products from well-known brands. If the price is too low, it may be imitation leather.
| Features | genuine leather | imitation leather |
|---|---|---|
| price | higher | lower |
6. Water absorption test
The dermis has a certain degree of water absorption. If a drop of water is placed on the surface, the dermis will gradually absorb the water. Imitation leather will not absorb water, and water droplets will stay on the surface.
| Features | genuine leather | imitation leather |
|---|---|---|
| water absorbency | absorb water | Does not absorb water |
Summary
Identifying genuine leather requires a combination of methods, including texture observation, touch, smell, burning test, price judgment and water absorption test. Through these methods, you can more accurately determine the authenticity of leather products and avoid purchasing inferior products.
Hopefully this article will help you make an informed choice when purchasing leather goods. If you have other ways to identify genuine leather, please share it in the comment area!
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