It can be difficult to tell the real thing from an imitation. So how do you know if a leather jacket is genuine? Here’s what to look for.
Look at the Leather
The first thing you want to do is look at the leather. Leather is a natural material, so it will have variations in color and texture. This can be from different parts of the hide or animal. If you see any inconsistencies in color or texture-such as lighter spots in otherwise dark leather-you may have a synthetic material instead of genuine leather. You’ll also want to check for natural defects like scars or blemishes that are indicative of real leather but not synthetics. And if you’re looking at suede, look out for different thicknesses.
Whereas some suede jackets might have thicker patches because they were cut from a thick section of cowhide, faux suede tends . If your jacket has one continuous layer throughout its entire surface area (as opposed to being patchwork), then chances are good that it’s genuine suede!
Look at the Leather
You can always tell a genuine leather jacket by smelling it. If the scent of leather is strong and distinct then you should know it is made from real leather and not just an imitation material. They have a distinct odor because leather jackets are made from animal skin.
It’s important to understand that there are two types of animal skin used in making leather jackets – goat (goatskin) and cow. Goat leather has a lighter weight than cowhide, but both materials are durable and sturdy enough to withstand regular wear throughout the years.
Feel the Leather
If a leather jacket feels thin, light, and flimsy, it’s probably fake. The thickness of the genuine article should give it a solid weight that feels substantial in your hands. This is one of those occasions where you can trust your instincts. If a jacket feels thin and delicate, chances are good that it isn’t real leather.
The next test involves touching the surface of the garment to assess its smoothness and flexibility. Genuine leather jackets feel soft under your fingertips. When you run them over any part of the surface. If they’re stiff or rough to touch then they’re likely not real leather either.
If none seem like viable matches for yours. Then this would support an assumption that what you have may be fake after all.
Check for Scars on the Hide
Real leather has scars. It’s a sign of quality and craftsmanship, and you can tell the difference between real and fake by looking at them. If the scars on your jacket are too clean, it’s probably not real leather. And if they’re too deep, then it’s also likely not genuine leather.
Like these-they indicate that your item of choice had carefully selected the hide for its quality (in this case, a jacket).
Check out the Stitching
There are a few things you can look for when examining the stitching of a leather jacket. First, look to see if the stitching is straight and even. Next, compare the width of each stitch to those around it to make sure they’re all uniform. Make sure that there aren’t any large gaps between stitches on any area of your garment. Finally, taking note of how close everything is to being perfect.
Hopefully, this gives you a better idea of how to tell if the leather is real or fake. Use the testing methods listed above. Or when all else fails, order your leather products from the leather experts here at AuraOutfits…