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How to Identify Genuine Leather: 7 Signs to Spot the Real Deal

By James Aston

Leather is more than just a material, it's a mark of quality, legacy, and luxury. But in a market flooded with synthetic alternatives and deceptive tags, how do you really identify genuine leather from the fakes? At James Aston, we believe that knowledge empowers better choices. So here's a guide with 7 expert-approved signs to help you spot real leather vs fake every time.

1. The Touch Test

Real leather feels soft, grainy, and flexible. Unlike synthetic versions, it has slight imperfections that make every piece unique. If it's too smooth, plastic-like, or stiff, it’s probably fake.

2. Check the Pores

Genuine leather has irregular pores and natural patterns. Fake leather often looks too uniform, with printed textures that repeat.

3. The Smell Test

Nothing smells quite like real leather. It carries a distinct, earthy aroma that synthetic leather fails to imitate. If it smells like chemicals or plastic, steer clear.

4. The Water Test

Put a drop of water on the surface. Real leather absorbs moisture, darkening slightly. Faux leather will repel the water, leaving it on the surface.

5. Look at the Edges

The edges of genuine leather products like wallets or belts will be rough and fibrous. In contrast, fake leather usually has clean-cut, shiny edges due to plastic coating.

6. Do the Bend Test

Bend the leather slightly. Real leather wrinkles and changes color slightly, showing how it reacts to tension. Fake leather won’t respond the same way.

7. Burn It (Only If You Must)

Burning real leather gives off a natural smell and chars slowly. Faux leather melts, smells like burnt plastic, and leaves a sticky residue.

Why This Matters

At James Aston, every wallet, belt, and bag is crafted with 100% genuine leather, ethically sourced and tested for quality. When you shop from us, you're not just buying a product, you're investing in authenticity.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're shopping online or in-store, these signs will help you separate the real from the imitation. If you’re looking to identify genuine leather that lasts a lifetime, explore James Aston’s handcrafted range today.

Browse Our Collection ➝ www.jamesaston.in

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About Vegetable Tanned Leather

Vegetable tanned leather is produced using natural ingredients, most commonly plant and vegetable matters, tree bark, leaves, fruits and similar products. This is the most environmentally responsible and friendly process of tanning leather and is also less harmful to the leather itself, allowing skins to maintain their tight fibre structure, thus resulting in better wear overtime. Vegetable tanned leathers will burnish resulting in a desirable patina appearance that continues to evolve over the time. All JAMES ASTON premium products are made from vegetable tanned leathers produced by finest of the tanneries from Italy and U.K.

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About Full Grain

Full grain leather is supposed to be the finest of all leathers. Only the very best quality hides are reserved for this category of leather. Simply put, full grain leather is the real deal, the best you can get. Full grain refers to the full unadulterated hide in its natural form. Richness, depth and character is only possible with full grain leather. With full grain leather, you can see the leather surface in it's natural state with imperfection and Blemishes. Full grain leather also allows the natural marbling, texture and variety of color in the hide to come through fully. JAMES ASTON is committed and only use vegetable tanned full grain leathers for all of their premium products.

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