A bag is an essential accessory for a modern woman. It is the final component of the image. The accessory must correspond to the latest trends of the season, be stylish, comfortable, beautiful, and most importantly of high quality.
Today it is difficult to distinguish genuine leather from leatherette (for example, eco-leather or dermantine). All this happens because modern technologies for the production of artificial materials have reached incredible heights. Manufacturers resort to tricks and deception to sell low-quality products at high prices.
How do you know that you are holding a genuine leather bag in your hands and not a fake? You will learn more about this further.
The main differences between a leather bag and leatherette
Let's talk about the main differences between natural products and leatherette products. The more expensive the material, the better quality it is. If you are still following this rule, then stop doing so starting today.
Price is not an indicator. Sometimes something made from eco-leather can cost more than something made from natural material.
Attention! A small piece of leather attached to the bag indicates that this is an item made of quality material. This is the main difference between a leather bag and an eco-leather bag.
Simple ways to identify natural material
Have you decided to purchase a quality bag, but don’t know what properties it should have? Don't worry. Below we have listed simple ways to determine a quality product. Well, shall we get started?
Product appearance
Texture is the first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing a bag. The leather bag has a soft, uniform texture, and after mechanical stress it quickly restores its previous shape. Folds remain at the bending points of a leatherette product, while natural material does not change its color.
When purchasing, pay attention to the edges of the material. If all the cuts are hidden, then this is one of the indications that this is a quality bag. If the sections are still open, then they are dense and uniform. The reverse surface of genuine leather resembles suede. Eco-leather bags usually have a textile back surface.
Aroma of the material
This is a very simple way to identify a quality bag. We all know what leather smells like; it is difficult to confuse this smell with any other. Bags made from artificial materials have the smell of plastic, glue or even oilcloth. But don't think that everything is so easy. In fact, many manufacturers add fragrances to items that replace the chemical smell with the smell of natural leather.
Touch test
Take the bag in your hands and try to feel it. Run your hand over the surface. If the surface is perfectly smooth, then you are holding an artificial leather product in your hands.Genuine leather has slight irregularities. Don't be afraid to drag your fingernail across the skin. Artificial leather will remain unchanged, but natural leather will deform and slowly regain its shape.
Also, do not forget that artificial leather is lighter than natural leather.
Thermal conductivity test
Place your hand on the bag. If after a minute the surface heats up, then the product is made of genuine leather. If you do the same trick with artificial material, it will remain cold.
This is not a complete list of ways that will help distinguish an original from a fake.
How to distinguish using mechanical techniques
Changes due to water
It is not always possible to use this method, but if it does exist, then do not miss it. Wet the surface with water and wait 15-20 seconds. Genuine leather will absorb liquid and darken, and drops of water will roll off artificial leather. Please note that if you are caught in the rain, the natural leather will get wet and will have spots or streaks.
Test by fire
To purchase a high-quality bag, representatives of the fair sex go to any lengths. Fire helps them distinguish a natural bag from an artificial one.
When interacting with fire, the artificial material will begin to melt, and a fire may also occur. Genuine leather will simply tighten a little, and you will also notice a slight smell of burnt leather. Of course, we understand that it will not be possible to conduct such an experiment in a shopping center, but every female representative needs to know about this method.
Bending the material for creases
This method is much simpler and more practical than the previous one. How to check the material for creases? Everything is very simple. Bend the bag for a few seconds, release and wait half a minute.
If there are no creases left, then you can go to the checkout to pay for the goods - you have a quality item in your hands. If there are creases, then continue your search for a quality accessory.
How not to make a mistake when buying a leather bag and not get a fake
Probably every woman has fallen for a fake at least once. You need to have good practice behind you to recognize at first glance where the leather is genuine and where it is artificial.
You can try all of the above methods to identify a genuine leather product, but this cannot guarantee a quality purchase.
Modern technologies make it possible to create fakes that even the most inveterate connoisseurs of quality products cannot always expose. Using the above tips, you can only protect yourself from obvious fakes.
Important! If you want to buy a bag made of genuine leather, then it is better to trust trusted sellers or brands that have already earned the respect of customers.
Conclusion
For every woman, a bag made of genuine leather will be a wonderful accessory that will ideally complement any look. When purchasing a product, be careful not to fall for the manufacturers' tricks.
Try in every possible way to check the quality of the item you like. Choose quality bags and be the most stylish. Enjoy the shopping!