How to Recognize 100% Genuine Leather!

There's a huge difference between genuine and imitation leather. Imitation leather can fool the eye, but not the other senses! Can you recognize genuine leather at a glance?

Three secrets (plus one) to discover if it is genuine leather

Today I'll teach you a few surefire ways to distinguish genuine leather from imitations, so you'll always be protected from rip-offs by dishonest retailers! Before going into detail, however, keep in mind that when we say genuine leather we're referring to vegetable-tanned leather and eco leather, both of animal origin and tanned using environmentally-friendly processes.

Well, now you're ready to learn all the tricks needed to recognize quality products.

As I mentioned earlier, the human eye can be easily deceived: if made well, imitation leather can seem very similar to genuine leather.
But the quality of genuine leather is unparalleled, and you'll immediately notice the difference when you feel it.

What's more, genuine leather has greater tensile strength and better resistance to fire.
Let's see its characteristics in detail:

1. The smell of leather

It's useless to try to fool the sense of smell: the smell of genuine leather is distinctive and unmistakable. Imitation leather, on the other hand, does not smell of anything or it has a faint odor of plastic... well, it is truly impossible to confuse them.

2. Genuine leather has a "flesh" side

This is the name of one of the two sides of leather, to distinguish it from the "grain" side on which the natural characteristics and patterns of the leather are visible.

On Il Bussetto products, the flesh side is less visible and usually on the inside. This is an extremely easy way to recognize genuine leather: in 70% of the cases, in fact, imitation leather has no flesh side and one often finds a mesh fabric in its place.

To make no mistake, don't forget to check the quality of the product with your fingers. The flesh side of genuine leather can be recognized because it is similar to suede and free of fabric filaments.

3. Leather is uneven

Genuine leather is of animal origin, which means each piece is unique. Since genuine leather is produced with the hide of animals raised and slaughtered for food, it often has uneven areas in terms of:

• Color
• Porosity
• Small natural flaws

The last secret for recognizing genuine leather

The real test is time. Genuine leather lasts for years: it changes in appearance but never wears out. This coin pouch is the perfect example

On the other hand, imitation leather easily wears out, tears, stretches out of shape and becomes increasingly fragile. Have you ever had trouble distinguishing between genuine and imitation leather and have not been sure of your purchase?

From now on, try to follow my advice and if you have other suggestions, please feel free to write us: they will certainly be useful for others sharing your same doubts!