The Australian leather industry is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, with a history dating back to the early 19th century. The sector primarily produces high-quality leather products like shoes, bags, belts, and jackets. By 2023, the revenue generated by the Luxury Leather Goods segment is anticipated to reach AU$3.53 billion, with an estimated annual growth rate of 3.99% (CAGR 2023-2028). However, with the rising demand for leather handbags in australia, counterfeit products are also rising. It is becoming increasingly more work to differentiate between genuine and fake leather products. Here are some ways to check if a leather product is genuine.
Check the Label
The label of a leather product is a critical aspect to check when determining its authenticity. Most genuine products will have a label indicating the leather type used. Some common types of genuine leather include full-grain, top-grain, corrected-grain, and suede when buying leather handbags in australia. If the label does not specify the type of leather used, it might be a sign that the product is not genuine. Furthermore, if the label says “bonded leather” or “genuine leather,” it could indicate that the product is fake. Bonded leather is made by grinding and connecting leather scraps with a glue-like substance.
Look for Imperfections
Please note that genuine leather is a natural material and may contain some imperfections. These imperfections are a sign that the leather is genuine and not synthetic. Some imperfections you might notice include scars, insect bites, wrinkles, and stretch marks. Additionally, genuine leather will have a unique pattern that cannot be replicated in synthetic products. It is essential to note that the presence of imperfections does not necessarily mean that the leather is of high quality.
Smell the Product
Another way to check the authenticity of products is to smell them. Authentic leather has a unique scent that cannot be imitated easily. If a product lacks that distinct leather aroma, it may be a fake. Nevertheless, it is essential to understand that certain leather items may not have an odour due to the manufacturing process or the chemicals used. Furthermore, if the product has a strong chemical smell, it could be a sign that it is not genuine.
Feel the Texture
The texture of genuine leather is unique and can be identified by touch. Genuine leather is soft, supple, and flexible. If the leather feels stiff or complex, it might be a sign that it is fake. Additionally, if the leather feels like plastic, it might be a sign that it is synthetic. You can also test the texture of the leather by pressing your thumb into it. Genuine leather will show a dent that will slowly disappear as the leather adjusts to the pressure. On the other hand, synthetic leather will not show any dent and will retain its original shape.
Perform a Water Test
The water test is a popular method used to determine the authenticity of products. Genuine leather is porous and can absorb water, while synthetic leather cannot. To perform the water test, put a small drop of water on the leather and wait for a few seconds. To determine if the leather is genuine, see if it absorbs water. If it does, it’s likely accurate. It may be fake if the water beads up and doesn’t absorb. It is essential to note that the water test can damage the leather and should be performed on a hidden product area.
Check the Price
Finally, the price of the leather product can also indicate its authenticity. Genuine products are more expensive than synthetic products. If you come across a leather product with a suspiciously low price, it might be a fake. It’s essential to be careful of deals that appear too good to be true. Additionally, it is necessary to note that high prices only sometimes guarantee that the leather product is genuine.
In conclusion, it is becoming increasingly more work to differentiate between genuine leather and fake products. However, with the above information, you can quickly determine the authenticity of leather products before purchasing.