At J-Vision Leather, we are proud to produce high-quality leather in Dongguan, Guangdong, China. We offer many types of leather, including Crazy Horse leather, Vegetable Tanned leather, Oil Wax leather, and more.
Many customers ask us this question:
How can I tell if leather is real or fake?
And also: Which one is better for different products?
This article will help you understand the differences between real leather and faux (fake) leather, how to spot them, and when each one might be the better choice.
1. What Is Real Leather?
Real leather is made from animal hides, usually from cows. It is a natural material that is strong, flexible, and long-lasting. Real leather has been used for thousands of years to make clothes, shoes, bags, and more.
There are different types of real leather:
• Full grain leather – the highest quality, very strong and natural-looking
• Top grain leather – slightly sanded, smooth, and flexible
• Genuine leather – lower layer of the hide, still real but less strong
• Split leather – thinner and often used with surface coating
At J-Vision Leather, we work mainly with full grain and top grain leather, known for their quality and durability.
2. What Is Faux Leather?
Faux leather, also called PU leather or synthetic leather, is man-made. It is usually made from plastic materials like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These materials are added to a fabric base to make it look like real leather.
Faux leather is cheaper, lighter, and animal-free. It is popular for fashion, home items, and other products where cost matters more than long-term strength.
3. How to Tell the Difference Between Real and Faux Leatherr
Here are some simple ways to check if leather is real or fake:
A. Look at the Surface
• Real leather has a natural grain with small imperfections, like pores or wrinkles. No two pieces look the same.
• Faux leather often looks too perfect. The grain pattern repeats and looks fake up close.
👉 Tip: If it looks too smooth or plastic-like, it is probably fake.
B. Feel the Texture
• Real leather feels warm, soft, and flexible. It may feel slightly oily or grainy.
• Faux leather feels cold and smooth, more like plastic or rubber.
👉 Tip: Try bending the leather. Real leather wrinkles; fake leather usually doesn’t.
C. Smell the Leather
• Real leather has a unique, rich smell that comes from the tanning process.
• Faux leather smells like plastic or chemicals.
👉 Tip: If you’ve ever smelled real leather before, you’ll recognize it right away.
D. Check the Edge
• Real leather has rough or fibrous edges. It looks natural.
• Faux leather has smooth, clean-cut edges, often with a shiny or rubbery finish.
👉 Tip: Cut a small piece (if possible) to inspect the inside.
E. Water Test (Optional)
• Drop a little water on the leather.
• Real leather absorbs water slowly. It darkens slightly but dries out again.
• Faux leather will not absorb water at all.
👉 Warning: Don’t use this test on finished goods like bags or shoes unless you’re sure it’s safe.
4. Which One Is Better?
Both real leather and faux leather have their pros and cons. Let’s look at which one is better depending on your needs and project.
A. Durability and Longevity
• Real leather is stronger and lasts many years if cared for. It becomes softer and more beautiful with time.
• Faux leather is not as durable. It may crack or peel after a few years, especially in hot or humid conditions.
👉 Real leather is better for: Bags, shoes, furniture, belts, and jackets that need to last.
B. Price
• Faux leather is usually much cheaper.
• Real leather costs more, but you get better quality and durability.
👉 Faux leather is better for: Budget projects or short-term use.
C. Style and Color Variety
• Faux leather is easier to produce in many colors and patterns. It can look like crocodile, snake, or any design.
• Real leather can be dyed and different patterns can be pressed on too, but natural color and texture are part of its charm.
👉 Both real leather and fuax leather are good for fashionable designs, bright colors, or trendy items.
D. Eco-Friendliness
This one is tricky. Let’s break it down.
• Real leather is natural and biodegradable. But if made with harsh chemicals, it can pollute water and soil.
• Faux leather is plastic-based and does not break down easily. It can harm the environment if not recycled.
However, vegetable tanned leather, like what we produce, uses natural tannins from trees and is more eco-friendly than chrome-tanned leather or plastic-based alternatives.
👉 Vegetable tanned leather is the best option for environmentally conscious brands.
E. Animal Use
• Faux leather is animal-free, so it’s popular among vegans or people who avoid animal products.
• Real leather comes from animals, but we only use hides that are by-products of the meat industry. No animals are killed just for leather.
👉 Faux leather is better for vegan brands or animal-free products.
5. Final Thoughts
When choosing between real leather and faux leather, think about your goals and needs first.
At J-Vision, we focus on making high-quality real leather for clients around the world. We believe in quality, tradition, and sustainability. We offer leather that looks good, feels good, and lasts for years.
But we also respect the needs of different markets. If your brand works with faux leather, we’re happy to help with advice or partner recommendations.
Want to Learn More?
📩 Contact us today for free samples or more details on how to choose the right leather for your business.
We ship worldwide and are always happy to help you find the best leather for your project.