How to tell the difference between real and fake leather


Real leather should feel a bit bumpy, thick, and high quality with some real substance to it. Fake leather often feels artificial, stiff, and cold. When you apply pressure at the surface with your finger, real leather will stretch and wrinkle, whereas your finger will simply depress the surface of synthetic leather, and it will retain its rigidity and shape.
If you can, twist the leather gently. If the color changes slightly and you see wrinkles, it’s probably genuine. If no wrinkles appear and there is no change of color, it’s probably fake. Real leather is naturally flexible.

The lighter test is one of the more effective ways to tell if leather is real or not. When held over a lighter’s flame real leather is resistant to burning. It may darken or damage the material but should not catch on fire quickly.
Artificial leather, on the other hand, will likely catch fire quickly and may even burn a hole in the material when the lighter test is conducted.
Warning Disclaimer: Only try this test on products you are willing to possibly damage and follow proper fire safety protocol. Isitleather.com is not responsible for any damages caused by irresponsible use.

Real Leather is typically heftier than synthetic materials, as it is the hide of an animal. It often measures 1.0-1.4 millimeters in thickness and should resist folding. Real leather is a more hearty and flexible material. When folded, it should return to its natural shape. Fake leather, on the other hand, is likely to be thin, stiff, and have more of a plastic or cardboard type of feel to it. When folded, it is likely to create a temporary wrinkle or impression in the material.

Viewing the backside of the material can be helpful for determining its authenticity. The backside of real leather has a rough, resistant, and suede like feel to it. It almost feels like a rug or shaved down carpet as it is resistant to run your fingers across it.
The backside of fake leather may be fabric or some other synthetic material that is glued as opposed to being a natural suede.


If you have a magnifying glass or a loupe, you can use it to inspect and help determine whether a material is real leather or synthetic. By closely examining the material, you should be more able to see imperfections and the natural pores. Real leather should have an inconsistent and imperfect look as it comes from the unique skin of an animal. The image attached is a close-up picture of real leather and helps to show what you want to look for.
Fake leather, on the other hand, is likely to be suspiciously uniform and flat and should not be three-dimensional.



Real leather comes from the hide of an animal and is often noted for it’s distinct “leather smell.” This test is not perfect but can sometimes help to determine authenticity. If the material has a unique natural and earthy smell to it, it is likely real leather.
Fake Leather may have a less noticeable smell or it may smell more like chemicals depending on the materials used.
