In the market for leather products, two terms seem to create a lot of confusion: real leather vs genuine leather. Many shoppers wonder: is “genuine leather” really genuine? Are those that are referred to as genuine leather genuine? And what does “real leather” imply, high quality? If you ever found yourself in a store trying to look at these labels and wonder what they mean, then you are not alone. In this blog post, we will be providing the main differences between the two types of leather so that you know exactly what to look for when making a purchase.
When you’re done reading this, you’ll know why these labels are important, how to recognize each of them, and which one you should consider buying. Let’s dive in!
What is Leather? A Quick Overview
First things first, let us learn the basics before we tackle the real leather vs genuine leather fight. Leather is a type of skin of an animal, particularly cows, now let’s get to the process of making leather known as tanning. This makes raw skin a tough material that is used in the manufacturing of jackets, bags, and furniture amongst other things.
Not all leather is the same though. The appearance varies with the processing of the hide. The four main types of leather are:
Full-grain leather: The highest quality with the natural surface intact.
Top-grain leather: Slightly sanded to give it a more polished finish but it is still very good.
Split leather: It is usually cut from the lower part of the hide and may be finished with a coat.
Bonded leather: It is made up of leather offcuts and synthetic leather.
It is necessary to understand these two categories if one wants to differentiate between real leather and genuine leather.
What is Real Leather?
The term used by people to mean high-quality leather is “real leather.” But here’s the catch: ”Real leather” is also a marketing términology. Not all products that are made from real leather have the highest quality. Let’s break it down.
Types of Real Leather
Full-Grain Leather:
-The absolute best quality.
-Is derived from the top split of the hide and does not go through any kind of tanning process.
-Long lasting, it gets a special finish over time and gives out a feeling of the elite.
Top-Grain Leather:
-Not as high but still a very good quality.
-It was smoothened up and then finished to give a smooth touch to the product.
-Less complicated to maintain as compared to full-grain leather but doesn’t have the real feel of natural leather.
Why Choose Real Leather?
Longevity: Leather especially the real one can last for several years if well maintained. It is more durable than other synthetic materials. It remains reliable as it does not lose structural shape even after some time.
Aesthetic Appeal: It becomes more attractive as it gets older. Each piece has its natural patina which makes every piece different from the other. That way, it never becomes unfashionable.
Value for Money: It’s costly at first but it is a one-time investment. It helps to reduce the frequency of their replacement. Leather products of high quality are generally known to be appreciated with time.
Real leather is the standard that many people look for when they want quality, long-lasting and stylish products.
What is Genuine Leather?
Now let’s move to the other side of the debate of real leather vs genuine leather. However as much as it sounds, the “genuine leather” is not as high quality as the term may seem. It is real as it is made from real animal skin, but it is not a high-quality one.
What is Genuine Leather Made Of?
-Sourced from the underlayer of the hide.
-Usually comes with a lot of coatings, printing or embossing to look like high-quality leather.
Characteristics of Genuine Leather
Durability:
– Not as durable as the full grain or top grain leather.
– Is more prone to breakdown when in use frequently.
– May crack and peel with regular exposure to extreme weather conditions.
Appearance:
– The surface is uniform due to artificial finishes.
– It does not have the normal grain patterns of the better quality leather.
– May look less luxurious and may have a synthetic kind of texture when touched.
Price:
– Less costly yet it may depict poor quality as compared to the real leather.
– Affordable product for those, who value the price more than the lifespan of the item.
– Especially suitable for use by consumers who use the product occasionally or for a short time.
Although genuine leather is less costly, it is quite thin and tends to peel out and crack within a short time. It is suitable for items that aren’t used quite often.
Key Differences Between Real Leather vs Genuine Leather
This is particularly important now that you know the difference between real leather and genuine leather. Here are the main differences:
Material Quality
Real Leather: Produced from the outer splits of the hide without losing natural grain.
Genuine Leather: Otherwise known as second cut, they are the lower layers of the hide and are often coated for appearance.
Durability
Real Leather: It can last for decades if it is properly maintained.
Genuine Leather: Fades out more quickly, particularly when in use often.
Appearance
Real Leather: It has natural flaws and becomes smooth over time and forms a patina.
Genuine Leather: Appears very much processed and is not as smooth as other natural ones.
Price
Real Leather: It is expensive mostly but offers better value in the long run.
Genuine Leather: Affordable yet they may require to be replaced after short intervals of time.
Feel and Smell
Real Leather: So, it is soft, and warm and has the scent of rich earth tones.
Genuine Leather: Tends to feel quite rigid and has a sort of artificial kind of smell to it.
Here’s a quick comparison table to help:
| Feature | Real Leather | Genuine Leather |
| Quality | High | Medium-Low |
| Durability | Long-lasting | Wears out sooner |
| Price | Expensive | Affordable |
| Feel | Soft and warm | Stiff and plasticky |
| Appearance | Natural, unique patina | Uniform, artificial |
How to Identify Real Leather vs Genuine Leather
Shopping for leather can be tricky, but these tips will help you spot the difference:
Visual Check
-Avoid artificial-looking leather and look for inherent flaws in the real thing.
-Genuine leather mostly has a smooth and refined appearance.
Touch Test
Real leather is smooth and brings a cozy feeling, on the other hand, genuine leather is more likely to be hard or have a plastic-like feel.
Smell Test
-Real leather has a smell that resembles the natural smell of the earth.
-The real issue is that genuine leather smells synthetic or chemical because of the processing.
Water Test
-Real leather takes time to get wet.
-Genuine leather either repels water or soaks it in too fast.
Check the Label
Beware of terms such as ‘genuine leather’ or ‘100% leather.’ These are mostly low-quality products.
Why the Confusion Between Real Leather vs Genuine Leather?
The primary reason for this is marketing. Many a time, companies will use terms such as ‘genuine leather’ to market their products as premium when in fact it is one of the worst types. This labeling is possible due to legal loopholes that exist which does not inform the consumer. This contribution to the confusion is the fact that people are not very well informed on the types of leather.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between real leather vs genuine leather depends on your needs and budget:
Go for Real Leather If:
-You need something strong, fashionable, and sustainable.
-You’re buying the items that are most frequently used in daily life such as jackets, sofas or bags.
Choose Genuine Leather If:
-You’re on a tight budget.
-You are buying things that are not used frequently.
When one decides to spend his or her money on real leather products, they usually get value for their money in the long run.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between real leather vs genuine leather will help you save your money and frustration. Real leather is your best choice if you want quality, durability, and an elegant look, but if you need affordable options for a limited time, genuine leather is perfect for you.
Therefore, when you find yourself in a leather product store, use this guide to make the right purchase. As you now know, it pays to know a little more about what you are getting into when you go for the cheapest option. Do you have any questions or stories related to leather? Please feel free to share them in the comments section below with us.
