How to Tell Leather from Leatherette

In today’s world, it’s increasingly difficult to distinguish between genuine leather and synthetic alternatives like leatherette. With advances in technology, faux leather, or leatherette, often looks and feels so close to the real thing that even experts can be fooled. But why does it matter? For some, the choice between leather and leatherette is about ethics or sustainability; for others, it’s about quality and longevity. Whether you're buying a new jacket, handbag, or sofa, making the right decision can save you money and align with your values.

Before we dive into how you can differentiate between leather and leatherette, let’s clarify what each of these materials really is. Genuine leather is made from animal hides, primarily cows, and goes through a tanning process to preserve the material. This process gives leather its characteristic texture, smell, and durability. Leatherette, on the other hand, is a synthetic material, often made from plastic or other artificial substances. It can mimic the look and feel of leather, but lacks certain qualities that make leather unique.

Why You Need to Know the Difference

Why should you care whether something is leather or leatherette? The answer lies in personal preference, environmental considerations, and financial implications. Real leather offers unparalleled durability and improves with age. It forms a patina, a surface sheen that adds character over time. Leatherette, however, doesn't age in the same way and may crack or peel as it wears down.
Moreover, real leather is more breathable, making it more comfortable, especially for clothing like jackets and shoes. Leatherette can sometimes trap heat and feel less comfortable over extended periods. While leatherette can be a cheaper and more animal-friendly alternative, it may not last as long as real leather, which is important to consider for items like furniture or car seats that experience a lot of wear and tear.

How to Identify Real Leather

Knowing how to identify real leather is a valuable skill that can save you from making expensive mistakes. Below are some methods to tell leather from leatherette:

1. The Price

Let’s start with the obvious — the price. Real leather is often significantly more expensive than leatherette. The tanning process, the quality of the hides, and the craftsmanship involved in making real leather items increase their cost. If the price seems too good to be true, it likely is. While some high-quality leatherette items can be expensive, genuine leather typically commands a higher price. So, if you're shopping for a luxury item and the price seems surprisingly low, it’s worth taking a closer look.

2. The Texture

One of the easiest ways to tell leather from leatherette is to feel it. Real leather has a unique texture that can be both smooth and grainy, with slight imperfections that are the hallmark of natural hide. Leatherette, on the other hand, tends to feel more consistent and often lacks the irregularities of genuine leather.
When you press on real leather, you may notice small wrinkles or stretch marks that appear and then disappear when you release your finger. This is because leather is more elastic and pliable. In contrast, leatherette doesn’t respond in the same way and often feels stiffer.

3. The Smell

The smell of real leather is unmistakable. It has a rich, earthy scent, often associated with natural materials. This smell comes from the tanning process, and it’s nearly impossible to replicate with synthetic materials. Leatherette, however, tends to have a more chemical or plastic-like smell, especially when it’s new. While some manufacturers try to add scents to mimic the smell of leather, it’s rarely convincing.
If you're unsure, give the item a sniff — if it smells synthetic, it’s probably leatherette.

4. The Pores

Another clear giveaway is the appearance of pores. Genuine leather has natural pores, which are often irregular and vary in size and shape. Leatherette tends to have a more uniform appearance, with artificial pores that are too regular to be natural. Look closely at the surface: if it seems too perfect, it’s likely synthetic.

5. The Backing

If possible, check the backside of the material. Real leather often has a rough, suede-like underside, whereas leatherette will have a fabric or plastic backing. If you can see multiple layers, it’s almost certainly leatherette, as real leather is a single layer of hide.

6. Water Absorption

A quick test you can do at home is the water absorption test. Place a small drop of water on the surface. Real leather will absorb the water and darken slightly, as the moisture soaks into the natural fibers. Leatherette, being made of plastic or vinyl, will not absorb the water; instead, it will cause the drop to sit on the surface.

7. The Aging Process

Leather improves with age, developing a patina that adds character to the material. This patina comes from exposure to the elements, natural oils from your skin, and wear and tear. Leatherette, on the other hand, tends to degrade over time. It may crack, peel, or lose its original color. If you have an older item and are unsure whether it’s leather or leatherette, check for signs of aging. A well-worn leather item will often look better as it ages, while leatherette will show signs of wear more quickly.

8. The Weight

Genuine leather is generally heavier than leatherette due to its density. While this isn’t a definitive test, it’s worth noting that real leather items, particularly large pieces like jackets or bags, will feel more substantial in your hand compared to synthetic alternatives.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

Another major factor when choosing between leather and leatherette is the environmental and ethical implications. Genuine leather comes from animal hides, which can be a point of contention for people concerned with animal rights. Leatherette, being a synthetic product, doesn't involve animals, which makes it a popular choice among vegans and vegetarians.
However, leatherette is often made from plastics like PVC or polyurethane, which are not biodegradable and contribute to environmental pollution. In contrast, leather, while involving animals, is a natural material that can biodegrade over time, especially when tanned using environmentally friendly methods. Some companies are now exploring eco-friendly leathers, like vegetable-tanned leather, that have less impact on the environment. On the flip side, there are more sustainable alternatives to traditional leatherette, including options made from recycled materials or plant-based materials.

Durability Comparison: Leather vs. Leatherette

Durability is a key consideration when deciding between leather and leatherette. Real leather is known for its strength and ability to withstand wear and tear. High-quality leather can last for decades with proper care. Leatherette, while easier to maintain, doesn’t have the same longevity and is prone to cracking and peeling over time, especially when exposed to harsh conditions like direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
In some cases, leatherette can be more resistant to stains, as it's less porous than genuine leather, but it’s more likely to deteriorate faster.

Conclusion

In summary, distinguishing between leather and leatherette is crucial for anyone looking to make an informed purchase, whether it's based on ethics, durability, or price. Real leather has a unique combination of texture, smell, and aging properties that are hard to replicate. Leatherette, while more affordable and animal-friendly, lacks the same longevity and character development that genuine leather provides. Armed with the knowledge of these differences, you can now make more informed decisions when buying your next leather (or leatherette) product.