How to tell if leather is real
Short answer
Real leather has an irregular grain with small pores and natural marks, a fibrous edge where it is cut, and a rich, earthy smell; it feels warm and slightly soft. Faux leather usually has a perfectly repeating pattern, a smooth plastic-looking edge and a chemical smell.
Five checks you can do in a shop or when a parcel arrives.
1. Look at the grain
Real hide has pores and small variations — no two areas are identical. A perfectly regular pattern that repeats exactly usually means it was printed or pressed onto plastic. Embossed real leather repeats too, so combine this with the other checks.
2. Check the edges
Where real leather is cut, the edge shows compressed fibres, or is painted and burnished. Faux leather shows a layer of plastic over a woven fabric backing.
3. Smell it
Real leather smells earthy and slightly sweet. Faux leather smells of plastic or chemicals.
4. Press and flex it
Press a finger into real leather and it wrinkles and slightly changes colour, then recovers. Faux leather tends to dimple uniformly and spring straight back, and it stays cool to the touch.
5. Read the label
- "Full-grain" and "top-grain": real leather, the best grades.
- "Genuine leather": real, but a lower grade.
- "PU", "PVC", "vegan leather", "leatherette": synthetic.
Frequently asked
Is "genuine leather" the best quality?
No. It is real leather, but usually a lower split of the hide. Full-grain is the top grade.
Should I do a burn test?
No — it damages the item and is unreliable on finished leather. The visual checks above are enough.
By BAGONSA · Updated 29 September 2026