The leather industry is diverse with many products of different qualities, finishes and texture. Some products are from artificial leather while others from genuine real leather. If you’re not an expert or if it’s your first time purchasing leather goods, it’s important you do some research and learn a bit about this material before making a big purchase. Here are some tips and useful information on Italian leather that will help you make the right decision.

Price and Seller 

Some websites sell stylish leather items at low (very low!) prices. So, first lesson: real leather is expensive, be weary of low prices and “good deals”! Also, the reputation of the store is crucial: there are many reputable websites where you can buy authentic Italian leather goods from, like Mirta’s Italian leather handbags for example. Mirta is an online store that connects Italian leather artisans directly to customers, ensuring the best of quality and authenticity.

Observe the Leather

Like any other product, real leather has distinctive features that differentiate it from fake leather items. First is the smell of the leather, which should be natural and without any chemical or plastic smell. Never buy items with plastic or chemical odor as it means that is not real leather. It’s important to also consider the warmness of the leather since genuine leather becomes warm while holding it, unlike the bogus one which does not react. Also check whether it’s soft, flexible and doesn’t lose color while you stretch it or fail to go back to its original position. Fake leather will have a smooth feel and consistent pattern arrangement, while genuine leather is velvety with a unique pattern.

Check the Seams

The sewing process, while manufacturing leather items is essential. Some artisans will have seams made through machines while others made by hands. The handmade one is attractive and sturdy; thus, you should consider it, although it is on the costlier side.

Fire Resistance

You can test your leather item using a lighter. Genuine leather doesn’t react to the flame but a bogus leather will respond like plastic when exposed to fire and in turn, give a sharp smell and black smoke.

Water Test

Here, you drip water on the product and observe its reaction: real leather absorbs water without modification of its fibers while fake leather doesn’t absorb water; hence the water drop will run off the surface.

These guidelines will help you make the right purchase, as well as help you distinguish real leather from all of the fakes out there.