There’s something about genuine leather that makes you feel powerful and invincible. Real leather bags are a classic. Ask your grandparents about a prized purchase and their leather bag will definitely figure in that list. It is timeless, ethereal and nostalgic. There’s also the fact that if used and maintained properly, genuine leather can be one of the most resilient materials out there. There is a flipside though—it is easy to get confused about whether the leather product is the real deal or fake because they look so similar. It can be difficult to tell one from another.
Today, there are several sellers in the market who are selling fake products in the name of genuine leather. Now imagine you get handed a fake leather bag instead of a real one. It can be a bitter buying experience, one that can leave you scarred. Relax, before you lose faith in humanity, we’ve compiled a guide on how to buy Genuine Leather Products, more specifically bags. Here it goes:
STEP 1: READ THE LABEL
It may sound a little obvious but it is necessary. When you’re buying from a brand, ensure you look them up, read the label. There are also different varieties of leather such as cowhide, lambskin, pebbled etc. For a little bit more detail about the brand, perhaps check their social media handles and check out what the brand is saying itself. Are they insisting their products are made of genuine leather? If yes, chances are that from the fear or going kaput, they’re telling the truth. Still, further investigation is necessary. If any label says ‘man made leather’ or doesn’t anything at all, that’s a clear ‘Fake Alert”.
STEP 2: FEEL THE BAG
If you’re buying from a shop, you can feel the product before buying. If you buy online, you can do this once the product is delivered to you. Just like you, flaws actually make leather genuine. Genuine leather will probably have some pores, wrinkles, scratches. Embrace your bag’s imperfections because that’s what makes it real. You should probably apply this logic to yourself too!
STEP 3: EVALUATE THE FRAGRANCE
Fake leather will smell plastic-y. Real leather has a very peculiar smell. You would know if you smell a genuine leather bag (hyperlink to one of our products). So, when the bag arrives, make sure to put your olfactory senses to good use.
STEP 4: POUR A FEW DROPS OF WATER
Okay we don’t mean like a bottle of water. Just splash a few drops. Now, genuine leather will absorb a little bit in a few seconds and faux leather will not. This is a sure shot way to find out if your bag is genuine leather or just waterproof fabric.
STEP 5: ASSESS THE VALUE
Authentic leather products will not be cheap. They will be slightly more expensive than other variants of the same product. Handcrafted leather bags involve careful supervision and immaculate expertise. You can’t put a price on that now, can you? Anyone buying genuine leather will appreciate craftsmanship because it truly turns a product into a collectible.
To be honest, buying a genuine leather bag is not so complicated and the best part is, once you start buying them, you’ll get better at distinguishing between the real deal and the fake copies. Leather bags are immortal and the handcrafted kinds are even more special. Buy one to treat yourself (because you deserve it!) or give it to a loved one and you’ll find that it’s not only the leather that’s genuine, it’s also their smile.
Immri is a brand that believes in producing only the most ethically sourced and handcrafted products. Our focus is to create a global product all while uplifting the craftsmanship of our lineage, our heritage.
Now that you have an entire guide on how to buy a genuine leather bag, we hope you’re in a better position to buy a handcrafted leather bag. In a world of fake copies, be unabashedly you. Be real, buy real.