Know the difference between real vs faux leather and avoid imposters

Have you ever wondered how you can tell the difference between real vs faux leather? There are a few tried-and-true techniques you should know when you decide to go shopping for leather in Florence. Here at Misuri, we want to make sure you are an educated consumer and make the best possible choice when you invest in a handcrafted leather product. Not only should you look at the quality of the leather and whether or not it is real vs faux leather, but also at the sustainability of its manufacturing process. Real leather offers countless advantages over cheap and poorly made imitations.

1. Use your senses to identify real leather

For over a century, Misuri has found its hallowed ground in the heart of Florence, in the historic Santa Croce district. Here, handcrafted leather goods are still produced, using traditional methods handed down from generation to generation. For those in search of authentic Italian leather, Misuri is an undisputed symbol of heritage and craftsmanship, offering a splendid selection of genuine leather goods.

When you cross the threshold of the Misuri boutique, you are enveloped by a single sensory impression - the luxurious scent of genuine leather. This is the first and most important clue on your journey to distinguish between real vs faux leather: sharpen your senses. Genuine leather has a distinctive, rich, natural scent, a characteristic note of nature's elegance. In contrast, faux leather, the imitation, either doesn't smell at all or gives off a synthetic odor that smells like chemicals or plastic.

This sensory experience is your entry into the captivating world of leather recognition, where genuine Italian craftsmanship meets the allure of authenticity. At Misuri, the essence of leather goes beyond the visual, it invites you to experience it with every fiber of your being, from the tip of your nose to the touch of your fingertips.

2. Examine the leather through touch and sight

Use your sense of touch as well. Genuine leather is pliable and incredibly soft. Imagine the feel of cashmere-lined gloves, crafted from soft lambskin leather.

Make sure you carefully examine the leather product with your eyes, as well. You may notice unique variations in the leather’s surface and particular creases or differences in the grain, all of which are marks of authenticity.

This Misuri Zip Billfold in calfskin leather is a perfect example of a handcrafted genuine leather product that you could quickly identify as authentic. In real vs faux leather, the imitation will look “perfect” because it was produced by a machine, not by hand.

3. A closer look at faux leather

Faux leather, unlike its real vs faux leather counterpart, is a product of precision machinery. This difference gives it certain telltale characteristics that expose its artificial nature. For example, the behavior of water on genuine leather compared to faux leather is a revealing test. A drop of water on genuine leather is absorbed and leaves no trace, while on faux leather it rolls off, proof of its synthetic composition. At Misuri, we take great pride in our collection of authentic Made in Italy leather products, each of which is an embodiment of meticulous craftsmanship and a testament to our commitment to the preservation of tradition. When you check the label of leather goods, look for the term "genuine leather", but that's not all. A more detailed inspection is required to ensure authenticity. If it does not meet the strict standards we set, it is probably an imitation trying to imitate the elegance and appeal of genuine Italian leather.

4. Real vs faux leather: a question of sustainability for the circular economy

The environmental impact of leather manufacturing is an important issue, and this consideration plays a crucial role in the decision between real vs faux leather. In this regard, genuine leather is the more sustainable option thanks to its durability and waste-reducing properties.

At Misuri, we take our commitment to environmental sustainability a step further by incorporating leather from byproducts into our handcrafted creations. This unique approach uses leather from cattle raised primarily for meat production. In this way, we use flawless hides that would otherwise be discarded and minimize the environmental footprint of our operation. This practice is not only consistent with our commitment to producing world-class leather goods, but also reflects our commitment to a circular economy in which resources are used efficiently and waste is minimized.

Misuri genuine leather is an investment that lasts

If you’re looking for a genuine leather product that is both beautiful as well as sustainable, look no further than the handcrafted items from Misuri. It’s important as a consumer to be aware of the differences between real vs faux leather, and when you shop with the leather experts at Misuri, you can rest assured that you are getting the highest quality product possible made by traditional artisans who take pride in their work.