How to Identify Genuine Italian Leather

As you probably know, authentic high-end leather always boasts excellent quality. When it comes to leather goods, Italian leather is considered one of the finest in the world. However, the term 'Italian leather' is somewhat misleading, as it doesn't necessarily have to be produced in Italy. It refers more to the quality of the animal hide and the tanning process used to make the leather. If you’re wondering whether an item is made from genuine Italian leather, here are a few things to look out for.

Genuine leather typically has marks and imperfections. Look for uneven color spots and small flaws like wrinkles, scars, or tiny blemishes on the surface. Fake leather often has a uniform, flawless surface.

• Each piece of authentic Italian leather is unique, as the natural texture and tanning process are never identical.
• Note that these imperfections aren’t defects; they are merely signs left behind from the tanning process.

Genuine Italian leather has a strong and rich aroma. Fake leather often smells of chemicals or has no scent at all.

• Some other types of real leather may also have a chemical smell due to the processing that masks the natural scent, but Italian leather does not.

Genuine leather usually has rough and uneven stitching. Fake leather often has very neat and consistent stitches. Examine the seams and edges of the leather product closely to spot the stitching and observe.

Genuine leather will wrinkle when pressed down. When you press on real leather, it wrinkles immediately and stretches back when you release it. Fake leather won’t wrinkle in this way when pressed.

• Sometimes, fake leather may feel like vinyl or plastic, but not always. New synthetic leather materials can be so close to the real thing that it’s almost impossible to tell by touch.

Real leather absorbs water. Simply drop a drop of water onto the surface of the leather and wait a minute. If the leather absorbs the water, it’s real. If not, it’s likely synthetic.

• If it’s fake leather, you’ll notice the water droplets stay on the surface.

Genuine Italian leather often comes with an authenticity tag to prove it's real. The tag will usually state phrases like “100% Italian leather” or “certified Italian leather.” Reputable manufacturers always include these tags to guarantee quality.

• Be cautious with products that don’t come with an authenticity tag. Any trustworthy manufacturer will include such a tag.
• Check online to verify if the seller or manufacturer is legitimate. If they have many bad reviews (or no reviews at all) or lack a website, they may not be trustworthy.

Genuine Italian leather is never cheap. Compare the price of the item to similar products made from Italian leather. If the price seems too good to be true, it’s likely not trustworthy. The item in your hand might be fake.

• For reference, a genuine Italian leather bag typically costs between $170 and $300 USD (3.8 million to 6.8 million VND).
• Sometimes, you might get lucky and find genuine Italian leather goods at second-hand stores. In this case, the price can be much lower!
• You don’t have to buy high-end Italian leather products. Smaller, lesser-known manufacturers also offer excellent genuine Italian leather items.

Most genuine Italian leather products come with a warranty. A warranty shows that the manufacturer stands behind their products. Be sure to buy Italian leather with a warranty if you want to ensure it’s genuine.

• Not all Italian leather products come with a warranty, but having one can be a good sign that the item is made from real leather.

If you are purchasing an Italian leather product, such as a wallet, handbag, or double-handle bag, make sure to choose a reputable manufacturer to ensure that it is authentic and legally produced.