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Do you know your leather terminology? Would you know the difference between genuine leather and fake leather? This review provides information to help you identify genuine leather and understand why genuine leather is so valuable.
- What is Genuine Leather
- What hides and skins are used for Genuine Leather
- How to identify Genuine Leather
- What makes Genuine Leather so valuable?
- What products are made from Genuine Leather?
- What is Genuine Leather popularity trend?
- Where to shop for Genuine Leather products
What is Genuine Leather?
The term ‘genuine leather’ is used in many ways. Some leather manufacturers and leather designers say genuine leather is a term to be used only when the original grain of the hide has not been altered. Others say genuine leather is any hide regardless of original grain alterations as long as man has not reconstituted the hide.
We believe genuine leather refers to any hide or skin that has not been reconstituted by man and is not a material created by man. It is hide or skin that has undergone processing to make it pliable and preserve its structure and beauty. Its grain may have had imperfections that needed correction; however it is still the same hide with its original structural composition.
Genuine leather is not man-made material. There are many products available today that look and feel like real leather; however they may have been made from latex with very small amounts of leather fibers or not made from leather at all.
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What hides and skins are used for Genuine Leather?
Genuine leather comes from hides of animals or skins of animals or reptiles. The most common hides used for making leather are the cow. horse, pig, goat, deer, elk, camel, kangaroo, and buffalo. The most common skins used come from lamb, calf, fish, snake, frogs, alligator and crocodile.
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How to identify Genuine Leather
Finding the word ‘leather’ on the label or in the product description is not enough. As an example, the term ‘faux leather’ sounds like genuine leather; however faux is a man-made material and is not genuine leather.
The following terminology is used to identify genuine leather: top-grain, full grain, patent, authentic Italian-made, patent, suede, embossed, distressed, aniline, semi-aniline, antiqued, buffed, corrected grain, drum dryed, glazed, Nubuc, oil-tanned, perforated, pigmented, plated, split, whole hide, side hide, cordovan, de-grained, Napa, matte finished, natural grain, pearled, shear-ling, saddle, snuffed, unfinished, raw, belly, bend, boarded, bridle, chrome-tanned, combination tanned, crushed patent, curried, harness, impregnated, insole, latigo, re-tanned, shrunken, sole, synthetic-tanned, and wet blue.
The following terminology refers to imitation (not real) leather: bonded, faux, fake, pleather, imitation, artificial, Poromeric, koskin, leatherette, vegetan, lorica, Birko-Flor , vinyl, PVC, hydex, Birkibuc, cork, rexin, ocean, Altantra, Presstoff, ultrasuede, and naugahyde.
What makes Genuine Leather so valuable?
Genuine leather makes a fashion statement. It is pleasing to the eye, fits the contours of the body well, and increases in beauty and softness as it ages.
Real leather is enduring. It is strong, resists tear, heals from scratches, and absorbs shock. Oil treatment will add to its water resilience. Compared to man made fabrics, it will last four to five times longer.
Genuine leather is comfortable to wear. It is pleasant to the touch and softens with age. It is non allergenic. Even though it fits the shape of the body well, it breathes and provides skin protection against the weather elements.
Real leather is easy to care for. It is very wrinkle resistant. It becomes more beautiful as it ages. It stretches and molds rather than cracks. It is more fade resistance than man-made materials. A neutral cream applied as least once per year will help maintain it natural oils.
What products are made from Genuine Leather?
Genuine leather is used to make bags (handbags, tote, satchel, hobo, shoulder, laptop, messenger, duffle, bowling, cosmetic, travel, backpacks), gloves (winter, dress, long, work, garden), cases (iPad, Kindle, Bible, planner), clothing (skirts, coats, jackets, chaps (motor cyclists and bikers), footwear (shoes, boots), jewelry (watches, boxes, bracelets), accessories (wallets, belts), furniture (sofa, chair, bean bags), pet accessories (bed, carrier, collars, harness), travel (suitcases, child car seat, booster seat) and other products.
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What is Genuine Leather popularity trend?
Genuine leather products have increased in popularity in the past five years. Even in difficult economic times more people are buying products made from real leather because they know leather will outlast any man-made material. With the addition of e-readers and the popularity of laptops, more consumers are purchasing leather bags and cases to protect their electronics from shock and scratches. Consumers have also found leather clothing stays in style and is a symbol of prestige in the business world.
Where to shop for Genuine Leather products
Our site is dedicated to providing only genuine leather products. We provide a good selection and always endeavor to find a good price for you. Check our quality leather products now.