Useful tips on how to identify genuine leather bags

Chioma Ebubedike –Igbokwe of Mary Zapel Fashion and Accessories, Abuja shares tips on how to identify genuine leather bags and how to maintain them so that they can stand the test of time.

Every true fashion diva knows that handbags are the perfect fashion accessory. They are fun and easy to shop for and you can never have too many. You are either a bag or shoes kind of girl. Personally, I love good bags. I spend my money on them. I must have 15 or 20 different bags in different colours. However choosing a good bag made from the right genuine leather and knowing how to maintain them can be a bit tricky.

If you’re like me, maybe you have a little more concern about what you put your money on, it is best to first figure out the nature of the leather used in making the bag you are about to purchase. I think it is important to have a good range of luxury leather bags made from genuine leather which would stand the test of time than buying so many bags that would either peel off or expire within a short period of time.

There are two types of leather used in making bags; they could be either genuine or faux/synthetic leather

Bags made of genuine leather are by far more expensive and classier than those made from synthetic fiber due to their natural, rich and elegant finish. Bags made from synthetic materials are usually sold at a much cheaper price. Any bag lover must be careful when shopping for bags because there are also products that are made only in part with pure leather but are branded as ‘genuine leather’ or ‘made with genuine leather’. These are ambiguous terms used by marketers to mislead consumers. So if you are planning to buy a top quality leather product, which is quite expensive, you must be able to tell genuine leather from synthetic on your own.

Here are few tips on how to identify a real leather bag

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The first thing to bear in mind is that genuine leathers are purely 100% animal skin.

Surface test

Check the surface grain, the little “pebbles” and pores, for imperfections and uniqueness that signal genuine leather. Imperfections, in leather, are actually a good thing. Remember, real leather is made from animal skin, and thus each piece is as random and unique as the animal it came from. So any bag that has even, clean and similar grains often indicate a machine-made piece. This means bags made from real leathers might have scratches, creases, and wrinkles which is a good thing!

Fire test

The fire test is also a good way of identifying a real leather bag. Real leather will only char slightly, and smell a bit like burnt hair when close to fire. Faux or synthetic leather will actually catch flame, and smell like burning plastic.

Water test

Drop a small amount of water on the bag, real leather absorbs moisture. If the bag is fake, the water will simply puddle up on top. But real leather will absorb a small drop of water in only a few seconds, that shows that it is genuine.

Bend test

The bend test is similar to the “wrinkle test,” real leather has a unique elasticity when bent, changes colour and wrinkles naturally. Faux leather is much more rigid and regular, and will usually be difficult to bend by comparison.

Wrinkle test

Next you may want to press into the leather and look for creases and wrinkles. Real leather will wrinkle when touched, just like real skin. Synthetic materials usually just depress under your finger, retaining rigidity and shape.

Smell test

Another give away sign is the smell. When shopping for genuine leather bags try and smell the leather, searching for a natural, musty smell instead of plastic-like or chemical -like smell. Always remember, leather is just worked animal skin. Faux leather is made of plastic. It seems obvious, but real leather will smell like skin and fake will smell like plastic.

Know that real leather bags are rarely ever cheap. A product completely made of real leather will be quite expensive. They usually sell at fixed prices. Shop around and get a feel of the price of real leather, semi leather, and synthetic leather products to understand the differences between them. Among leathers, cow leather price is the highest due to its durability and easy tanning property. Split leather, which is an under layer split from the surface layer, is less expensive than top grain or belting leather.

Coloured leathers can be genuine. A bright blue piece of leather bag may not look natural, but this doesn’t mean it isn’t made of real leather. Colours and dyes can be added to both synthetics and natural leathers, so ignore colour and stick to feel, smell, and texture when searching for real or faux leather.

All Hermes Croc Birkins are crafted from the belly of the Porosus saltwater crocodile, items made from crocodile skin are particularly susceptible to water damage, and should ideally be maintained by brand specialists.

Storing/maintaining genuine leather bags

Genuine leather bags are usually very expensive and are usually the end product of great craftsmanship and deserve to be treated with care. Here are some useful tips on how to protect and maintain them.

Genuine leather bags are permeable and can never be entirely waterproof, so, avoid toting your favourite Givenchy Nightingale in bad weather. Nonetheless, there are beeswax creams which function as a barrier against water. Word of caution: beeswax may alter the hue of dyed leather, so test first on an inconspicuous corner. A more breathable but less effective alternative: a spray protect-ant, which is virtually invisible on your bags.

Try mink or neats foot oil, which simulate and supplement the natural oils of leather. Leave on for ten minutes, then wipe off the excess. Dry thoroughly in an airy room.

Always stash your bag in its original dustbag and fill it with stuffing, use butter paper to stuff inside to maintain its shape.

Remember after every use to keep the dust bagged product in its original box, along with packets of silica gel so your bag doesn’t get damp.

Leather bags should be aired once every two weeks to halt the growth of mold, also let water spills dry naturally. High-heat measures like using a hairdryer will only cause the skin to wrinkle.