Real leather Genuine leather Top/Full grain leather Made with animal products
Real leather might have scratches, creases, and wrinkles – this is a good thing! Note that, as manufacturers get more skilled, their designs are better mimicking real leather. This makes buying online, where you only have a picture, very difficult to do.
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. [4] X Expert Source Mallika SharmaCertified Leather Care Technician Expert Interview. 26 April 2021.
Real leather will only char slightly, and smell a bit like burnt hair. Faux leather will actually catch flame, and smells like burning plastic. [5] X Research source
If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is. Real leather is expensive. While all real leather goods are much more expensive than fake, there are actually different types of real leather as well, all with widely different pricing.
Full Grain Leather Top Grain Leather Genuine Leather Bonded Leather
Be aware that some manufacturers will report something is “made with full grain leather” even if only parts of the chair or sofa are full grain. This is another reason why buying without seeing the good is rarely recommended.
While not as durable as full grain, it is still a strong, well-crafted leather.
Remember – genuine leather is a specific grade, not the phrase for real leather. If you request genuine leather in a leather shop, they will have a specific type of product in mind.
Because the quality is less impressive, bonded leather is often used for book covers and other smaller, less worn items.
