How to Identify Quality Leather Handbags?

It can be harder for a layman to dig out the difference between real leather and the imitate one.

But no worries!

We are presenting some of the most useful tips to help how you clearly identify quality leather handbags.

Leather handbags are known as a beautiful addiction and an affordable luxury. It is one of the most versatile bag materials, around the world.

Good-quality leather bags are durable enough to use for years. Sadly, there are a growing number of sellers that sell knockoffs in the name of real deals.

But, first and foremost, you need to know the leather is deep. Because if you are looking for genuine leather handbags, it is always good to know the features of real leather. So, let’s dive into the features of quality leather.

Check also: Best Leather Belt Bags with Pouches

Factors that will help to identify Quality Leather Handbags.

how to Identify Quality Leather Handbags

Let’s discuss the important factors that are vital in recognizing quality leather handbags.

Leather Types

The most common types of real leather are given below:

Cowhide

This leather can last for years more than lambskin leather. Obviously, it comes from cows’ skin. Cowhide is usually premium quality leather and an expensive one as compared to other options.

Lambskin

Lambskin leather feels softer and smoother than cowhide leather, however, it is typically not quite durable. It’s generally velvety and has a leathery sheen. But if you’re going for longevity and durability, this might not be a great choice.

Pebbled

In pebbled leather, you will feel a textured and bumpy finish by touching the surface of a handbag. Further, you’ll also be able to see that texture. Typically, it sustains a good texture appearance longer than smooth leather because it is more resistant to scratches and marks.

Smooth

Smooth leather justifies its name. It looks and feels soft, creamy, supple, and luxurious. May have a soft sheen, too. Its downside is that it gets scratched more easily than the pebbled one.

Suede

It comes with an elite matte finish look. You’ll notice it more looks like velvet. It needs more maintenance as compared to other types of leather such as shouldn’t get damp, scuffs, etc. Thus, it is not a perfect deal for routine or casual use.

Leather Classification

Full-grain Leather

Full-grain leather ages wonderfully and develops a mystic aura with age. The only drawback is with full-grain leather, you’re getting all of its imperfections (if there are any) and strength. As it is not treated.

Top-grain Leather

Top-grain leather is the class of leather that is used in most handbags. But, it doesn’t age well. Basically, it comes from full-grain leather that has been treated to remove imperfections it is often known as embossed corrected-grain leather. For instance, the full-grain leather has been sanded, dyed, and stamped with fake grain to achieve a beautiful and uniform finish.

Split Leather

Split leather typically has an artificial layer applied to its surface and is embossed with a leather grain or a bycast leather. It is also used in creating the strongest Suede.

Bonded Leather

Bonded leather is usually made from leftover scrap pieces of leather. Those scraps such as shredded dust and shavings are then bonded together using polyurethane or latex on top of a fiber sheet. It’s definitely a cheap option, so it is famous for furniture upholstery, bookbinding, and various other commercial uses.

Leather Exterior and Detailing

Stitching

First, look at the stitching of the leather handbag and check that is the lining straight and secure, or sloppily done. Is it properly sewn, or is it loosely done? Does it have any holes? Moreover, take a look at the pockets and their stitching too, to make sure they aren’t torn or come with loose stitching.

Handles and Straps

Do check the handles or straps and make sure they are securely attached to the bag. This goes parallel with paying attention to the stitching and seams.

Weight and Hardware

Check the weight of the bag before you put your stuff inside. This is more of a preference issue than a quality one. But, some leather bags have weighty hardware that results in strain and pain in the head, neck, shoulders, or lower back. Because, if you carry it on a routine basis, a weighty option may make you regret your money spent.

Tips to Identify Quality Leather Handbags

After getting a comprehensive insight into the leather material. Now, let’s explore some key points to identify high-quality leather handbags or purses. For this, you don’t always need to buy designer or branded leather bags.

Feel or Hand-Touch

Real leather has a soft, warm, supple feel and a comfy grip. Thus, make sure that the leather should not stiff. Because, stiffness, coldness, and rigidness are signs that the leather is synthetic and has been coated to hide its imperfections.

Color

The color of high-quality full-grain leather is consistent and not blotchy. Also, it develops over time a beautiful patina. On the other hand, imitated one will retain or slightly fade in its color.

Smell

High-quality leather does not smell at all or has the smell of chemicals or plastic. But it has a distinct and pleasant leather smell that cannot be imitated. You will be able to easily tell the difference in physical buying because unfortunately, you do not have the advantage of smell by shopping online.

Texture

Do pay attention to the surface structure and the texture. A good quality leather bag is recognized for its full-grain and minor natural imperfections. They are a sign of high quality and verify the authenticity of genuine leather.

On the other hand, synthetic leather is even structured, too smooth, and patterned.

Cutting Edges

There is a fibrous structure at the edges of real leather because of the protein-containing pores of the skin, however, the synthetic one has smooth edges. Although, this is a difficult indicator to recognize in processed leather.

Oil and Water Test

Genuine leather is a natural material that can absorb water, fats, and oils with pores. Whereas, on the imitated leather a drop of water is hardly able to be absorbed and will runoff.