Our Guide to Determining Authentic Leather Bags

It’s terrifying to think that today’s market has become full of faux leather products, poor artisanship, and brittle hardware that crumble after a month or two. As a buyer, this can make your shopping experience confusing and even annoying. You might even end up purchasing several items with hefty price tags only to find out that they’re not authentic.

To help you distinguish the real from the fake and get the bag that’s worth your hard-earned money, here are five steps that you can take:  

•  1. Check for leather authenticity 
  

It can be challenging to determine a bag’s authenticity now more than ever because producers of imitations are innovating new ways to emulate the appearance of real leather. To keep you safe from fake products, always look for a “full grain” label. This indicates that the leather piece did not undergo alterations to hide the natural markings and scars of the animal. At the same time, you should exercise caution because those labelled “genuine leather” are usually the back of the skins stamped with an artificial grain pattern to resemble their original counterparts.  

•  2. Check for leather quality 
  

When talking about the quality of leather, the first aspect to check is its hide. A high-quality product should be supple and feel soft and natural to the touch. Anything that feels artificial, synthetic, or rubber-like isn’t likely to be as beautiful and durable as authentic leather.  

•  3. Check for a durable lining and finishing 

Authentic bags are not only sturdy on the outside but also on the inside. This is a demonstration of a professional artisan’s attention to detail; even the bag’s lining is made with the best materials. Considering this, linings of well-made leather bags do not feel flimsy or cheap as they are usually made from a durable material similar to what is used in the exterior.  

Another aspect that indicates excellent artistry is a clean finish, even on the most complex edges on the bag.  

•  4. Check if the zippers are made from this material 

Zippers, although small, are actually very important parts of a bag. Once a zipper fails, you’ll likely be left with an unusable product. Authentic bags will have sturdy zippers made of brass with platings in nickel or copper. The slider is made from brass as well, and the fabric around it is particularly made durable to withstand tearing.  

Before you purchase a leather bad, test its zipper to make sure it glides smoothly. If you happen to experience any unpleasant friction, you may want to think twice about getting that piece.  

•  5. Check for strong handles and straps  

The handles and the straps are usually your first contact with the bag, and this is something that experts keep in mind as they craft their leather bags. Well-made bags usually have sturdy yet comfortable handles and straps that are made from multiple layers of tightly stacked leathers. The area where the strap is linked to the bag’s body is also made more secure to provide enough support against possible tearing.  

Conclusion 

Nothing can be more frustrating than purchasing a pricey leather bag, only to have it broken after a month’s use and realising that it’s a faux product. This is why it really helps to have a meticulous eye when it comes to examining leather products before making a purchase. Likewise, you should only go to brands you trust and stay away from pieces with prices that seem too good to be true.    

At Vintage Leather, we only sell authentic and full-grain leather bags in Australia. Browse our stunning collection of pieces today and find the one that suits your style!