What is genuine leather? Explaining the difference from synthetic leather and the advantages and disadvantages of the material
Leather products include not only products made of genuine leather but also products made of synthetic leather.
Many people may have the impression that genuine leather is expensive because it is made from real animal skin.
So, what exactly is the difference between genuine leather and synthetic leather?
In this article, we will explain in detail the differences between genuine leather and synthetic leather, how to tell them apart, and the advantages and disadvantages of genuine leather.
Genuine leather is leather made from real animal skin
Genuine leather is leather made from real animal skin.
In English, it is called "real leather" or "genuine leather."
Genuine leather is the general term for leather made from tanned animal skin, regardless of the type of leather used as the raw material.
Difference between genuine leather and synthetic leather
Synthetic leather is synthetic leather (PU), and although it looks similar to genuine leather, it is an artificial material that does not contain any animal skin as a raw material.
The main difference from genuine leather is that it does not use real animal skin.
As synthetic leather is called "fake leather" in English, you can tell that it is not real leather.
Synthetic leather is basically made by coating fabric with synthetic resin such as polyurethane or vinyl chloride.
Those using polyurethane are called "PU leather," and those using polyvinyl chloride are called "PVC leather."
In recent years, due to improvements in processing technology, there has been an increase in synthetic leather that looks very similar to genuine leather, but its properties are very different.
How to distinguish between genuine leather and synthetic leather
With advances in processing technology in recent years, it is becoming difficult to tell the difference between genuine leather and synthetic leather at first glance.
However, you can tell whether it is genuine leather or synthetic leather by the following method.
Sniff
First, let's smell the leather to find out whether it is genuine leather or synthetic leather.
Synthetic leather has a unique smell similar to vinyl. Although it may be difficult to tell from the appearance, you should be able to clearly sense the difference from the smell.
Check the cross section
By checking the cross section of the leather, it is possible to determine whether it is genuine leather or synthetic leather.
Genuine leather uses real animal skin, so fibers of various sizes can be seen in the cross section. It may be a little fluffy.
Synthetic leather, on the other hand, is a material made of fiber fabric coated with synthetic resin.
Therefore, if the cross section is hidden by a coating material or there are no fibers found in genuine leather, it can be determined to be synthetic leather.
Drop water
You can tell the difference between genuine leather and synthetic leather by adding a little water.
Genuine leather absorbs water, but synthetic leather does not. This is because the surface of synthetic leather is coated with synthetic resin.
BONAVENTURA's genuine leather products are coated with a water-repellent coating called nano glass coating, so they repel water.
This treatment also makes the product resistant to dirt, so you can use it every day with confidence.
Please see the page below for more information about the nano glass coating of BONAVENTURA products.
Check product tags
For some leather products, it is possible to tell the difference between the two by checking the tags attached to the product.
According to the Household Goods Quality Labeling Act, clothing that uses synthetic leather in whole or in part is required to display specific handling instructions based on the type of resin used and processing method.
Also, for leather bags, if 60% or more of the outside area is genuine leather, it is required to clearly state what type of leather is used and how to handle it.
Therefore, depending on the item, you can check whether synthetic leather is used from the product tag.
Check the faded part
In many cases, if there is a worn part of the leather, it is possible to determine whether it is genuine leather or synthetic leather.
Since genuine leather is finished with dyes and pigments, the color may fade in areas where it wears and the color before dyeing may appear.
On the other hand, if it is made of synthetic leather, it may crack or peel when rubbed, revealing the fabric inside.
Advantages of genuine leather
Since there is almost no difference in appearance, some people may think that cheaper synthetic leather is fine instead of genuine leather.
However, genuine leather has various advantages that synthetic leather does not have, and this is also the reason why it is loved by many people for a long time.
Here, let's take a look at the benefits unique to genuine leather.
Durable and long-lasting
The greatest advantage of genuine leather is that it is durable and long-lasting.
Genuine leather has high moisture absorption and moisture release properties, making it one of the best materials in these two properties among various natural materials.
Japan has high humidity, so items that you use on a daily basis, such as bags, shoes, and wallets, need to be made from moisture-resistant materials, but genuine leather items can be used safely for a long time.
In addition, it is highly durable and can be used continuously without tearing or peeling depending on maintenance.
If you take care of it regularly with a special cream, you can use it for about 10 years.
BONAVENTURA products come with a lifetime warranty. Lifetime warranty is a product warranty service that you can receive by registering the warranty using the card that comes with the product.
Lifetime warranty covers repair and maintenance services for almost all products, including smartphone cases, bags, and wallets.
Please see the page below for more information about the lifetime warranty of BONAVENTURA products.
Enjoy aging
Products made with genuine leather will gain depth in color and texture as they are used, so you can enjoy how they change over time.
When genuine leather is used, the color becomes darker and a unique luster and gradation appear. Many people enjoy the way their leather changes over time, just like ``nurturing leather.''
As genuine leather changes over time, the appearance of the leather will vary depending on the owner, so you will be able to create an original leather item that is one of a kind in the world.
Sustainable materials
One of the benefits of genuine leather is that it is sustainable.
Many modern tanners are manufacturing products with consideration for the global environment, such as using livestock byproducts as raw materials for leather.
BONAVENTURA does not use any synthetic leather derived from petroleum, which has a high environmental impact.
We use sustainable natural leather, tanned using state-of-the-art tanneries, in all our leather items.
Please see the page below for more information on the highest quality environmentally friendly leather of BONAVENTURA products.
Disadvantages of genuine leather
By understanding the disadvantages of genuine leather, you can use it as a reference when choosing items.
Be sure to check the precautions when purchasing and using genuine leather so that you can choose items that suit your purpose and budget.
Stains may appear
The disadvantage of genuine leather is that it can stain.
Genuine leather is sensitive to water, and if the surface is left wet, water will seep into the fibers, causing stains and blisters.
Be careful when using items made of genuine leather, especially on rainy days.
Using a waterproof spray is an effective way to prevent stains and blisters. Also, moderate care using cream will help prevent stains.
Could be expensive
Another disadvantage of genuine leather is that it can be expensive.
Genuine leather is made from animal skin, and production is limited, so items made from genuine leather tend to be more expensive than items made from synthetic leather.
Also, even among genuine leather, those made from rare animals or high-ranking parts are particularly expensive.
You can also understand the difference in price by paying attention to what type of genuine leather is used.
BONAVENTURA recommended genuine leather items
For those looking for genuine leather accessories that can be used for a long time, we recommend BONAVENTURA's leather products, which are made from high-quality genuine leather from a prestigious tanner with a history of over 150 years.
Here, we will introduce three genuine leather items that are especially recommended among BONAVENTURA's leather products.
Laura bag shrink leather
BONAVENTURA's Laura Bag in shrink leather is a compact one-handle bag with an envelope-shaped flap.
As it is finished with beautiful, luxurious shrink leather and glossy smooth leather, you can enjoy the contrast and feel of high-quality leather.
Manuel tote bag shrink leather
BONAVENTURA's Manuel tote bag made of shrink leather is a unisex, large-capacity tote bag that can be used by couples, siblings, etc.
This is a luxurious combination of two types of leather: shrink leather, which is characterized by its beautiful natural grain, and Noblessa leather, which is a fine and firm embossed leather.
Apple Watch leather band
BONAVENTURA's Apple Watch leather bands are available in two types: one using shrink leather and one using noblessa leather.
With a wide variety of colors, everyone will be able to find their favorite.
BONAVENTURA if you are looking for high-quality genuine leather products that will last a long time
By knowing the charm of genuine leather and using it, you can enjoy growing the leather while using it for a long time.
Depending on the product and maintenance, it can be used for over 10 years, so why not look for your favorite high-quality leather item?
BONAVENTURA products do not use synthetic leather at all.
For those looking for shrink leather accessories that can be used for a long time, we recommend BONAVENTURA's leather products, which are made from high-quality genuine leather from a prestigious tanner with a history of over 150 years.
How about searching for your favorite piece from the official BONAVENTURA website?
