How to Determine Genuine Leather Vs. Vinyl

Vinyl creates the appearance of leather at a fraction of the cost. Vinyl is commonly used in the production of faux leather clothing, furniture, car interiors, car seats and shoes. It is made without using the hides of animals, making it preferable to some customers and businesses because it is not associated with animal rights debates. Products that are made of vinyl can very difficult to tell apart from those made of genuine leather.

Instructions

- 1
  Look at the price. Leather is normally relatively expensive while vinyl is not. If the item is fairly inexpensive, chances are that it is made of vinyl.
- 2
  Look for tags or makers marks on the item. Leather will normally have a stamp or tag on it somewhere that says it is genuine leather and identifies the type of animal the leather was made from. Vinyl items will be identified as such on their tags.
- 3
  Feel the fabric. Leather will be warmer, softer and more supple than vinyl when you attempt to bend it. Vinyl tends to be stiff and stays cooler than leather.
- 4
  Examine the backside or underside of the fabric. Leather is difficult to discern from vinyl on its top layer, but the back of the fabric is a different story. Leather will have a suede-like appearance on the back. Vinyl will appear knit or cloth. It is typically white and slightly fuzzy.

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