The 5 indicators to know if a leather product is of high quality

There’s no better material to accompany you throughout your day than leather, as it offers greater strength, durability, and resistance. However, some stores sell products made from artificial or synthetic leather, which doesn’t guarantee any quality. Below, we’ll share the 5 indicators to help you determine if a leather product is of high quality or not. Pay close attention!

1. The beauty of imperfection. At first glance, many products can confuse you about the quality of the leather used. At Monpiel, for example, all products are handcrafted by expert leatherworkers, with each piece made from natural leather by hand, meaning they may have slight variations between them.
   Imperfections in leather are actually a positive sign. Although this may seem strange, remember that leather is a natural material that marks with use and over time, so you may see or notice marks or imperfections unique to the leather, as well as color changes due to natural wear. Each piece made from natural leather is unique, so those that appear uniform and similar usually indicate that the leather contains too many chemicals, making it of lower quality.
2. Color loss. When the leather is of poor quality (synthetic leather or PU leather), its appearance and color will be uniform across the entire surface. This type of leather tends to lose color easily with the slightest friction from clothing or continuous touch, while authentic leather maintains its original color and even improves over time.
3. Authentic leather is soft and flexible. High-quality natural leather has a smooth, soft, and flexible texture, while synthetic materials tend to be more rigid. You can check if the leather is of high quality by pressing the surface with your fingers. If small wrinkles appear on its surface and disappear within a few seconds, it’s a sign that the leather is of high quality.
4. The smell, a good quality indicator. Determining whether your product is made of authentic leather is as simple as smelling it, as it has a very characteristic scent. Synthetic materials, on the other hand, often give off a strong plastic smell. However, be cautious, as some products on the market are treated with substances that initially give them a natural leather scent, which will fade after a few days.
5. Be careful with fire! Another way to test your product is by bringing it close to a heat source—but be careful not to burn it! If you want to do this test, do it on a less visible area. If the leather is natural, it will slightly contract and return to its original shape as it cools. However, if the leather is of poor quality or synthetic, it will quickly deform and won’t return to its original shape. The effect will resemble that of plastic burning, leaving a melted appearance. The smell will also make a difference: while synthetic leather will smell like burnt plastic, natural leather will smell like burnt hair.

Even though these 5 indicators can help you determine if a leather product is of high quality, the best option is always to trust your go-to store, like Monpiel, where all the leather we use is carefully inspected under quality standards.