In the world of fashion, verifying the authenticity of materials is a constant concern for consumers, and a simple method proposed on Instagram by leather expert Tanner Leatherstein allows you to instantly distinguish between natural and artificial leather. According to the viral video shared on the social networking platform, the test involves pressing your fingernail onto the surface of the product. The material’s reaction to this pressure provides clear clues about its nature: if the mark left by your nail persists for approximately two seconds before disappearing, the item is made of genuine leather. In contrast, if the material instantly returns to its original shape, it is most likely synthetic leather (PU – polyurethane), a material made from chemical compounds and leather scraps. [1]
Distinguishing between genuine and synthetic leather has become increasingly difficult visually, as fake materials can be hard to recognize with the naked eye, but the differences remain significant in terms of durability and environmental impact. [1]
Synthetic leathers, known as ‘pleather,’ are dominated by synthetic polymers such as PVC and PU. They are criticized for their negative environmental impact, driven by the use of chemicals and plastics in the manufacturing process. Although choosing ‘vegan’ or synthetic leather does not involve sacrificing animals, the resulting products tend to be thinner and less durable over time compared to high-quality goods made from genuine animal leather. Therefore, true sustainability depends on the label content and how frequently that particular product needs to be replaced. [1]
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