How to Identify Whether a Belt is Real Leather

People highly seek a real leather belt. However, distinguishing it from imitators can be quite challenging.

If “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,"  then we in the leather industry should remain humble, as flattery surrounds us from all sides.

There’s leather, and then there are the imitators. There are all sorts of non-leather materials that do their darndest to not only look, and feel, but also function like leather. 

These products go by many names, such as:

• Artificial leather
• Synthetic leather
• Pleather
• Vegan leather
• Faux leather
• Leatherette
• Imitation leather
• Polyurethane/PU leather 

There’s nothing wrong with using various materials to create leather-like products. Fortunately, many consumers continue to seek out real, high-quality leather goods However, real leather is a unique and beloved material—whose products are becoming increasingly harder to find.

The classic belt ties more inherently to leather than any other product.

If you purchase a product that's marketed as leather, you should expect to receive just that. Fortunately, savvy customers know how to articulate the differences between real leather and the imitators.

Let’s explore a few factors that distinguish belts made from real leather from the imitations: the aroma, the patina, and the feel.

Belt - Natural

There are a number of leather attributes that fans of the material appreciate. However, there’s one characteristic in particular that seems to enchant leather enthusiasts: the aroma. 

That distinct leather smell is the result of the tanning process. 

Tanning starts with salt curing. This removes moisture from the leather hide. Doing so prevents bacterial growth during the time lag between the start and end of the tanning process.

The hide is then soaked to remove the salt. Next, a milk of lime treatment is used to remove any remaining hair, grease, or proteins. The hide is then treated with enzymes that soften the leather in processes known as deliming and bating. 

Finally, the leather is pickled with salt. The end result is a highly functional, flexible, and durable material that just so happens to exude a rich, heavenly aroma.

Scent is a powerful sense, heavily linked to memory and strong emotions. Smells also tend to be difficult to describe. The sensation of scent seems to operate somewhere outside of the realm of language. 

All we can really do to describe the smell of true leather is to repeat the adjectives that are most often used: earthy, oak, organic, natural, rich, soothing, luxurious.

For some people, that smell just clicks. The “leather smell” becomes the scent you look for in colognes. Consequently, you love the chance to get your hands on a new leather product to soak up that delicious aroma.

Artificial leather products may try to imitate the leather smell, but there’s rarely much success. If there’s any leather scent, it’s likely to be thin and fleeting.

Typically, fake leather items won’t have much smell at all. Or, they may have a plastic, chemical odor.

If you love the smell of leather, you’ll sniff out a phony from a mile away. In summary, next time you’re wondering if a piece of material is actual leather or an imitator: apply the smell test.

Belt - Heritage Brown

Aside from the aroma, the patina is the next most beloved characteristic of high-quality leather. 

At Popov Leather, we use full-grain leather. The wonderful patina that develops over time is one of the distinguishing characteristics of full-grain leather (in comparison to cheaper varieties like “top-grain” or “genuine” leathers).

Patina is the sheen that develops on the surface of certain materials. It appears as a result of the passing of time in combination with the contact and movement that occurs during heavy use.

Each time a piece of leather is folded or creased, exposed to the elements, or subjected to tiny scratches, the patina grows new lines and colors.

Various materials, like metals and wood, can develop a patina too. However, leather patina inspires a unique enthusiasm among owners of high-quality leather goods. That’s because a patina looks better and better as the years go by. As such, only a high-quality, well-crafted, and lovingly cared-for item can develop a rich and storied patina.

Full-grain leather produces the best patina because the uppermost portion of a hide is used, with various imperfections and beauty marks already intact.

Other leather varieties present a more uniform piece of material. The surface layer is reduced, thus sealing up the pores. Then, synthetic coatings are applied that further seal off the leather.

As a result, the potential for patina is limited. Plus, cheap leather products simply don’t last long enough to develop rich signs of aging.

And what about the various artificial leathers? Well, the materials for all the fake leathers out there are too varied to summarize. Suffice to say, if patina is a priority, then you’ll be choosing real leather.

Our third distinguishing characteristic of real leather is the way it feels. Real leather is pleasant to touch. It’s rugged, yet soft. Resilient, yet pliable. 

On the other hand, artificial leathers will have varying textures, depending on the material. Usually, you’ll notice a complete smoothness that makes for a very fake and unsatisfying feel. 

Leather, of course, is grainy. It’s smooth, but you can feel the richness of the texture. 

Fake leathers are also often rather cold to the touch. 

This involves the physical properties of the materials, as they transmit heat more easily, thus remaining cooler. Real leather maintains a bit more warmth.

Full-grain Horween leather belts by Popov Leather have all the trademarks of fine leather goods—quality you can see, feel, and definitely smell. 

We burnish and polish every edge and top it all off with a solid brass buckle.

We currently offer one design: the classic. The strap sizes are as follows:

Fortunately, our belts, along with most of our items, are available in these four colors:

• English Tan
• Heritage Brown
• Natural
• Black

Popov Leather belts pair attractively with any outfit; they’re equally functional and stunning for active wear or fancy dress.

For more leather goods, check out our variety of wallets, tech items, and much more.

To further explore your love of all things leather, visit the Popov Leather blog.