How to recognize real leather sofa from synthetic one?

Answer 1

Shopping for leather jackets in Korea, we used to break out a Bic lighter. Synthetic wouldn't stand up to the heat -- and it'd drive the shop owners nuts!

Answer 2

Sometimes these days they are very difficult to tell apart. There are some very good imitations like alcantara, buffalo and some bicast leathers are also can look like the real thing.

In the UK anything that isn't leather cannot be sold as such so they would be breaking the law if they were however this depends lot on where you are buying it from.

The burn test does work but is not to be recommended!!!!!!

The feel of the surface should tell you something but unless you are used to what different types of leather feel like then this may not always be easy. If you can get to the back of any part of it this should tell you as imitations will have a fabric backing.

There is no easy way to do this other than questioning the salesperson.

Answer 3

Real leather has a "feel" to it, soft, satiny, not cold to the touch. Imitations feel cold, with a hard fish that feels too slick for leather. Vinyl which is the most used, will "turn water" like glass, leather won't unless its oiled, or waxed. That you can feel!

Answer 4

The price is your best guide.