Is Genuine Leather Real? Everything You Need to Know Before Buying

Leather Terminology

When shopping for leather products, you’ve seen a bunch of labels genuine leather, real leather, full-grain, top-grain, and even bonded leather. These aren’t just marketing words they tell you a lot about the quality, durability, and price of the product you’re looking at.

But one term still confuses consumers: genuine leather. Sounds legit, right? But does it mean high quality? And how does it compare to real leather?

At Glory Store, we believe in educating our customers. Whether you’re shopping for a rugged Biker Jacket or a fancy Leather Coat, knowing what you’re buying makes all the difference. This article breaks down everything about genuine leather what it really is, how it compares to others, and if it’s worth it.

What Is Genuine Leather?

Despite the name “genuine” sounding good, genuine leather is actually a mid-tier material in the leather hierarchy. It’s real animal hide, usually cowhide, but not the best part.

After a hide is tanned, it’s often split into layers. The top layer, which includes the grain and natural imperfections, is used for full-grain or top-grain leather. What’s left often the lower layers is used to make genuine leather. It’s real leather, but not the good stuff.

To make it look better, genuine leather is:

• Buffed to remove natural grain
• Dyed or pigmented to get uniform color
• Embossed to mimic higher grades

This leather is still durable and affordable, but lacks the luxury feel, breathability, and aging characteristics of full-grain leather.

Genuine Leather vs Real Leather

Let’s get this straight: genuine leather is real leather, but not all real leather is genuine leather.

Real leather is a broad term used in marketing to mean the product is made from actual animal hide. It can include:

• Full-grain leather
• Top-grain leather
• Genuine leather
• Bonded leather (though this is heavily processed)

Genuine leather is a specific tier in the quality hierarchy. It’s lower than full-grain and top-grain, but higher than bonded or synthetic leather.

Why the confusion?

Brands often use the term “real leather” to add appeal without specifying the grade. Consumers then assume that “genuine leather” must be the best because it sounds more “official.” In reality, it’s a term that simply confirms authenticity, not quality.

Leather Grades

To fully understand genuine leather’s place in the hierarchy, you need to know the four main leather grades:

1. Full-Grain Leather

The highest grade keeps the natural grain with all its imperfections. Known for breathability, patina development, and durability.

2. Top-Grain Leather

The second-best tier the grain layer is sanded down for a more uniform look. It’s more processed than full-grain but still good.

3. Genuine leather

The bottom layer of the hide. Often treated and coated to mimic higher-end leathers. Decent durability and affordable.

4. Bonded Leather

Made from leather scraps, glued and pressed together. Least durable and least natural, often mistaken for leatherette.

Genuine leather sits between top-grain and bonded leather, real leather authenticity and affordability.

Manufacturing Process of Genuine Leather

Knowing how genuine leather is made helps you understand its properties.

Step 1: Splitting the Hide

The raw hide is split into two or more layers:

• The top layer becomes full or top-grain
• The bottom layers are used for genuine leather

Step 2: Tanning

The leather is tanned, usually with chrome salts, to stabilize the proteins and make it durable.

Step 3: Buffing and Sanding

Genuine leather is buffed smooth to remove blemishes and grain inconsistencies.

Step 4: Finishing and Pigmenting

The leather is coated with pigments or polymers to give uniform color and finish. Some are embossed to mimic grain patterns.

This process gives visual consistency but sacrifices natural breathability and patina development found in full-grain leather.

Genuine Leather Features

Here’s what you can expect from genuine leather products:

·         Medium durability: More durable than faux leather but less than full-grain

·         Processed look: Often uniform and no natural grain texture

·         Stiff texture: Less supple than top-grade leathers

·         Synthetic smell: Finish masks the natural leather smell

·         Affordable price: Budget friendly entry into real leather

It’s good for products like wallets, Leather belt and jackets that need a decent life without the high price tag.

Is Genuine Leather Good Quality?

It depends on context and expectation.

Pros:

·         It’s real leather, not plastic

·         Decent durability and wearing resistance

·         More affordable than top-grain or full-grain

·         Used in fashion items with controlled look

Cons:

·         No patina

·         More prone to cracking and peeling over time

·         Not as breathable as higher grades

At Glory Store, we use genuine leather where look, budget and function align. If you’re looking for heirloom quality jackets, we recommend top-grain or full-grain options like our Kangaroo Leather or Shell Cordovan Leather collections.

Common Products Made from Real Leather

Real leather hits the sweet spot of aesthetics, durability, and price, so it’s no wonder it’s used for:

·         Belts: Rigid, structured and can hold hardware

·         Wallets: Easy to emboss and dye, many colors available

·         Handbags: Visual appeal at a lower price point

·         Footwear: Formal shoes where appearance matters more

·         Jackets: Mid-range lines like those at Glory Store

We recommend real leather jackets for customers looking for a stylish and affordable real-leather option. Perfect for casual wear and seasonal fashion without burning a hole in your pocket.

How to Tell if it’s Real Leather

If you’re not sure if your product is real leather, here’s how to check:

·        Smell Test

Real leather has a earthy smell. Synthetic or bonded alternatives smell like plastic or glue.

·        Touch & Texture

Genuine leather feels smooth and even, sometimes stiff. Unlike full-grain, it won’t show pores or irregularities.

·        Water Drop Test

A few drops of water on real leather will absorb slowly, darken the area. Fake leather will repel water.

·        Flexibility Test

Real leather will crease and flex naturally, while PU leather will crack or stay stiff.

·        Labeling

Look for terms like “genuine leather” or “100% leather”. But beware of vague terms like “leather look” or “man-made leather”.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Genuine Leather?

Yes, if you’re looking for:

·         A real leather product at a mid-range price

·         A stylish jacket that looks like high-end leather

·         Products with reasonable lifespan for everyday use

No, if you want:

·         A long-term investment with maximum durability

·         Natural patina development

·         Premium luxury look

At Glory Store, we have a wide range of leather jackets from genuine leather options for everyday affordability to premium-grade items like:

·    Kangaroo Leather Jackets: Light, durable and tear-resistant

·    Deerskin Leather Jackets: Soft, supple and for comfort lovers

·    Shell Cordovan Leather Jackets: Luxury leather with unmatched shine and density

Whatever you choose, our goal is the same to provide authentic leatherwear with transparency, value and style.