Leather . Learn about leather.

Leather is a strong, flexible and durable material obtained from the tanning, or chemical treatment, of animal skins and hides to prevent decay. The most common leathers come from cattle, sheep, goats, equine animals, buffalo, pigs and hogs, and aquatic animals such as seals and alligators.

Leather can be used to make a variety of items, including clothing, footwear, handbags, furniture, decorations, belts, tools and sports equipment, and lasts for decades. Leather making has been practiced for more than 7,000 years and the leading producers of leather today are China and India.

How can you tell good quality leather?
Run your fingers across the surface grain to feel for tiny imperfections, which usually indicate real leather. If you're still not sure, smell the material. If it smells natural and slightly musty, it's probably real leather, but if it smells like plastic or chemicals, it's likely synthetic.
Check the surface grain, the little "pebbles" and pores, for imperfections and uniqueness that signal genuine leather. Imperfections, in leather, are actually a good thing. Remember, real leather is made from animal skin, and thus each piece is as random and unique as the animal it came from. Very regular, even, and similar grains often indicate a machine-made piece.
  • Real leather might have scratches, creases, and wrinkles -- this is a good thing!

Press into the leather, looking for creases and wrinkles. Real leather will wrinkle under the tough, just like real skin. Synthetic materials usually just depress down under your finger, retaining rigidity and shape.

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