Check the smell: real leather has a natural, distinct scent
Feel the texture: real leather feels soft, warm, and slightly uneven
Look for pores: real leather has irregular pores and grain patterns
Inspect the edges: real leather edges are fibrous, not perfectly smooth
Test flexibility: real leather bends and creases naturally
Check the back side: real leather often has a suede-like underside
Look for labels: terms like full-grain, top-grain, genuine leather indicate real leather
Do a water test: real leather absorbs a small drop of water slowly
Examine the price: very low prices often indicate fake leather
Observe wear: real leather develops a patina over time