[Caution] Things you should definitely check before buying genuine leather products online
Hello, this is Nakajima, a designer at HushTug.
Lately, we've been buying more and more bags and daily necessities online, haven't we?
Have you ever seen something online and thought, "This looks good!" and bought it, only to receive it and realize, "This isn't what I expected..."?
Leather products, in particular, often have qualities like texture and luster that are difficult to convey through photos, making them one of the items where there's a significant gap between expectation and reality.
So, this time, I'd like to introducethe points you should absolutely check when buying genuine leather products online.
It's genuine leather, but "a little different"...? It might actually be "bonded leather"
When you see "genuine leather" or "cowhide" written, you tend to buy it with peace of mind, don't you?
However, if the material name on the product page says"split leather" (牛床革 - gyu-toko-gawa), you need to be a little careful.
This is actually cowhide, but it's a different material from what's generally imagined as "high-quality" genuine leather.
What is "Split Leather"? - Leather made by reusing discarded parts
In the leather processing process, a step called "skiving" is performed.
This is the process of adjusting the thickness of the leather by slicing it thinly.
At this time, the part with the beautiful surface grain, called "ginmen (銀面)", is used for what is generally considered high-quality genuine leather.
On the other hand, the "back layer" that remains after slicing is called "toko-gawa (床革)" (split leather), and "gyu-toko-gawa (牛床革)" (cow split leather) is made by processing this with paint or other methods to make it resemble grain leather.
What is "split leather"? Is it different from genuine leather?
"Split leather (牛床革)" refers to leather made from the back part (the "flesh" side) of cowhide that is produced during processing.
Unlike genuine leather (full-grain leather), split leather has a coarse fiber structure and low durability, so it is distributed at a lower price.
Characteristics of Split Leather
- Lower price
→ It has a lower cost than regular genuine leather, so it's used in inexpensive products.
- Low durability
→ Its coarse fibers and lack of suppleness make it more prone to deterioration than genuine leather.
- High absorbency
→ It absorbs water easily and is prone to stains.
- Coated
→ Its surface is coated to resemble genuine leather, but the texture is different.
Even if it says "genuine leather," if it also states "split leather," it's different from genuine leather, so caution is needed.
Points to note when buying genuine leather online
Always check the product's "material name"
When purchasing genuine leather products, check the "material name" on the product page.
| Meaning | Caution | |
|---|---|---|
| Genuine Leather (Cowhide) | Natural leather | No problem |
| Split Leather | Processed back of genuine leather | Low durability, different texture |
| Synthetic Leather (PU Leather, Faux Leather) | Man-made material | Deteriorates quickly |
Do not judge by photos alone
Product photos are important for online shopping, but it's dangerous to judge solely by images.
Due to lighting and editing, colors and textures may appear different from the actual product.
Check reviews and testimonials
By looking at reviews from actual purchasers, you can gain information that isn't apparent from photos.
If there are comments like "It was stiffer than I expected" or "It felt cheap," you need to be careful.
Purchase from a trusted brand or store
It is best to purchase genuine leather products from a trusted brand or store.
For example, HushTug uses only genuine leather (full-grain) for all its products, so you can purchase with confidence.
How to identify genuine leather products
Before purchasing online, checking the following points can help you determine if it's genuine leather.
Check the smell (after online purchase)
Genuine leather has a distinctive leather smell, while synthetic leather and split leather often have a chemical odor.
Observe the surface texture
Genuine leather has natural wrinkles and pores, while synthetic leather and split leather have a uniform, artificial texture.
Check the back side
The back of genuine leather is like suede, but split leather often has a rough, fibrous texture.
Test water absorption (after online purchase)
Genuine leather absorbs a little water, while synthetic leather repels water. However, some products may be waterproofed, so this is not always a definitive indicator.
Once you've purchased a genuine leather product, proper maintenance will allow you to enjoy it for a long time.
*Click on the image to jump to the article.
Summary
When purchasing genuine leather products online, make sure to check the material name and be aware of terms like "split leather."
Key Points Summary
- Understand the difference between genuine leather and synthetic leather.
- Know that "split leather" is different from genuine leather and has lower durability.
- When shopping online, carefully check the material description.
- Don't judge by product photos alone; check reviews.
- Purchase from a trusted brand.
HushTug offers products made entirely of genuine leather (full-grain), so you can shop with confidence.
If you're considering purchasing genuine leather products, please use this as a reference!
▼Related video here▼
HushTug has physical stores in addition to its online store.
You can actually pick up and view the products listed online.
You can also purchase new items on the spot, so please feel free to stop by.
*Only cashless payments are accepted. Please note that cash payments are not possible.