[Caution] Things you should definitely check before buying genuine leather products online
Hello, this is Nakajima, a designer at HushTug.
These days, we're buying more and more bags and daily necessities online, aren't we?
Have you ever bought something online, thinking "This looks good!" just from the pictures, only to find it's "not what I expected..." when it arrives?
Leather products, in particular, often have qualities like texture and luster that are difficult to convey through photos, making them prone to discrepancies between the actual product and expectations.
Therefore, this time, I'd like to introduce key points you absolutely must check when buying genuine leather products online.
It's genuine leather, but "a little different"...? It might actually be "split leather"
When something is labeled "genuine leather" or "cowhide," it's easy to buy it with peace of mind.
However, if the material name on the product page says "gyu-toko-gawa" (牛床革), which means cow split leather, you need to be a little careful.
This is because, while it is cowhide, it's a different material from the "high-quality" genuine leather that people generally imagine.
What is "Split Leather"? - Leather made from recycled discarded parts
During the leather processing, a step called "skiving" is performed.
This is a process of adjusting the thickness of the leather by slicing it thinly.
At this time, the part with the beautiful surface, called "ginmen (grain)," is used for what is known as high-quality genuine leather.
On the other hand, the "back layer" that remains after slicing is "toko-gawa (split leather)," and "gyu-toko-gawa (cow split leather)" is what you get when this is finished by painting it to make it look like grain leather.
What is "Split Leather"? Is it different from genuine leather?
"Gyu-toko-gawa (cow split leather)" refers to leather made from the back part (flesh side) that occurs when processing cowhide.
Unlike genuine leather (grain leather), split leather has coarse fibers and low durability, so it is distributed at a low price.
Characteristics of Split Leather
- Low price
- Low durability
- High water absorption
- Painted surface
→ Because it costs less than regular genuine leather, it is used in inexpensive products.
→ Its fibers are coarse and lack suppleness, making it more prone to deterioration than genuine leather.
→ Easily absorbs water and can stain easily.
→ The surface is painted to imitate genuine leather, but the texture is different.
Even if it says "genuine leather," if it also states "cow split leather," please be aware that it is different from genuine leather.
Precautions 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 issues |
| Cow Split Leather | Processed flesh side of genuine leather | Low durability, different texture |
| Synthetic Leather (PU leather, Faux leather) | Artificially made material | Deteriorates quickly |
Don't judge by photos alone
Product photos are crucial for online shopping, but it's risky to judge solely by images.
Due to lighting and editing, the actual color and texture may appear different from what is shown.
Check reviews and testimonials
By looking at reviews from actual purchasers, you can get 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/shop
It's best to buy genuine leather products from a trusted brand or shop.
For example, HushTug uses only genuine leather (full-grain) for all its products, so you can purchase with confidence.
How to distinguish genuine leather products
Before purchasing online, checking the following points can make it easier to determine if it's genuine leather.
Check the smell (after online purchase)
Genuine leather has a distinctive leather scent, while synthetic leather and split leather often have a chemical odor.
Look at the surface texture
Genuine leather has natural wrinkles and pores, whereas synthetic leather and split leather have a uniform, artificial texture.
Check the reverse side
The reverse side of genuine leather is like suede, while split leather often has a rough, fibrous texture.
Test water absorption (after online purchase)
Genuine leather absorbs a little water, while synthetic leather repels it. However, some products may be waterproofed, so this isn't always a definitive test.
Once you've purchased a genuine leather product, you can enjoy it for a long time with proper maintenance.
*Click the image to jump to the article.
Summary
When purchasing genuine leather products online, be sure to check the material name carefully and pay attention to notations such as "cow 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
- Always check the material description when shopping online
- Don't judge by product photos alone; check reviews
- Purchase from a trusted brand
HushTug exclusively offers products made from genuine leather (full-grain), so you can shop with confidence.
If you are considering purchasing genuine leather products, please use this as a reference!
▼Related video here▼
HushTug has physical stores in addition to its online shop.
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.
*Payment is only accepted via cashless methods. Please note that cash payments are not available.
