The Nappa Sleeve | Hand-Stitched Italian Leather Eyewear Case

1. Check the Texture and Surface

• Natural Grain: Genuine leather typically has a natural, uneven texture with visible pores, grains, and variations. No two pieces will look exactly the same. If the product feels completely smooth and uniform, it might be synthetic leather.
• Feel the Surface: Real leather feels soft, flexible, and warm to the touch. It will also feel more pliable and comfortable compared to synthetic materials, which may feel cooler or more rigid.

2. Smell the Product

• Leather Scent: Genuine leather has a distinctive, earthy smell. If it smells like plastic or chemicals, it may be synthetic. The smell of real leather can be strong when the product is new, but it should soften over time.

3. Examine the Edges

• Rough Edges: Real leather often has rough, unfinished edges that are either natural or have been sealed using a special leather treatment. Synthetic leather typically has a very neat and smooth edge, often with a plastic or rubberized finish.

4. Conduct a Water Test

• Absorption Test: If you put a small drop of water on real leather, it will absorb into the surface within a few seconds. Synthetic leather, on the other hand, will usually repel water and leave a bead on top.

5. Check for Pore Holes

• Natural Pores: Genuine leather will often show small, irregular pores on the surface. These pores are unique to each piece and help distinguish it from synthetic leather, which might have a uniform, fake-looking texture.

6. Burn Test (For Small Samples)

• Fire Reaction: If you have a small sample of the material (like a loose thread or scrap), you can carefully burn it (be cautious when doing so). Genuine leather will burn slowly and smell like burnt hair, while synthetic leather tends to burn faster and emit a plastic-like odor.

7. Look for a Leather Label

• Brand Labels: Some brands will label their products as "genuine leather" or "full-grain leather." However, note that the term "genuine leather" can sometimes be misleading, as it may refer to lower-quality leather, whereas "full-grain" or "top-grain" leather indicates higher quality.

8. Price and Craftsmanship

• Cost and Workmanship: Genuine leather products are typically more expensive due to the materials and craftsmanship involved. If the price seems unusually low for an item that is advertised as genuine leather, it could be a sign that the product is not made from real leather.

Handmade genuine leather products are more expensive because they are crafted by skilled artisans using high-quality leather and require more time to produce than mass-produced items. Additionally, each handmade piece has unique details, adding to its value.

Unlike synthetic leather products or other leather brands, which typically degrade after 2-3 years, the leather products at KitArt have a very high average lifespan, ranging from 5-10 years depending on the type of leather. For the handmade leather products at KitArt, the leather used is always full-grain, ensuring unmatched durability.

Each type of leather has unique properties:

• Cowhide is durable and thick, often used for products requiring high strength like bags and wallets.
• Sheepskin is soft and smooth, ideal for lighter items like jackets.
• Pigskin has distinctive pores and is durable, making it less prone to scratches.

Genuine leather has a natural scent, which can be strong when the product is new. However, the smell fades over time and is not harmful. To reduce the smell faster, leave the product in a well-ventilated area.