How to identify microfiber leather?
Identifying microfiber leather is easier than you think! Let me share some simple ways to tell if a material is microfiber leather. Whether you’re shopping for furniture, bags, or shoes, these tips will help you spot it.
First, start with the look. Microfiber leather often has a smooth, uniform surface. Unlike real leather, which has natural marks or wrinkles, microfiber leather looks more “perfect.” The color is usually even, without the slight variations you’d see in real leather. If you look closely, you might notice a very fine texture, almost like a dense fabric. It’s not shiny like plastic, but has a soft, matte finish that’s similar to suede or nubuck leather.
Next, touch it. Microfiber leather feels soft and flexible, almost like a smooth fabric. It’s not stiff like cheap plastic leather, and it has a bit of bounce when you press it. Pinch it between your fingers—if it springs back quickly, it’s likely microfiber. Real leather also feels soft, but it has a more “natural” texture, while microfiber feels consistently smooth. Another tip: rub your hand across it. Microfiber leather shouldn’t feel sticky or plasticky, just soft and comfortable.
Test its durability. Microfiber leather is tough, so try gently scratching it with your nail. If it’s real microfiber, the scratch should fade or disappear quickly. Cheap faux leather might leave a permanent mark, and real leather could show a light scratch. I once tested a wallet by scratching it lightly—when the mark went away, I knew it was microfiber!
Smell it. Microfiber leather usually has a mild, chemical smell (like new plastic), but it’s not strong. Real leather has a distinct, natural odor, and cheap vinyl often smells more like strong plastic. If the material smells too chemical or too “leathery,” it might not be microfiber. Wait a few days—new microfiber leather’s smell should fade, while cheap materials might keep smelling strong.
Check the back. Flip the item over if you can. Microfiber leather often has a fabric-like backing, sometimes with a thin foam layer. Real leather has a rough, fibrous back, and cheap vinyl might have a smooth, plastic backing. The back of microfiber leather isn’t as “raw” as real leather, but it’s not as shiny as plastic either.
Do a water test. Drop a little water on the surface. Microfiber leather is water-resistant, so the water should bead up instead of soaking in. Let it sit for a minute, then wipe it off—there should be no stain or damp mark. Real leather might absorb the water slightly, and cheap vinyl might let the water sit on top but feel sticky after.
In the end, combining these tests will help you identify microfiber leather. It’s a great material that looks and feels like real leather but is more affordable and durable. So next time you’re shopping, use these tips to spot the real microfiber from the fakes!
