The short answer is probably not, but they could be. There is more than a simple yes or no. In reality, the phrase “genuine leather” is extremely broad and could cover any type of animal hide both those that are quality and those that are inferior. Because the term is so all-inclusive, belt makers often use the phrase “genuine leather” in a way that confuses and misleads consumers.
You see, most people think that a product labeled “genuine leather” means that the item is made with high quality leather. This is not normally correct. “Genuine” simply means real. But, real leather doesn’t equate to quality. Here’s what makes it more complicated.
1) Hides from different animals have different properties
Leather can come from any number of animals. Deer, bison, water buffalo, ostrich, cow, pig, sheep, alligator, and goat are just a few of the animals that people have used as leather. Each animal skin has different properties. For example, water buffalo skin is much thicker than goat skin; sheep skin will generally be more pliable than alligator hides. In the American market though, if a belt says “genuine leather” it will more than likely be from a cow. This is because, of course, the cow has a very large hide and is farmed widely. Other leathers like alligator and ostrich are much rarer and often used in high-end luxury products.
Leather can come from any number of animals
2) The technique used will give the end product different properties.
A hide fresh off an animal will rot if left to itself. A hide must undergo a process (called tanning) that takes a rawhide and transforms it into a useable piece of leather. Leather has been tanned for thousands of years. And as you can imagine, there are numerous ways to prepare a skin for use. A tannery will choose one of several methods depending on what characteristic they want out of leather. Two of the more common ways to tan leather are chrome tan and veg tan. If the end use is something like fancy gloves where the leather needs to be soft and comfortable, they may choose chrome tan. This method is a recent invention that is economical and timesaving.
Chrome tan leather is not suitable for products used in demanding situations. Veg tan is much more durable.
However, chrome tan leather is not suitable for products that are used in more demanding situations like thick outdoor garden gloves, belts, and work boots. For these applications, veg tan leather is more appropriate. Making leather with veg (vegetable) tan makes leather that is stiffer, more durable, and normally thicker. Veg tan is an ancient process used to create leather items that can last for decades. The downside to this process is the time involved which can be several weeks from beginning to end.
Keep in mind that “genuine leather” can be either (or a different) tan of leather. If the leather tan doesn’t match its application, you will likely be disappointed when the product is either uncomfortable or doesn’t last long. To be sure you get what you want from a leather product, try to find out what tanning process was used to create the leather.
3) Different parts of an animal have different properties
Thirdly, not every part of an animal hide is created the same. Some parts are more flexible (ex. cowhide around legs) and some areas are stiffer (ex. back of the cow). Each area on an animal hide will produce a product with different qualities. The density of the leather fibers will create either a leather that is prone to shredding or a leather that will be tough and hard-wearing. Again (not to be redundant), the less desirable parts of hide will be sold very cheaply and marketed as a “genuine leather” product. This leads short-lived products and disappointed customers.
Each part of an animal hide will produce a leather with different qualities
4) The thickness of the leather will change its durability
It doesn’t take much effort to tear open wrapping paper or rip up a single piece of copy paper. But, very few have the strength to split a phonebook up (note for younger readers: that’s a big book with hundreds of pages). Just like with paper, the thinner the leather, the less durable it is. Sadly, most “genuine leather” products on the market will use as thin of a piece of leather as possible. This is, needless to say, to make goods as inexpensively as they can. When the shoe, belt, or Bible case are purchased and used regularly, the item will quickly deteriorate because the product was never meant to last.
Leather belts, for instance are notorious for this kind of deceptive marketing. The top of the leather will be a paper-thin piece of leather. The rest of the thickness of the belt will be made up of cheap materials like plastic, cardboard, or cloth padding: all of which combine to create a very weak belt.
Leather belts are notorious for deceptive marketing.
The best leather goods are made almost exclusively of leather. Unless the other material adds a specific characteristic to the item (comfort, practicality, decoration, etc.) any other material is likely just added to decrease the manufacturing cost and simultaneously decrease the usable life of the item.
So, in summary, the vast majority of the time you see “genuine leather” on a product, your yellow flags should be going up. If the manufacturer doesn’t reveal more details about the leather product, that probably means they are trying to market cheap products to customers who don’t know what to look for. Unlike most junk products, iwantabelt.com makes our products out of solid leather. Our leather is vegetable tanned to give your product the longest life possible. Every handcrafted product you get from us will live up to our stringent standards of quality and durability. Join the movement: Quality is back in style!
