1. Introduction — Why Fake Leather Coats Are Everywhere in 2025 (And How to Protect Yourself)
Men’s Leather Coat is in high demand across AU as people prepare for the cooler seasons in australia 2025. As demand rises, so do the fake designer coats flooding the market. These look real from afar but fall apart quickly and don’t keep you warm when winter hits.
Whether you’re looking for a Men’s Brown Warm Winter Sheepskin Teddy Coat, a biker jacket or a premium shearling design, knowing how to spot a fake could save you hundreds of dollars.
This guide goes through 15 checks simple enough for beginners but detailed enough for seasoned shoppers. You’ll learn the exact signs experts use, how real leather behaves and how retailers like Glory Store AU ensure authenticity.
2. Understanding the Basics: Real Leather vs. Fake Leather
Before you can spot a fake, you need to know what real leather actually does. Real leather comes from animal hide, while synthetic (PU/PVC) leather is made from plastic.
How Real Leather Behaves
· Breathes naturally
· Develops patina over time
· Smells earthy, not chemical
· Has inconsistent grain
How Fake Leather Behaves
· Too shiny or plasticky
· Smells like chemicals or glue
· Grain pattern repeats uniformly
· Doesn’t age it cracks
Expert Note:
Leather specialists from the Australian Leather Clothing Association say “real leather looks imperfect but in a good way.”
3. The Touch Test — Your Most Reliable Tool
Your hands can tell the truth faster than your eyes.
Real Leather Feels
· Warm, flexible
· “Alive,” with natural give
· Slight grain texture
Fake Leather Feels
· Cold
· Stiff or rubbery
· Too smooth
Press your thumb into the leather. Real leather creates tiny ripples. Fake leather barely moves.
4. The Smell Check — A Strong Indicator
Smell is the easiest way to detect fakes.
Real Designer Leather Coats Smell:
· Woody
· Smoky
· Natural
Fake Coats Smell:
· Plastic
· Chemicals
· Sharp synthetic odors
If a seller won’t let you smell the coat, that’s a red flag.
5. Look Closer at the Grain Pattern
Real leather has imperfections because hide is unique.
Signs of Real Grain
· Non-uniform patterns
· Tiny scars or pores
· Slight texture shifts
Signs of Fake Grain
· Perfect repetition
· Printed patterns
· Smooth surfaces with no pores
When you compare real coats like a Men’s Brown Vintage Leather Shearling Sheepskin Coat you’ll always see natural grain variation.
6. The Importance of Stitching and Craftsmanship
Designer coats aren't just about looks - they're about the quality of the craftsmanship that goes into them.
You Can Tell by the Stitching
· Even spacing not too tight, not too loose.
· Strong thread not thin and flimsy.
· Clean corners no sloppy mistakes.
· Reinforced seams made to withstand wear and tear.
Warning Signs of Cheap Fake Craftsmanship
· Loose threads hanging out - or worse, coming undone.
· Lines that don't quite line up.
· Weak seams that'll fall apart before the coat is even a season old.
· Glue residue - because who uses glue on a real coat?
A top-of-the-line piece like a Men's Brown Traditional Shearling Sheepskin Coat will have stitching that's going to last for years tight, firm, and perfectly even.
7. Don't Forget to Check the Lining - It's a Dead Giveaway
What's inside your coat can tell you a whole lot about the brand.
The Signs of a High-End Lining
· Material that's actually worth using - polyester, cotton, or satin.
· Shearling that's plush and warm - not thin and scratchy.
· Insulation that's going to keep you warm even when it's freezing outside.
What You Don't Want to See
· Thin, crunchy polyester that's only there to save a buck.
· Insulation that's about as effective as a tissue.
· Artificial fur that sheds all over the place.
Good brands don't just phone it in on the inside of a coat.
8. Hardware Quality - Zippers, Buttons, and Clasps
High-end coats come with quality hardware from companies you've heard of and actually use.
What Sets Genuine Hardware Apart
· It's properly heavy
· Smooth to the touch
· Has all the right branding on it
· Will last for years without rusting
And Fakes Look Like This
· It’s far too light in weight
· The zipper is a bit of a chore to zip up and down because it’s so rough
· No effort has been put into branding, it's a blank slate
· It starts to get all discolored after a few washes
If a coat's zipper feels like it's going to fall apart chances are the coat is probably not going to last much longer.
9. Checking Labels & Tags
Designer coats have labels that tell you all about them.
Look Out For
· The brand name being spelled right (you'd be surprised how often it gets messed up)
· Details about the materials used
· Where it was made (not China, hopefully!)
· A serial number that you can actually register somewhere
Fake coats will have things like:
· Spelling mistakes on the brand name (you can tell a fake by a misspelt brand)
· Low grade stuff stuck on a tag that looks like it was printed on a photocopier
· Printing on the label that just looks rubbish
Now Glory Store AU puts tags in with their purchases that actually match up which is more than you can say for your average counterfeiter.
10. Testing Weight & Warmth
Top-quality leather coats are heavy and warm due to the thickness of the hide and the insulation inside.
What to Look for in a Genuine Leather Coat:
· It’s got some heft to it
· It keeps you warm for ages
· The leather itself feels solid and sound
· The warmth doesn't just fade away
Fake leather coats on the other hand tend to be:
· Far too light
· Cold to the touch
· Falls apart at the seams rather than keeping you warm
14. Expert Insight: What Leather Pros Have to Say
Leather workers down under say there are three things you need to check out:
1. Flexibility Test - A Stretch Test:
Genuine hide stretches a teensy bit. Fake leather bends like the flimsiest plastic.
2. Heat Test
Real leather warms up in your hand. Synthetic stays as cold as ice.
3. Age Test - The Patina
As leather gets older it develops character, while fake leather just starts to flake away.
A master craftsman in Melbourne put it like this:
“Premium leather never tries to pretend to be perfect. That's actually what makes it so lovely.”
15. Quick FAQs - For Smart Shoppers on The Go
Q1: Is fake leather always a bad thing?
Not always, but it's rarely going to offer the durability, insulation or feel that real leather gives you.
Q2: Do all designer coats use real shearling?
No, it really varies. Check the tags and brand info. Real shearling is a lot heavier and warmer.
Q3: What's the easiest way to spot a fake?
The touch and smell tests are probably the fastest way to figure it out.
Q4: Are fake leather coats safe to wear?
A lot of them contain PVC, which releases chemicals - especially if you stick it in a hot place.
Q5: How do I know I'm getting the real deal in Australia come 2025?
Buy from someone you trust like Glory Store AU, they do proper labelling and make sure you can track it back to where it came from.
Final Thoughts - Buy Smart, Stay Warm, Keep it Real
A proper Men’s Leather Coat is worth so much more than just a nice bit of fashion it's long-term value, warmth and style all wrapped into one. Knowing how to spot a fake designer coat helps you protect your cash and keep on cozying up all winter.
When shopping for authentic shearling or premium leather in AU you really should be buying from a reputable retailer like Glory Store AU. They're known for their high-quality Australian leather clothing that lasts and lasts.
The time to go shopping is now!