1) Genuine leather (top grain leather) has very good elasticity, while split/PU leather hasn't. Pressing the surface of genuine leather with a finger, we can see some small wrinkles gathering around the finger tip; moving away the finger, those small wrinkles disappear naturally. This, does not happen with split/PU/synthetic leather. Moreover, when we touch the surface of a piece of genuine leather, we could notice that it may be soft and supple, we also feel warm and comfortable to touch it. In the case of synthetic/split leather, it is generally rigid, and it only gives the feeling of something cold and lifeless.
2)
Genuine leather has an inconsistent pattern of pores because it is natural. In contrast, manufactured leather has a consistent, repeating pattern. Although in this case it's much easier to deceive the rookie observer in this matter.
3) This is one of the most important tests. About your nose to the leather goods and smell it. In general, real lether has a characteristic odor, which is different depending on the leather, either belts, shoes, leather jackets or small leather goods. This distinct smell cannot be replicated by synthetic leather.
4) The ultimate test -- FIRE, the easiest way to identify the leather is through the fire.
(Not burning the leather) Taking the heat source and making it about 5cm away from the leather surface. If it starts to deform irregularly, that's faux/PU/synthetic/split leather. If vinyl or plastic, it could even burn. Instead, the genuine leather will not deform, it'll only get hot and return to its original state when cooled. This is a irrefutable test but we don't recommend to make that in a shop. (The effects could be a call to the fire department or a payment of a leather good to the clerk)
