There are many alternatives to natural cowhides available on the market today. While some retailers price and advertise their products clearly, others can make it a little bit harder to discern between what’s a real cowhide rug and what’s not. Below, we’ve listed some simple yet significant details that set our authentic hides far above and apart from synthetic fakes.

Authentic Hides Feel Soft and Bristly 

One of the starkest contrasts between a genuine and a fake hide comes from its composition. A fake cowhide is typically made from synthetic materials - think plastics, nylon, petroleums - and this can be easily felt. 

While the fur of a real cowhide rug is fine, it is also densely packed; this combination makes it both soft and bristly to the touch, depending on the angle at which it is approached. A fake cowhide is more likely to feel soft at first, yet stringy; it will also disintegrate and lead to bald patches in a reasonably short amount of time. If you are able to easily pull the fur from its casing, you’re likely dealing with a fake: real cowhide fur is quite firmly embedded within its base, and with proper care, will last for decades to come. 

A Real Cowhide Rug Will Not Crease

A real hide is also smooth in appearance and does not hold creases (from folding, rolling, etc), whereas a fake will not travel or store without permanent damage. 

Genuine Hides Have No Replicates

Another foolproof means of avoiding an inauthentic hide is to compare it to the products for sale around it. Do they look very similar - even identical? No real cowhide rug will look the same as any other. Just like a human’s fingerprint, no two cows share the exact same markings or fur distribution. If you can see half a dozen speckled grey hides lined up, one after the other and one just like the other, then there is a high chance that these are mass-produced fakes. Truly, one of the greatest drawcards of owning a hide is the knowledge that you have selected a one-of-a-kind, personal decoration for your space - so why settle for less?

The Price Will Reflect Whether it’s a Real Cowhide Rug or a Faux

Of course, it goes without saying that the quality and authenticity of a hide is reflected in its price. While not every cliche has value, certainly the old adage of getting what you pay for rings true here - put simply, a fake rug will typically be priced quite low, while the cost of a genuine hide will reflect its durability, quality, and longevity. 

Shop IZEL DESIGNS for Guaranteed Authenticity, Quality, and Style

Authenticity is important to us, and we spare no effort in sourcing our hides meticulously and sustainably. We do this because we view your purchase of one of our products as a reflection of your time, your taste, and your intention; upon all of which we place immense value. When you are sourcing the perfect piece for your space, it’s important to remember that our genuine hides are naturally better and better, naturally, than inauthentic copies. 

Please feel free to contact us if you’re not sure, we can help you discern a real cowhide rug from a fake!