Is this jacket made of leather?
'Pelle' — 'PEL-le'. Double 'l', held longer. Don't confuse with 'pelo' (fur) or 'pelle' (skin — same word).
When checking materials on jackets, bags or shoes. Real leather vs synthetic is a big distinction in Italian fashion — both in price and status.
'Di pelle' = of leather. 'Di + material' is the standard structure. 'Pelle' also means skin — context distinguishes. 'Vera pelle' = genuine leather, 'finta pelle' = faux leather.
È vera pelle o sintetico?
Is it genuine leather or synthetic?
Directly asking to distinguish between real and faux
È di pelle vegana?
Is it vegan leather?
Increasingly common question in Italian shops
Di che materiale è?
What material is it?
Open question — letting staff explain
Italy is world-renowned for leather goods. Florence's leather district (Santa Croce) and the Pitti Uomo trade show make Italy the global epicentre of leather craftsmanship. Real leather is always worth the investment.