Is your snakeskin belt real?

Snake is in! Reptiles of all varieties are slithering their way into women’s wardrobes across the planet. Belts, boots, handbags, coats, shirts, hats and even home décor products are seeing the wave of the snake. Surprisingly, those people with a snake phobia are bowing down to the wearing of snakeskin as well wearing the patterns in every color imaginable.

So which way do you go with your own snakeskin trend? With so much snake in your face it may be difficult to choose. First, know what works for you. If you aren’t a trendsetter then don’t buy ten things in snake patterns. Instead buy one or two things that are appropriate to your wardrobe. If you are a traditional dresser, then a slim snake belt and a small clutch may be all that you need. Better yet, purchase accessories that are trimmed in snake for a more subtle approach.

If you are a trendsetter, then have fun with it. Be aware of what you are putting together. Laying a snakeskin against a snakeskin could get a little scary, so match your skins and try not to go head to toe with them. Wearing snake is one thing, looking like a snake is another.

FAUX OR REAL?

The biggest decision you will have in some cases is whether to purchase the real thing or to go with a fake. If you just abhor the idea of wearing the real thing or you just do not have the money, then fake is the way to go. If you like value in your purchases and are aware of the possible investment aspect of a real snakeskin product and can afford it then obtaining the real thing will be for you.

­BUY A FAKE

Pseudo snakeskin is very similar to synthetic leather. Fake snake will usually have a fabric backing that gives the product some support and makes them stronger than the real deal. If you are buying a large item that is covered in snake, chances are it is a fake skin. Real snakeskin is fragile and unable to cover large areas without a lot of help.

Fake and real are difficult to tell apart. Pricing may not always tell you unless you consider the size of the product. A large sized satchel purse priced at around $600 is probably fake - pricey but fake due to the size of the snakeskin used. Remember real snakeskin is delicate and expensive, the more of it the higher the price.

Faux snake that has a pattern to it or a mix of colors is often created through a camera and screening process. Look closely at your faux purchase and you will be able to discern the photograph from the real thing.

­THE REAL DEAL

Snakeskin is delicate. The smaller the skin the more delicate it generally is. Because of the fragility factor a real snakeskin is mostly used for smaller items. Belts, handbags, wallets and shoes are the types of small items a real snakeskin will be found on. Often you will see a gloss or a shine to a snakeskin. That is a varnish or plastic finish that is applied to protect the skin from damage.

Real snakeskin is pricey. A handbag made of the good “stuff” can easily run upwards of $1000 to $2000. Shoes can start around $500. Purchase the real deal from a reputable dealer or manufacturer and not from the local street vendor. If they have the real deal and they are selling cheap then they have probably obtained it illegally. If they are telling you that wallet is real but they are selling it for $25 then you should question it. If you like the way it looks then buy it but know it is probably not real snakeskin.