Natural leather is a highly desirable and timeless material. Made from the skins of cows, calves, pigs, and alligators, it is often used in clothing, bags and accessories. This makes it an integral material in the fashion industry.
Genuine leather comes in many different types and qualities, ranging from high-end luxury to a low-quality material.
In this blog, we will discuss the different types of genuine leather and how to identify them.
What is Genuine Leather?
Genuine leather is a material that has been derived from animal skin. It is a naturally durable material and it is very breathable, making it comfortable in winter or summer.
Some feel that, for leather to be genuine, the skin must be unfinished or untanned, and that it can’t be exposed to chemical treatment, dyes or oils. With this in mind, genuine leather can be found in two broad categories: aniline and pigmented.
When it comes to genuine leather, aniline leather is most popular. This is unpigmented and tends to be more expensive. It has a smooth and soft feel, lending itself well to coats, jackets, bags, shoes and other accessories.
Pigmented genuine leathers are dyed with natural or artificial colors. This process is how genuine leather can come in so many unnatural colors.
Genuine leather is superior to faux leather, which is made of artificial materials like polyester, polyurethine, PVC and vinyl. Real leather is sustainable and lasts much longer than synthetic materials. It is also robust against damage.
Genuine leather can be identified by its smell and natural markings and scarring.
Comparing the Different Grades of Genuine Leather
Genuine leather comes in many different styles and qualities, depending on how it has been processed. The different types of leather are:
Full Grain Leather
This type of leather is by far the most robust and durable. It is heirloom quality, lasting many generations.
Unlike other types of leather, it is not sanded or buffed, meaning the natural blemishes and scars of the animal skin are maintained. This gives it a more natural look with less finish. Leather is generally thought to be more luxurious when it is more natural. Additionally, its beauty develops over time as the leather builds its patina.
As the most luxurious type of leather, full grain leather is highly sought after and the most expensive.
Top Grain Leather
While this type of leather is not considered as luxurious as full grain, it is still very high quality. Taken from the top cut of the hide, top grain leather is heavily refined, meaning the natural markings are smoothed out. This gives it a uniform appearance, making it highly desirable for luxury furniture, apparel, and accessories.
Top grain leather is highly durable, flexible and consistent. While it may become damaged over time, it is high quality and very resistant to water.
Split Grain Leather
This type of leather is the lower layers of the cut. While they are the leftovers and lower in quality, they are still sought after by budget-focused consumers. It is a versatile, breathable and stylish alternative to top grain.
Split grain leather shows no grains and has a soft, flexible texture and suede-like touch.
The downside of this type of leather is that it is not as durable and long-lasting as top-grain leather.
Looking for High Quality Leather Products?
At Bull Sheath Leather, all our products are handcrafted in Texas from full-grain American leather. We sell only the highest quality leather wallets and accessories for men and women.
Take a look at our artisan product range on our website.
