Types of Leather: Full-Grain, Suede, and More
Leather comes in lots of different styles and finishes, each suited for different products and looks. Here’s a quick guide to some common types:
• Full-Grain Leather: The highest quality. It’s thick and strong, with the original grain intact. You’ll find this in high-end leather belts, wallets, and durable bags. It develops a rich patina over time.
• Top-Grain Leather: Slightly thinner; the surface is sanded to remove imperfections. It has a more uniform appearance and is often used for smooth leather jackets and refined handbags. Top-grain leather is still very durable but not quite as rugged as full-grain.
• Genuine Leather (Corrected Grain): This is made from lower layers of hide, embossed with a grain pattern. It’s used in affordable wallets, belts, and shoes. It looks nice but isn’t as long-lasting as full-grain.
• Split Leather: When a hide is very thick, the inner layers (split leathers) can be used. Suede is a famous type of split leather, with a fuzzy, napped surface. Suede and Nubuck (which is top-grain leather buffed to a velvet finish) are soft and luxurious. They’re popular for jackets, shoes, and small accessories. Keep in mind suede is more absorbent (not great for rain) and requires special care (a suede brush and water repellent sprays).
• Exotic and Specialty Leathers: Beyond cowhide and lambskin, there are exotic leathers like alligator, ostrich, or snake. These often have distinct patterns (like ostrich quill marks) and are used for luxury items like wallets or watch straps. Then there are clever alternatives like cork leather (made from bark) or vegan leathers (polyurethane or plant-based), which mimic leather for bags and accessories.
Choosing the right leather depends on what you want:
• For workhorse durability, go with full-grain leather – perfect for a worn-in leather backpack or a rugged belt.
• For a slick, uniform look, top-grain leather offers style and strength (think smooth leather briefcases).
• For softness and drape, consider lambskin (as used in high-end jackets) or nubuck.
• For budget-friendly everyday items, genuine or bonded leather keeps costs down, though they won’t age like premium leather.
Whatever type you pick, quality craftsmanship matters. A well-made product – whether it’s a full-grain leather wallet or a suede leather notebook cover – will highlight the material’s best features. As an example of variety, our collection includes everything from classic full-grain leather belts to supple suede accessories, so you can find the perfect match for your style.
Whichever leather suits your style, explore our handcrafted range of leather wallets, bags, belts, and accessories today!