There are a variety of different leathers used when manufacturing leather goods. From animal hide types to dyes to preparations, the limit is truly endless. Some leathers work better than others for certain products, keeping wear in mind. In addition to durability, style and personal preference play a large role in leather selection.
Common Types
Full Grain - This strong and durable leather has not been sanded, buffed, or snuffed on the surface so it is not as smooth and lends a natural look. The breathable nature acquires less moister and it naturally patinas in color during its lifetime. This is made from the top layer of the hide. Bags are not normally made from this except for high quality pieces because it is difficult to work with for smaller pieces, this is the most common for shoes.
Top Grain - This is the second highest quality leather and the most popular in luxury leather goods. The split layer has been taken away and this is thinner and more pliable. This also does not age as well because the strongest fibers were sanded away. It is treated with a finish coat and sanding; due to this there is no natural patina and a colder feel. This leather is stain resistant and these are the strongest popular, easy to find leather goods.
Corrected Grain - This is a leather that has an artificial grain applied on the surface, so leather no meeting the high standards for vegetable or other tanned leathers. After the perfections are sanded off, there is an artificial grain embossed and pigments applied on top to hide imperfections even more. This can also be referred to as Genuine Leather and is most popular for wallets for affordability.
Split Leather - This is made from the fibrous part of the leather after the top rawhide has been separated. This is used to create suede, which is tougher than clothed and a great fabric for lining.
Bonded Leather - This is the collected dust from other leather that are glued and pressed together, used to mix with synthetic leather. This is the weakest of leather.
Common Finishes:
Chrome Tanned - This is produced by using chromium salts, blue and other exotic colors can be produced by this method. It is pliable, supple, and keeps shape and form easily. It is also easy to produce in about a day, and makes up 80% of leather goods.
Vegetable Tanned - This is tanned using tannins from vegetables, bark, wood, leaves, fruits, and roots. Normally the leather results supple and brown with shade variation based on tannins and animal hide. This is not good in water, it will discolor, shrink, and harden.
Aldehyde Tanned - Using Aldehyde chemicals, this leather is white or cream in color.
Rose Tanned - This rare, lengthy process is created by using rose otto oil in place of other oils and the leather goods keep a delightful rose scent.Types of Leather Used To Make Wallets, Purses, and Bags
There are a variety of different leathers used when manufacturing leather goods. From animal hide types to dyes to preparations, the limit is truly endless. Some leathers work better than others for certain products, keeping wear in mind. In addition to durability, style and personal preference play a large role in leather selection.
Common Types
Full Grain - This strong and durable leather has not been sanded, buffed, or snuffed on the surface so it is not as smooth and lends a natural look. The breathable nature acquires less moister and it naturally patinas in color during its lifetime. This is made from the top layer of the hide. Bags are not normally made from this except for high quality pieces because it is difficult to work with for smaller pieces, this is the most common for shoes.
Top Grain - This is the second highest quality leather and the most popular in luxury leather goods. The split layer has been taken away and this is thinner and more pliable. This also does not age as well because the strongest fibers were sanded away. It is treated with a finish coat and sanding; due to this there is no natural patina and a colder feel. This leather is stain resistant and these are the strongest popular, easy to find leather goods.
Corrected Grain - This is a leather that has an artificial grain applied on the surface, so leather no meeting the high standards for vegetable or other tanned leathers. After the perfections are sanded off, there is an artificial grain embossed and pigments applied on top to hide imperfections even more. This can also be referred to as Genuine Leather and is most popular for wallets for affordability.
Split Leather - This is made from the fibrous part of the leather after the top rawhide has been separated. This is used to create suede, which is tougher than clothed and a great fabric for lining.
Bonded Leather - This is the collected dust from other leather that are glued and pressed together, used to mix with synthetic leather. This is the weakest of leather.
Common Finishes:
Chrome Tanned - This is produced by using chromium salts, blue and other exotic colors can be produced by this method. It is pliable, supple, and keeps shape and form easily. It is also easy to produce in about a day, and makes up 80% of leather goods.
Vegetable Tanned - This is tanned using tannins from vegetables, bark, wood, leaves, fruits, and roots. Normally the leather results supple and brown with shade variation based on tannins and animal hide. This is not good in water, it will discolor, shrink, and harden.
Aldehyde Tanned - Using Aldehyde chemicals, this leather is white or cream in color.
Rose Tanned - This rare, lengthy process is created by using rose otto oil in place of other oils and the leather goods keep a delightful rose scent.