The Different Types of Leather Explained

Buying leather products can be confusing, especially with all the different types of leather you hear about. If you want to buy a leather bag, wallet, belt, or jacket, knowing the basics about leather types can help you choose the best quality and get the most value for your money.

In this guide, we’ll explain the most common types of leather, especially top grain leather and full grain leather, and help you understand which one fits your needs. We’ll also answer some of the most common questions about leather types and about Bufalo d’Oro, a brand known for its quality leather goods.

What Are the Different Types of Leather?

Leather comes from animal hides, mostly cows. The difference between types of leather is mostly about how the hide is treated and finished. This affects its look, feel, durability, and price.

The main types of leather buyers should know are:

• Full Grain Leather
• Top Grain Leather
• Corrected Grain Leather
• Split Leather
• Genuine Leather
• Nubuck Leather
• Suede Leather
• Patent Leather
• Vegetable-Tanned Leather
• Chrome-Tanned Leather
• Oil-Tanned Leather

Full Grain Leather: The Best Type of Leather for Buyers

Full grain leather is the highest quality leather you can buy. It comes from the top layer of the hide and has not been sanded or buffed to remove imperfections. That means it keeps the natural grain and markings of the animal skin.

• Why it’s great: Full grain leather is extremely strong, durable, and develops a beautiful patina (soft shine and color change) over time.
• How it feels: It feels soft but sturdy, and the natural texture makes it unique.
• Best for: Leather bags, wallets, belts, and jackets that you want to last for years.
• Price: Usually more expensive but worth the money because of its quality.

You’ll hear the term full grain leather many times when shopping because it means the product is made of the very best real leather.

Top Grain Leather: Durable and Stylish Leather for Everyday Use

Top grain leather is the second-best type of leather after full grain. It is made from the top layer of the hide too, but it has been sanded and treated to remove imperfections. That makes it smoother and easier to clean.

• Why it’s great: Top grain leather looks nice, feels soft, and is a bit more affordable than full grain. It still lasts a long time but isn’t as strong or natural-looking as full grain leather.
• How it feels: Smooth and polished, but not as breathable as full grain.
• Best for: Stylish wallets, belts, and bags that need to look perfect and last well.
• Price: Less expensive than full grain but higher than lower-grade leathers.

When you see top grain leather on a product label, it means you’re getting good quality leather that balances appearance and durability.

Corrected Grain Leather: What You Should Know

Corrected grain leather is made from hides that have imperfections. These hides are sanded down, and a new grain layer is stamped or painted on top to give a flawless look.

• Why it’s used: It’s more affordable and hides blemishes well.
• How it feels: The texture is often artificial and less natural.
• Best for: Budget-friendly leather products where perfect look matters more than long-term durability.
• Price: Cheaper than full grain and top grain leathers.

Split Leather and Genuine Leather: Lower-Grade Leathers for Budget Buyers

Split leather comes from the lower layers of the hide after the top grain is removed. It’s usually rougher and less durable.

Genuine leather is a broad term and can include corrected grain and split leathers. While it’s real leather, it’s lower quality and doesn’t last as long.

• Why it’s used: For inexpensive leather goods.
• How it feels: Rough or smooth but less strong.
• Best for: Cheap belts, wallets, or shoes.
• Price: The most affordable leather option.

Nubuck Leather: Soft and Velvety but Durable

Nubuck leather is made by sanding the outer surface of full grain leather to create a soft, velvety feel similar to suede but stronger and more durable.

• Why it’s great: It looks very elegant and feels soft to touch.
• How it feels: Velvety and smooth but more robust than suede.
• Best for: Shoes, bags, and jackets that need a soft finish but good strength.
• Price: Usually similar in price to top grain leather.

Suede Leather: Soft and Flexible but Less Durable

Suede leather comes from the underside of the hide (split leather). It is soft, flexible, and has a fuzzy surface.

• Why it’s great: Suede looks stylish and feels soft.
• How it feels: Very soft but can be less durable and more prone to stains.
• Best for: Fashion items like shoes, jackets, or gloves that won’t see rough use.
• Price: More affordable than full grain and top grain leathers.

Patent Leather: Shiny and Fashionable

Patent leather is leather coated with a shiny, glossy finish.

• Why it’s great: It has a high-gloss finish perfect for formal shoes or bags.
• How it feels: Smooth and shiny but less breathable.
• Best for: Dress shoes, bags, or accessories for special occasions.
• Price: Price varies depending on base leather quality but usually mid-range.

Vegetable-Tanned Leather: Natural and Eco-Friendly

Vegetable-tanned leather is tanned using natural plant extracts instead of chemicals. This process is slow but produces leather with a rich, warm color and a firm texture.

• Why it’s great: Eco-friendly and develops a beautiful patina over time.
• How it feels: Firm and slightly stiff at first but softens with use.
• Best for: High-quality bags, belts, and wallets that age well.
• Price: Usually priced similarly to full grain leather.

Chrome-Tanned Leather: Soft and Water-Resistant

Chrome-tanned leather is tanned using chromium salts, making it soft, flexible, and resistant to water and stains.

• Why it’s great: Fast to produce and good for everyday use.
• How it feels: Soft and pliable right away.
• Best for: Fashion items, upholstery, and shoes.
• Price: Generally less expensive than vegetable-tanned leather.

Oil-Tanned Leather: Durable and Water-Resistant

Oil-tanned leather is treated with oils that make it highly water-resistant and flexible. It’s often used in outdoor and work gear.

• Why it’s great: Very durable and weather-resistant.
• How it feels: Soft, oily, and flexible.
• Best for: Outdoor boots, bags, and heavy-duty items.
• Price: Mid to high price range depending on quality.

How to Choose Between Top Grain Leather and Full Grain Leather?

• Choose full grain leather if you want the best quality, natural look, and durability that improves with age.
• Choose top grain leather if you want a smoother, more uniform look that is easier to maintain but still offers good durability.
• Avoid lower-grade leathers if you want your product to last longer.

Caring for Your Leather Goods

Proper care can significantly extend the life of your leather products. Here are some basic tips:

• Keep leather dry: Avoid excessive water exposure; if wet, let it air dry naturally.
• Clean regularly: Use a soft, damp cloth or special leather cleaners designed for your leather type.
• Condition leather: Apply leather conditioner periodically to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking.
• Store properly: Store leather items in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Stay away from household cleaners or solvents that can damage leather.

Why Choose Bufalo d’Oro Leather Products?

Bufalo d’Oro is a brand dedicated to crafting leather goods with the highest standards of quality. We use premium full grain and top grain leathers, carefully selected and treated to ensure durability, style, and timeless appeal.

Our products are designed for customers who appreciate genuine craftsmanship and want our leather items to last a lifetime, developing unique character with use.

When you buy Bufalo d’Oro, you invest in leather goods that combine tradition, quality materials, and thoughtful design.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the different types of leather helps you make smart buying decisions and appreciate the value of quality leather products. Whether you choose full grain for its natural beauty and longevity or top grain for its smooth finish and affordability, knowing these basics will guide you to the right product.

Remember to care for your leather items properly to enjoy them for years. And if you want premium leather goods that stand out, consider brands like Bufalo d’Oro, where quality meets style.

Thank you for reading! For more tips and guides on leather products, stay tuned to our blog.