Leather comes in many types, each differing in quality, texture, appearance, and durability. The differences largely depend on the animal source, the part of the hide used, and how the leather is processed and finished. Here's a breakdown of the main types of leather:
By Quality / Layer of the Hide
Full-Grain Leather
Top-quality leather.
Made from the top layer of the hide, with all natural grain intact.
Durable, develops a rich patina over time.
Used for: high-end furniture, luxury bags, quality shoes, saddles.
Top-Grain Leather
Second-best quality.
The top layer is sanded and refined to remove imperfections.
More uniform appearance than full-grain, but slightly less durable.
Used for: upscale wallets, belts, handbags, jackets.
Genuine Leather
Made from the lower layers of the hide after top layers are removed.
Often corrected or embossed to mimic higher-quality leather.
More affordable but less durable.
Used for: budget belts, wallets, and furniture.
Split Leather
Comes from the bottom layers of the hide (split from the top grain).
Often finished with a layer of pigment or polyurethane.
Can be made into suede or coated to look like full-grain.
Used for: cheaper leather goods and linings.
🟤 By Appearance or Texture
Suede
Made from the inner split of the hide.
Has a soft, fuzzy surface.
Less durable and more prone to staining.
Used for: gloves, jackets, shoes.
Nubuck
Made from top-grain leather that is buffed to produce a velvet-like surface.
Stronger than suede but has a similar soft feel.
Used for: high-end shoes and furniture.
Patent Leather
Leather coated with a high-gloss plastic finish.
Waterproof and shiny but can crack over time.
Used for: formal shoes, handbags.
Embossed or Printed Leather
Leather stamped with textures like crocodile or snakeskin.
Can be made from any layer but is typically top-grain or split leather.
Used for: decorative products, fashion accessories.
🟤 By Processing or Finish
Aniline Leather
Dyed using soluble dyes that retain the leather’s natural surface.
Very soft and natural-looking, but stains easily.
Used for: high-end furniture, jackets.
Semi-Aniline Leather
Similar to aniline but with a light protective coating.
Offers a balance between natural appearance and durability.
Used for: premium upholstery and leather goods.
Pigmented Leather
Coated with a layer of pigment-based paint or dye.
Very durable and uniform in color, but less natural in look.
Used for: automotive interiors, mass-market furniture.
🟤 By Animal Source
Cowhide – Most common; durable and widely used.
Buffalo – Tougher and more textured than cowhide.
Sheepskin – Soft, lightweight, and insulating (used in jackets, gloves).
Goatskin – Supple and resilient (used in bags, gloves).
Exotic leathers – Crocodile, ostrich, snake, stingray (luxury goods).
Summary Table
Type | Texture/Look | Durability | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
Full-Grain | Natural, raw grain | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Premium bags, furniture |
Top-Grain | Smooth, polished | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Wallets, belts, jackets |
Genuine Leather | Corrected, artificial | ⭐⭐⭐ | Budget items |
Split Leather | Flat, less grain | ⭐⭐ | Backing, suede, cheap goods |
Suede | Soft, fuzzy | ⭐⭐ | Shoes, jackets |
Nubuck | Velvety, fine texture | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Luxury shoes, upholstery |
Patent Leather | Glossy, plastic-like | ⭐⭐ | Formalwear accessories |
Aniline | Natural, soft | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High-end furniture |
Pigmented | Even-colored, tough | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Car seats, commercial goods |