Leather has existed throughout history in many colors, textures, and forms. It is timeless and has been identified as luxurious due to its sophisticated appearance. Leather is used in bags, jackets, furniture, accessories, and even watch straps. Each has a different texture, form, and grade. The texture of any leather goods you use is very important to select wisely because it determines several factors, including quality and uniqueness.

It is crucial to choose the best texture of leather because one of the most common ways of judging the quality of leather is by touching its smoothness and excessive roughness. Let's delve into the types of leather textures and how to choose the best one.

Understanding Best-Textured Leather: The Concept of Upper and Lower Layer of Leather

Leather is split into two layers after the initial tanning: the upper layer and the lower layer. The upper layer is considered top grain and can be corrected or uncorrected, while the lower layer can be split further, refined, and used for suede.

Types and Grades of Leather

1. Top Grain: Top grain leather comes from the upper area of the hide. It can be full grain or corrected grain.
• Full Grain: This leather is from the upper part of the hide, and the outer surface has not been polished or corrected. If you look closely, you can see the hair follicles. Full grain leather is also top grain leather.
• Corrected Grain: This leather comes from the upper part of the hide where the surface has been polished or buffed. Corrected grain is also top grain leather. Nubuck is an example of corrected grain.
2. Splits: Splits come from the lower layer of the skin. They can be corrected and refinished to mimic grain.
3. Genuine Leather: This simply means it’s real leather, but it does not indicate what part of the hide it is from. The term often implies that the leather is from the lower portion of the skin.

Common Leather Textures

Here are some common textures and types of leather:

• Calf Leather:
• Description: Calf leather is the smoothest, most polished, and sleek leather.
• Uses: It is used in the making of shoes, bags, and dresses.
• Grainy Leather:
• Description: Smooth grainy leather is the finest high-quality leather. It has natural imperfections such as visible pores.
• Uses: Grainy leather is traditionally used for bags, belts, jackets, boots, sofas, and accessories.
• Pebbled Grain Leather:
• Description: Pebbled leather has a texture with small flaws, such as ridges, on its surface. It has a natural look and feel.
• Uses: Pebbled leather is used to make car seats, room furniture, and wallets.

Other Popular Textures

• Suede:
• Description: Suede leather is made from the underside of the skin, primarily from lamb, goat, calf, and deer.
• Nubuck:
• Description: Nubuck is top-grained leather with a frosted and velvety texture.
• Dollaro:
• Description: Dollaro is a printed grain cowhide with a very firm temper and a wrinkled texture.
• Saffiano:
• Description: Saffiano is genuine calfskin leather treated with chemicals to give it a cross-hatched pattern finish.

Choosing the Right Leather Texture

Consider factors like texture and smoothness of the leather because high-quality leather will feel supple, with a natural, irregular grain pattern. Avoid products with overly uniform textures, as they may indicate lower-grade leather. Proper care is also essential, Choose the best oil for your leather to maintain the leather's shine and durability..

Lastly

Stepping into the world of leather accessories, it is impossible to overlook the hidden luxury of leather products, from bags and original leather jackets to home furniture and watches. Exploring its multiple levels—top grain and split—sheds light on its characteristics. Full grain and corrected grain belong to the top grain category, displaying the true complexion of the hide. It feels subtle, like smooth calf leather, but more rugged. Grainy leather and pebbled grain each have their own story to tell.

Suede, Nubuck, Dollaro, and Saffiano offer further variations: Nubuck’s smooth velvet-like nature, Dollaro’s distinguished casual look, and Saffiano’s crosshatched pattern. Selecting the correct leather is technical, so you must check the texture and feel of the leather to choose the best quality.

Next Steps

Nomad Nappa brings you the best genuine and real leather to make you feel royal and give you a stunning look. Purchase high-quality napa leather goods and explore more about leather in detail on our website.