which leather should I buy?

Different types of leather offer different benefits and visual characteristics, which is why knowing exactly what you want can make shopping leather so much easier. Read on to begin your journey to become a master leather shopper!

Full Grain Leather

Full grain leather is recognized for its durability. It is breathable and develops a patina, or color change that happens over time and produces an appealing aged look. Full grain leather is taken from the portion of hide that is found just below the hair. This is the strongest part of the hide and considered the best in terms of quality. Full grain leather offers:

· A strong, durable and long lasting product

· Beauty that gets better with age when properly cared for

· Breathability which reduces moisture when worn

Top Grain Leather

Following close behind is top grain leather. This is the most common type you will find in high end leather accessories. It is considered the second highest in terms of quality. This type has a layer removed, which allows it to be more pliable than full grain. Top grain leathers are sanded and a coating is applied which reduces breathability and gives the product a more plastic texture. This material does not develop a patina. Top grain leather offers:

· Surface that is more resistant to stains compared to full grain

· Durability almost as good as full grain but costs less

· Uniform finish when buffed and sanded

PU Leather

PU leather is actually known by many names, including bycast leather, bicast leather and sometimes split leather. This material is produced using a polyurethane layer applied to a split leather backing. The actual leather part of PU leather is usually not visible in the finished product. This type of leather is found in shoes and furnishings. PU Leather offers:

· A smooth, uniform texture

· Material that is easy to clean & low maintenance

· Economical material used to make shoes and furniture products

PU Blend Leather

Just like PU leather, PU blend leather is a manmade material. Sometimes called bonded leather, this material is produced using shredded leather and a polyurethane coating. The coating is embossed to give the finished product a texture similar to other types of leather. PU blend leather is often used to make bookbinding, furniture and fashion accessories. It doesn’t develop a patina and can be difficult to repair. PU blend leather offers:

· An eco-friendly product made by recycling leftover leather

· Diverse design options that include natural and geometric patterns

· Excellent consistency with no variations between batches

Split Leather

Split leather describes the lower layers that are left behind after the hide’s outer layers are removed (and turned into top grain leather). Split leather has no grain and is typically modified for aesthetic purposes. Sometimes split leather is brushed until it is soft to produce suede while other times it may be embossed with artificial patterns then layered in a synthetic coating. Split leather offers:

· Artificial patterns that provide more design options

· Can be made into different leather materials

· Cheaper material compared to other leather types

Suede

Suede is crafted from the underside of the animal’s skin. It is softer than its full grain cousin, but not as tough and durable. Suede is thinner, which is why it is often used to make clothing and fashion accessories or as a lining for leather products. Suede absorbs liquids quickly and easily become dirty so proper care is a must. Suede offers:

· A very soft texture similar to velvet

· More color options for greater product variety

· Pliable material that provides a comfortable fit

Nubuck Leather

Nubuck leather has an appealing look because it is buffed or sanded along the grain side (or outside), to produce a velvety texture. This material is durable with characteristics that are similar to suede. The difference is that nubuck leather is stronger and thicker. It is also more expensive to buy than suede. Buyers should note that nubuck leather is easily scratched and may appear darkened when wet. Nubuck leather offers:

· A very soft material for clothing and accessories

· More color options like suede

· Resistance to normal wear and tear