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A guide to understanding leather from your Denver leather store
August 26, 2020
Used for centuries, leather has a rich history that can be dated back to the ancient Egyptians. This beloved material is both durable and flexible, making it perfect for withstanding the test of time. If you are ready to add a Denver leather jacket to your wardrobe, it is important to understand the basic grains (or qualities) available. Because of this, we have provided a quick guide explaining the most common grains you will find!
Full Grain
Luxurious and smooth, full grain leather is considered the highest quality grade of leather. Although all leather grains are created from tanning a cowhide, this material maintains the most of its original state. This means that any natural marks and imperfections have not been removed while buffing or sanding the material. This type of leather is extremely durable and somewhat water resistant. Full grain leather often develops a patina, or thin layer of protection, over time. Â The patina gives the leather a beautiful sheen that develops more with age, making full grain leather particularly beautiful and sought-after. Â
Top Grain
The most common and popular option, top grain leather is the second-highest leather quality. It is made from the top layer of the cowhide and created through a process called “splitting,†or removing the outer layer and hair. This process makes top grain leather thinner and more flexible than full grain. After the spitting process, the leather’s surface is sanded, and any large imperfections are removed or smoothed. Because of the finishing processes, top grain leather is very durable and provides great stain resistance.
Corrected Grain
This special variety of leather is created when an artificial surface is added to the material. This is often done to better the hide’s durability and aesthetic. As imperfections are usually sanded off, corrected grain is frequently used for pigmented leather goods. This type of material is extremely durable and often resembles full grain leather, but it is not as soft.  Corrected grain is also more affordable and readily available in stores.
Split Leather
If a hide is exceptionally thick, it is sometimes split into two. This creates split leather, which is often referred to as genuine leather. After the top grain of the rawhide is removed, split leather is created from the fibrous part of the hide. Oftentimes, the surface of this leather has an artificial layer applied that is then embossed with a leather grain. Split leather is used to create suede, and its soft texture is frequently used on furniture.
Feel like a leather pro? If you are ready to purchase your new leather jacket, turn to our experts at Jonval Leather and Fur. With a wide variety of leather (and fur) jackets at your disposal, we can find, or design, the jacket that is perfect for you and matches your style. If you have questions about your leather jacket or simply want to view our incredible inventory of fur and leather, give our team a call at 720-377-1555. You can also stop by to have your fur or leather pieces repaired, cleaned, or stored. Call us today to learn more!
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Full Grain
Luxurious and smooth, full grain leather is considered the highest quality grade of leather. Although all leather grains are created from tanning a cowhide, this material maintains the most of its original state. This means that any natural marks and imperfections have not been removed while buffing or sanding the material. This type of leather is extremely durable and somewhat water resistant. Full grain leather often develops a patina, or thin layer of protection, over time. Â The patina gives the leather a beautiful sheen that develops more with age, making full grain leather particularly beautiful and sought-after. Â
Top Grain
The most common and popular option, top grain leather is the second-highest leather quality. It is made from the top layer of the cowhide and created through a process called “splitting,†or removing the outer layer and hair. This process makes top grain leather thinner and more flexible than full grain. After the spitting process, the leather’s surface is sanded, and any large imperfections are removed or smoothed. Because of the finishing processes, top grain leather is very durable and provides great stain resistance.
Corrected Grain
This special variety of leather is created when an artificial surface is added to the material. This is often done to better the hide’s durability and aesthetic. As imperfections are usually sanded off, corrected grain is frequently used for pigmented leather goods. This type of material is extremely durable and often resembles full grain leather, but it is not as soft.  Corrected grain is also more affordable and readily available in stores.
Split Leather
If a hide is exceptionally thick, it is sometimes split into two. This creates split leather, which is often referred to as genuine leather. After the top grain of the rawhide is removed, split leather is created from the fibrous part of the hide. Oftentimes, the surface of this leather has an artificial layer applied that is then embossed with a leather grain. Split leather is used to create suede, and its soft texture is frequently used on furniture.
Feel like a leather pro? If you are ready to purchase your new leather jacket, turn to our experts at Jonval Leather and Fur. With a wide variety of leather (and fur) jackets at your disposal, we can find, or design, the jacket that is perfect for you and matches your style. If you have questions about your leather jacket or simply want to view our incredible inventory of fur and leather, give our team a call at 720-377-1555. You can also stop by to have your fur or leather pieces repaired, cleaned, or stored. Call us today to learn more!
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