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Learn more about leather grades from your Denver leather store!
January 27, 2021
If you have been thinking about purchasing a quality Denver leather jacket, now is the perfect time! However, with so many options available, you may find yourself confused about what grade of leather you should invest in. This is completely understandable. The way leather is graded, or categorized, can be overwhelming (especially if this is your first leather purchase). Â To help save you from any frustration, our experts have put together a quick guide explaining some of the key traits and differences between the most popular leather grade options. Find out more below and become a leather pro!
Top Grain
Although top-grain leather is the second highest in quality, it is generally considered to be the most popular grade. Made from the top layer of the cowhide, this type of leather is created through a process called splitting, wherein the hide’s outer layer and hair is removed. The surface is then sanded and smoothed, removing any large imperfections. These processes give top-grain leather a slightly thinner and more flexible feel than full grain (described below). They also provide fantastic stain resistance and impeccable durability.
Full Grain
Considered the highest-quality of leather, full-grain jackets are some of the most high-end, luxurious, and beautiful investment pieces available. While all leather is created by tanning a cowhide, this type of leather maintains the most of its original state. This means that any natural imperfections and markings are left intact, creating a truly one-of-a-kind piece. Full-grain jackets are extremely durable, but only somewhat water resistant. Over time, this quality leather will develop a thin protective layer called a patina. While the patina is useful in guarding the leather from wear and tear, it is also beloved due to the gorgeous sheen it creates. This unique characteristic is one of the many reasons full-grain leather is extremely valuable and frequently sought-after for high-end goods.
Split and Genuine Leather
These types of leather are typically considered to be at the lower end of quality and grade. Although these varieties are often the least expensive options, they may not offer as much durability and longevity as full or top grain brands. Split-grain leather is typically made from the bottom of the cowhide and does not contain any natural markings. However, it is often softer and more pliable. Genuine leather is also made from the bottom of the cowhide, although it is even more processed than split-grain. This type of leather is often the least expensive, but tends to be less beautiful and significantly more fragile than higher quality varieties.
Have questions about leather grades or purchasing a Denver leather jacket? Our experts at Jonval Leather and Fur are ready to help! 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. Visit our showroom to view our incredible inventory of fur and leather or 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!
Top Grain
Although top-grain leather is the second highest in quality, it is generally considered to be the most popular grade. Made from the top layer of the cowhide, this type of leather is created through a process called splitting, wherein the hide’s outer layer and hair is removed. The surface is then sanded and smoothed, removing any large imperfections. These processes give top-grain leather a slightly thinner and more flexible feel than full grain (described below). They also provide fantastic stain resistance and impeccable durability.
Full Grain
Considered the highest-quality of leather, full-grain jackets are some of the most high-end, luxurious, and beautiful investment pieces available. While all leather is created by tanning a cowhide, this type of leather maintains the most of its original state. This means that any natural imperfections and markings are left intact, creating a truly one-of-a-kind piece. Full-grain jackets are extremely durable, but only somewhat water resistant. Over time, this quality leather will develop a thin protective layer called a patina. While the patina is useful in guarding the leather from wear and tear, it is also beloved due to the gorgeous sheen it creates. This unique characteristic is one of the many reasons full-grain leather is extremely valuable and frequently sought-after for high-end goods.
Split and Genuine Leather
These types of leather are typically considered to be at the lower end of quality and grade. Although these varieties are often the least expensive options, they may not offer as much durability and longevity as full or top grain brands. Split-grain leather is typically made from the bottom of the cowhide and does not contain any natural markings. However, it is often softer and more pliable. Genuine leather is also made from the bottom of the cowhide, although it is even more processed than split-grain. This type of leather is often the least expensive, but tends to be less beautiful and significantly more fragile than higher quality varieties.
Have questions about leather grades or purchasing a Denver leather jacket? Our experts at Jonval Leather and Fur are ready to help! 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. Visit our showroom to view our incredible inventory of fur and leather or 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!