What is Genuine Leather – A Closer Look at Genuine Leather
Genuine leather is widely considered the highest quality leather material, but what truly makes it stand out from other types? For many, leather simply refers to a durable material crafted from animal skins into shoes, furniture and accessories. However, closer examination reveals stark differences between leather grades.
Genuine leather is the top-grain outer layer of the hide that has been traditionally tanned to preserve its natural texture and markings. In this article, we will compare genuine leather to other options. We define genuine leather, exploring its unique aged appearance and breathable characteristics.
The traditional tanning process is examined, along how it enhances the leather’s longevity. By learning genuine leather’s key attributes, the value placed in it by artisans and customers alike will become clearer. Its distinction lies in more than appearance: genuine leather withstands time in a way other leathers cannot.
What is Leather?
Leather is a durable material made by tanning animal hides, stopping them from rotting. The tanning process transforms perishable raw hides into stable products. All leathers start as the skin of cows, goats, sheep or other animals. Hides are processed through steps like soaking, scraping and tanning to produce versatile, long-lasting leather.
Once an animal is skinned, the rawhide undergoes preparatory procedures like bathing, fleshing, liming and deliming to remove any meat, blood, fat or other tissues from the skin. It is then regaled with tanning agents like vegetable or mineral-tanned solutions which fix the protein fibers and make the hide supple and long-lasting. This tanned animal skin or hide is what we refer to as leather, and it can then be further processed for a wide assortment of applications.
Types of Leather
- Top Grain Leather
Made from the outer surface (top layer) of the hide which has the best appearance and durability. Features the real scars, marks and texture of the natural animal hide for a distinctive look. Thick, soft and supple. More expensive than other types due to using the whole top of the hide.
- Split Leather
Produced by splitting the top grain leather into two layers – a grain surface and a bottom fibrous one. The grain surface has a more consistent texture than the top grain but is inferior in breathability and lifespan. Used to provide a leather-like appearance at a lower price point compared to top grain.
- Bonded Leather
Made of leather scrap, fibers or leather dust compressed and bonded together with plastic coatings. Cheap imitation as it contains no actual full-grain leather piece. Not durable and cracks/peels easily.
- Suede Leather
Comes from the underside of the top grain layer which is brushed for a distinctive fuzzy texture. Porous texture makes it highly absorbent so needs special protector or sealant to avoid watermarks.
- Nubuck Leather
Derived from buffing the underside of top grain leather for a velvety soft handle and matte appearance. More durable than suede due to smaller pores but still needs protection from dirt and liquid.
- Corrected Grain Leather
Top grain where imperfections are removed through sanding for a uniform smooth look. Less breathable than regular top grain due to filled pores but still strong and long-lasting.
What is Genuine Leather?
Genuine leather refers to the highest quality leather type – the pure, unfiltered top layer of the hide that offers the most authentic characteristics. It has undergone a traditional tanning process which preserves the natural attributes of the material like its texture, scars, and variances in color and thickness.
As the outermost part of the skin, genuine leather maintains the actual appearance and imperfections of the animal. It is not sanded or corrected, but left in its original state which makes for a richly textured article. Genuine leather is also exceptionally hardwearing due to its full-grain composition and ability to develop a beautiful patina over time. This robustness and natural elegance are what make it the premier choice for high-end leather goods.
Characteristics of Genuine Leather
- Retains the animal’s natural marks, scars and variations in texture and thickness.
- Exceptionally durable and develops a personalized patina with use over time.
- Highly breathable and moisture-wicking which makes it comfortable to wear or touch.
- Each hide is unique in color, grain pattern, thickness and other natural features.
- Only gets richer and develops a soft, supple feel with proper conditioning and wear.
- More resistant to cracking and peeling compared to bonded, synthetic or embossed leathers.
- Its natural composition makes it more environmentally sustainable than artificial leather.
- With care, genuine leather can last decades and outperform other types over the long run.
- Natural materials allow it to breathe and maintain a pleasant, non-chemical smell.
- Uneven and imperfect nature gives each genuine leather item an individual visual character.
Distinguishing Genuine Leather
Since genuine leather is the top-quality type, it’s important consumers can verify its authenticity. Through close inspection, several tell-tale signs indicate a material is true, full-grain genuine leather. The texture will be irregular with visible variations in thickness and natural markings like scars and insect bites.
The surface may feel bumpy or pebbled due to the preserved natural grain. When flexed, the material should exhibit some give but not crack or crease. A genuine leather’s cross-section will also be thicker with clearly defined layers, unlike a superficial coating. Its untreated state means it will likely darken or lighten slightly with use too. Examining these visual and tactile qualities helps identify top-tier genuine leather.
Benefits of Genuine Leather
- Exceptionally durable material – will last decades with proper care and develop a beautiful patina over time.
- Highly breathable and moisture-wicking for comfort, unlike plastic-type synthetic leathers.
- A natural material that maintains antimicrobial properties and a pleasant smell.
- Richly textured surface has an elegant, luxurious appearance suited for high-quality furnishings and accessories.
- Each hide is unique, adding distinctive natural variation and character to individual items
- Improves with age and takes on a soft, warm patina enhancing its beauty.
- Environmentally preferable to synthetic leathers which release toxins and don’t biodegrade.
- Hypoallergenic and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or plasticizers that can irritate.
- A versatile material that can be colored, printed, stamped or tooled for creative designs.
- Investment purchased as a timeless classic that increases in value over decades of enjoyment.
FAQ’s
What is the outermost layer of the animal hide called?
The outermost layer is called the top grain.
Which type of leather retains all of the animal’s natural marks and imperfections?
Genuine leather retains all of the animal’s natural marks and imperfections.
Why is genuine leather considered the highest quality type of leather?
Genuine leather is considered the highest quality because it uses the whole thickness of the top grain for maximum strength and durability.
Conclusion
Genuine leather is often thought of as the premier leather variety because it uses the whole thickness of the top grain layer for the utmost sturdiness. This full-grain construction, coupled with traditional tanning methods, imbues genuine leather with attributes not found elsewhere. Examining the unique natural texture, pigmentation variations and permeability of genuine leather aids identification versus other options.
Over the lifetime of use, genuine leather further distinguishes itself by smoothly adapting to individual ownership through gradual patina development. While initial expenses are greater, genuine leather compensates through exceptionally long functional service. Far outlasting more superficial materials, it retains aesthetic appeal for decades. Understanding genuine leather’s traits lends appreciation for those crafters and outlets focused on ethically and skillfully producing leather goods built to stand the test of time. Choosing these high-quality, ever-improving items proves a sound financial and sustainable choice.
