Leather Glossary

A

  • Aniline Leather: Leather dyed with soluble dyes, preserving its natural surface and texture.

C

  • Chrome Tanning: A process using chromium salts to produce soft and flexible leather.

  • Cowhide: Durable leather made from cow skin, widely used for its strength.

D

  • Drum-Dyed: Leather dyed in a rotating drum for deep, even color.

  • Distressed Leather: Leather treated to achieve a worn, rugged look.

F

  • Full-Grain Leather: The highest quality leather, retaining the natural grain and durability.

G

  • Grain: The natural surface texture of leather, indicating quality.

L

  • Leather Patina: The natural aging process that gives leather a rich, weathered look.

N

  • Nubuck: Leather with a soft, velvety surface created by lightly sanding the grain side.

P

  • Pull-Up Leather: Leather that lightens in color when stretched, showcasing its oils and waxes.

S

  • Split Leather: The lower layer of the hide, often used for suede or bonded leather.

  • Suede: Leather with a soft, napped finish, created by buffing the underside of the hide.

T

  • Top-Grain Leather: High-quality leather sanded to remove imperfections while maintaining durability.

V

  • Vegetable Tanning: A natural tanning process using plant-based tannins for environmentally friendly leather.