Leather Glossary
A – F
Aniline Leather
Dyed with transparent dyes that keep the hide’s natural markings visible. Loved for its authenticity and soft touch.
Bonded Leather
Crafted from leather fibers and scraps bonded together. Affordable, but less durable than higher grades.
Burnishing
The art of polishing leather edges until they’re smooth and glossy, adding refinement and strength.
Full-Grain Leather
The highest quality leather, showing natural markings of the hide. It’s durable, unique, and develops a rich patina with time.
G – N
Genuine Leather
Real leather, but typically made from lower layers of the hide. Less strong than full- or top-grain.
Grain
The natural pattern of the hide’s surface, visible as texture. Grain can be natural, corrected, or embossed.
Hair-On-Hide
Leather that retains the animal’s hair. Striking, bold, and often used for statement pieces.
Hide
The untreated skin of an animal before the tanning process. Once tanned, it becomes leather.
Nubuck
Created by sanding the top surface of the hide for a velvety finish. Softer than suede and slightly more durable.
O – S
Patina
The glow, sheen, and darkening that fine leather acquires over time, reflecting its journey with you.
Pebbled Leather
Textured with a raised, pebble-like surface that’s both stylish and scratch-resistant.
Pull-Up Leather
Leather that lightens in color when stretched or creased, producing a lived-in, rugged look.
Split Leather
Formed from the inner layers of the hide, often finished or embossed to imitate higher grades.
Suede
Soft, velvety leather made from the underside of the hide. Flexible and elegant, though delicate.
T – Z
Top-Grain Leather
Refined leather with a smooth, even surface. Durable yet soft, it’s a popular choice for luxury goods.
Vegetable Tanning
A centuries-old process using natural tannins from bark and plants. Produces firm leather that ages into a warm patina.
Chrome Tanning
Modern tanning using chromium salts. Produces soft, supple leather in a wide variety of colors