During one of my recent leather shopping experiences at Hush Hide. Exploring their goods, I noticed how consumers misunderstood full grain and top grain. Sometimes, even worse, when they fall for the catch-all phrase "genuine leather".
People buy leather bags or jackets from the internet, thinking genuine leather is a good sign. But working years with different types of leather, I know it's misleading. Real understanding of top grain leather vs. full grain leather lies in your options. Because both offer distinct characteristics.
Genuine leather sounds good, but lacks the quality that full and top grain offer. If you are curious about leather quality, use this guide when choosing goods that will last.
What are Grades in Leather?
Leather quality is based on grades; full-grain is the highest, whereas bonded leather is the lowest. The grades from the top to the lowest are full grain, top grain, genuine, also known as split grain, and bonded leather. These grades are a reflection of the hide quality and the processing techniques they have undergone.
Here's a Breakdown of the Leather Grades
The following list describes the grade of leather that they provide and why their quality is the most superior.
1. Full Grain Leather:
The highest quality of leather that uses the entire grain layer of the hide. It retains all the natural markings and imperfections of the animal hide, which makes every piece distinct. Full-grain leather is famous for its durability and ability to develop beautiful patina over time a preferred choice for vests.
2. Top Gain Leather:
This leather creation involves sanding down the top layer of the hide that contains the imperfections, removal of which results in a smoother surface. It has a uniform appearance as compared to full-grain leather. Although having a fine quality, it is considered less breathable and less durable than full grain.
3. Genuine Leather:
Also known as split leather, this leather is obtained from the layers of the hide that are split off from the top grain. This is a less expensive type and also less durable as compared to top grain and full grain leather.
4. Bonded leather:
This is the lowest grade of leather, which is crafted from the scraps and leftover leather fibers that are bonded together with a polyurethane or latex backing. It is the most affordable but also the least durable option.
Top Grain Leather Vs. Full Grain Leather: Key Differences
The following are the seven key differences that you must know between top grain and full grain before shopping for your next outfit.
1. Origin
Full-grain leather is obtained for the top layer of the hide, containing all the natural grain. While top grain comes from removing the outermost layer of the hide, which gives it a smoother surface.
2. Quality & Cost
When buying a leather coat, I got confused between top grain leather and full grain leather. No doubt, full grain is the highest quality grade due to the top layer of the hide and its natural grain retention, making it exceptionally durable and reliable.
But expensive cost often convinces consumers to choose cheaper options like top-grain leather. Which is the second-highest grade from which the outermost layer is removed to create a thinner and more workable material?
From a manufacturer’s side, this difference affects price and production work.
3. Appearance
When it comes to appearance, both kinds have their own story. I know leather messenger bags and bombers made from full-grain leather have natural markings and imperfections that highlight their unique natural surface. The grain pattern and fiber structure have a tactile feel that speaks of durability, breathability, and authentic leather quality.
On the other hand, top grain leather undergoes a sanding process for the top surface to be sanded away, which removes blemishes, creating an imprinted imitation grain for aesthetic uniformity. The result is a uniform look but hides strong fibers.
4. Aging
Full-grain leather ages beautifully; it burnishes, beautifies, and develops a unique character that cannot be copied. The more you use it more it looks and feels better over time, building rich patina.
On the other hand, top-grain leather goes through a refreshing process where a finishing coat is applied for protection against stains, making spills less likely to stick. Preventing the process of natural patina from developing.
5. Durability
When comparing full-grain leather with top-grain leather, I’ve personally noticed how strong and durable the natural grain remains over time. The strongest fibers embedded in the hide make full-grain leather incredibly breathable, resisting moisture even with prolonged contact.
On the other hand, the downside of top grain leather became clear with visible scratching after minor abrasions. The sanding process compromises durability, making care even more important for its delicate, prone, and noticeable surface.
6. Care
When it comes to caring for both full-grain and top-grain leather, my years of working with various types of leather goods have taught me that ongoing maintenance and upkeep are non-negotiable.
Regular use of a quality leather cleaner followed by a nourishing conditioner helps protect the surface and slows down wear and tear, which are often more susceptible in top grain due to its refined finish.
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