A Short Guide to Identifying High-Quality Leather and its Characteristics
When it comes to buying leather goods, whether it be a handbag, wallet, or a pair of shoes, it’s important to know how to identify high-quality leather. Not only does it ensure that you’re getting a durable and long-lasting product, but it also means that you’re investing in a piece that will look better with age.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of identifying high-quality leather and its characteristics.
Types of leather
First, it’s important to understand that there are different types of leather.
The most common types are full-grain, top-grain, and corrected-grain.
Full-grain leather is made from the top layer of the hide, which includes all the natural markings and imperfections. This type of leather is considered the highest quality because it has not been sanded, buffed, or altered in any way, preserving its natural strength and durability.
Top-grain leather is made from the top layer of the hide, but it has been sanded and buffed to remove any imperfections. This type of leather is still high-quality but it’s not as durable as full-grain leather.
Corrected-grain leather is made from the lower layers of the hide and has been sanded, buffed, and treated to remove any imperfections. This type of leather is lower quality than full-grain and top-grain leather.
"All of our products are made out of Full Grain leather"
Characteristics to look out for when purchasing leather goods
When shopping for leather goods, it’s important to look for full-grain or top-grain leather. These types of leather are considered high-quality and will last longer than corrected-grain leather. When looking for full-grain or top-grain leather, you should also look for the following characteristics:
Thickness: High-quality leather should be thick and substantial to the touch. It should have a weight and feel that gives you the impression of durability.
Smell: Leather should have a distinct smell that’s natural, not chemical. A strong chemical smell may indicate that the leather has been treated with chemicals, which can affect its quality.
Flexibility: High-quality leather should be flexible, not stiff. It should have the ability to bend and move without cracking or breaking.
Color: The color of the leather should be consistent throughout the piece. If the color is patchy or uneven, it may indicate that the leather has been treated or altered in some way.
Grain: The grain of the leather should be tight and consistent. Loose or inconsistent grain can be a sign of lower quality leather.
Edges: The edges of the leather should be finished and smooth, not rough or jagged.
Stitching: The stitching on leather goods should be tight, even, and consistent. Loose or uneven stitching can indicate poor craftsmanship.
All of our items are hand crafted using vegtan fullgrain leather. You can follow our how to process on our Youtube Channel found above!
The Tanning Process
Another thing to consider when buying leather goods is the type of tanning used. There are two types of tanning: chrome and vegetable. Chrome tanning uses chemicals to tan the leather, while vegetable tanning uses natural tannins from tree bark and other plants.
Chrome-tanned leather, on the other hand, has a more uniform color and doesn’t develop a patina as easily. It is also cheaper to produce but can be harsh on the environment and can have a strong chemical smell.
"We only use vegetable tanned leather"
In conclusion, identifying high-quality leather is not always easy, but by paying attention to the characteristics mentioned above and the type of tanning used, you can make a more informed decision when purchasing leather goods.
As a general rule, always look for full-grain or top-grain leather and vegetable-tanned leather.
Avoid corrected-grain leather and chrome-tanned leather, as they are lower quality and not as durable.
At our business, we take pride in using only the best quality leather, that’s why we only use full-grain leather and vegetable-tanned leather in all of our products. Investing in high-quality leather goods not only ensures that you’re getting a durable and long-lasting product, but it also means that you’re investing in a piece that will look better with age, and that’s a worthwhile investment.
