How Many Types of Leathers? Understanding Grades & Uses

The material class known as leather remains popular due to its adaptability in designing furniture pieces, garments, and decorative items. When asking How Many Types of Leathers?, Multiple leather categories exist which differ by characteristics alongside quality and their intended usages. You can make improved leather product choices through an investigation of existing grades and types. The guide details various leather types with their specific characteristics together with recommended utilization areas.

How Many Types of Leather Are There?

Leather categories emerge from three elements, which include its quality level and completion process alongside its extraction location. Natural and synthetic leather form the two main categories from the multiple types available. A collection of different leather varieties include the following:

1. Full-Grain Leather

The highest leather quality emerges from full-grain leather. Its structure keeps the entire grain layer intact, which creates superior durability and natural air permeability. With time this material builds an attractive layer of patina.

• Uses: high-end furniture, luxury handbags, premium leather jackets, and footwear.
• Pros: Extremely durable, aesthetically pleasing, and ages beautifully.
• Cons: Expensive and requires maintenance.

2. Top-Grain Leather

The surface of top-grain leather receives gentle sanding as an improvement step that removes unwanted flaws. It is less durable than full-grain leather, although it maintains excellent stain resistance and flexibility.

• Uses: designer bags, wallets, shoes, and jackets.
• Pros: smooth finish, more affordable than full grain, and water-resistant.
• Cons: Less durable and does not develop a patina as well as full-grain leather.

3. Genuine Leather

By extension, opposite to its name, genuine leather consists of second-rate leather originating from hide leftover layers through specialized processing. The treatment process transforms this article to improve its overall visual effect.

• Uses: Budget-friendly accessories, belts, and low-cost footwear.
• Pros: Affordable and widely available.
• Cons: Less durable and prone to peeling over time.

4. Nubuck Leather

The manufacturing process for nubuck leather includes buffing full-grain leather to make its surface silky smooth. Nubuck leather offers better resistance than suede as it has been smoothened.

• Uses: High-end footwear, handbags, and jackets.
• Pros: Luxurious feel, durable, and breathable.
• Cons: Prone to stains and requires careful maintenance.

5. Suede Leather

The underside of hide processing creates suede leather with a distinctive, comfortable, and gentle surface texture. The material exceeds full-grain leather in terms of delicacy.

• Uses: Fashion accessories, gloves, and casual footwear.
• Pros: Soft texture and flexible.
• Cons: Absorbs moisture and stains easily.

6. Split Leather

The lower leather layers obtain split leather after removing the upper hide sections. Coatings are used to boost durability on the final split leather product.

• Uses: Upholstery, belts, and some budget footwear.
• Pros: Affordable and versatile.
• Cons: Less durable than top-grain and full-grain leather.

7. Buffalo Leather

The superior strength and toughness of buffalo leather offer businesses exceptional durability when used for their products.

• Uses: Saddles, heavy-duty bags, and belts.
• Pros: Tough, durable, and has a unique grain pattern.
• Cons: Stiffer and requires a break-in period.

8. Goatskin Leather

Goatskin leather is known for its softness and flexibility. It contains natural oils that make it water-resistant.

• Uses: Gloves, jackets, and bookbinding.
• Pros: Lightweight, durable, and resistant to moisture.
• Cons: Can be thinner than cowhide.

9. Pigmented Leather

Pigmented leather is coated with a protective finish to enhance durability and resistance to stains and fading.

• Uses: Car seats, furniture, and high-use accessories.
• Pros: Resistant to wear and tear.
• Cons: Lacks the natural feel of full-grain leather.

10. Antiqued Leather

Antiqued leather is treated to achieve a vintage or distressed appearance.

• Uses: Retro-style furniture, jackets, and accessories.
• Pros: Unique look and aesthetically appealing.
• Cons: Surface treatments can wear off over time.

11. Synthetic Leather (Faux Leather)

Synthetic leather exists in two versions: faux leather uses either Polyurethane (PU) or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plastic materials to create its composition.

• Uses: budget furniture, car interiors, and vegan-friendly accessories.
• Pros: Affordable and animal-friendly.
• Cons: Less durable and prone to cracking.

12. Pull-Up Leather

Pull-up leather is a type of full-grain leather treated with waxes and oils, giving it a rich, vintage look.

• Uses: high-end bags, boots, and wallets.
• Pros: Develops a beautiful patina over time.
• Cons: Prone to scratches and marks.

13. Kangaroo Leather

Kangaroo leather is known for its strength-to-weight ratio. It is thinner yet more durable than cowhide.

• Uses: Sports shoes, gloves, and motorcycle gear.
• Pros: Lightweight, durable, and flexible.
• Cons: Expensive and less commonly available.

14. Corrected Grain Leather

Corrected grain leather is sanded and embossed to remove imperfections and create a uniform surface.

• Uses: Upholstery, handbags, and wallets.
• Pros: Uniform appearance and stain-resistant.
• Cons: Lacks natural grain and may feel synthetic.

15. Embossed Leather

Embossed leather is stamped with textures or patterns to imitate exotic skins or unique designs.

• Uses: Designer bags, belts, and accessories.
• Pros: Aesthetic variety and durability.
• Cons: The embossing may fade over time.

16. Aniline Leather

Aniline leather is dyed without a protective coating, allowing the natural grain to show through.

• Uses: high-end furniture and luxury bags.
• Pros: Natural appearance and soft texture.
• Cons: Prone to stains and fading.

17. Patent Leather

Patent leather is coated with a high-gloss finish, giving it a shiny and polished look.

• Uses: Dress shoes, handbags, and accessories.
• Pros: Elegant appearance and easy to clean.
• Cons: Prone to cracking over time.

18. Bicast Leather

Bicast leather is made by applying a polyurethane coating to split leather, giving it a glossy finish.

• Uses: Budget-friendly furniture and accessories.
• Pros: Affordable and easy to maintain.
• Cons: Lacks breathability and durability.

19. Bonded Leather

Bonded leather is made from leather scraps mixed with synthetic materials, then pressed together.

• Uses: budget furniture and office chairs.
• Pros: Inexpensive and visually similar to real leather.
• Cons: Least durable type of leather.

What Is the Best Type of Leather?

The selection of leather type should be based on its planned usage. Full-grain leather stands as the most durable option but provides the best aesthetic appeal, whereas top-grain leather offers a sophisticated look with some flexible attributes. Bonded leather, together with genuine leather, offers cost-effective solutions for leather purchases. To better understand the differences, check out our detailed blog on Bison Leather vs Cowhide Leather for a deeper comparison.

What Type of Leather Is Most Durable?

An ideal choice for durable products is complete grain leather together with buffalo leather and kangaroo leather. They endure against wear and weather properly to keep their structural quality until they reach their lifespan.

Your ability to select appropriate leather products depends on your knowledge of different leather types and their characteristics and suitable uses. Every buyer can find an appropriate leather type that matches their requirements among the diverse options available. At Craft Leather Goods!