A QUICK GUIDE TO LEATHER TYPES 

TANNING METHOD  –> HOW THE HIDE IS STABILIZED

• Chrome-tanned – Soft, flexible, durable; most common (upholstery, auto, footwear)
• Vegetable-tanned – Firm, natural look; ages with patina (belts, saddlery)
• Chrome-free / metal-free – Alternative processes for lower metal content

HIDE LAYER (QUALITY) –> WHICH PART OF THE HIDE IS USED 

• Full-grain – Entire grain intact; strongest, most natural (ALL OF THE LEATHERS WE OFFER ARE FULL GRAIN)
  
• Top-grain – Grain sanded/buffed; uniform, slightly less durable
• Split leather – Lower hide layer; weaker, often coated
• Bonded leather – Leather fibers bonded with resin; lowest durability

SURFACE FINISH –> HOW THE SURFACE IS TREATED

• Aniline – Dyed only; very natural, low stain resistance (Excelsior Leather or Nubuck Genuine)
• Semi-aniline – Light protective coat; natural look with durability (Bismarck Leather)
• Pigmented (protected) – Heavier coating; most uniform and durable
• Corrected grain – Sanded and embossed to hide defects

 ---- ALL OF OUR LEATHERS ARE EITHER ANILINE OR SEMI-ANILINE ---- 

COMMON USE GUIDANCE

• Luxury furniture / natural look → Full-grain, aniline or semi-aniline
• High-use seating / commercial contract → Top-grain, semi-aniline or pigmented