How to identify types and quality of leather goods

Whether you’re on the hunt for long-lasting items or simply enjoy the look and feel of genuine leather, when it comes to shopping for leather goods for men, it’s important to have a keen eye for recognizing quality. Manufacturers use various leather types, depending on the end product. While the decision is ultimately up to you this guide will help you to level up your knowledge so that you can make an informed decision. 

A brief history of leather

Did you know that leather tanning has been around for centuries? As one of the oldest industries among an assortment of cultures, it should come as no surprise that items such as footwear, gloves, and other accessories are still made of leather. That said, the modern leather-making process is far more efficient, environmentally friendly, and hygienic than it was when it first started.

Types of leather 

Since the quality of leather goods for men varies greatly, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the different types before your next big purchase. While you know that you can purchase pretty much anything with us and the quality will be good, there are some notable factors that determine the cost and longevity of your chosen leather.

• The type of animal 
• Physical location where the animal lived
• The portion of the hide the leather was cut from
• The layer of the hide that’s used 
• Quality and skill of the processing and tanning

How do designers grade leather, you ask?

• First grade (best value): Takes up 13% of the hide—is water resistant and best for wearing
• Second grade (good value): Takes up 30% of the hide—works as promised
• Third grade (fair value): Takes up 32% of the hide—loose in fiber and swells in water
• Fourth grade (poor quality): Takes up 25% of the hide—only good for unexposed areas

Moreover, different breeds of cows produce different quality hides to genetics and environment. Hot climates tend to have insects that bite the animal and leave scars whereas colder climates don’t suffer as much from pests. Certain breeds also have thicker, more protective skin depending on their environment, allowing them to yield a different quality of leather. That said, in general, aside from grade quality, there are four types of leather—full grain leather, top grain leather, corrected leather, and bonded leather. 

Here is a brief explanation: 

• Full grain leather: This type of leather comes from the top layer of the hide. Retaining the toughness with fewer imperfections, it’s the highest quality leather on the market. 
• Top grain leather: This type of leather is from the top layer of skin, however, it may have some blemishes. The surface is sanded to remove any large imperfections so it’s likely to be smoother will staining or pigmentation differences to create an attractive look. 
• Corrected leather: Also known as genuine leather, this type of leather is from the under layers of the skin. It’s tougher in textures and is often painted to resemble a natural look. However, during this process, the leather becomes less breathable than the higher-quality pieces.
• Bonded leather: This type of leather is made up of leftovers, which include dust and shavings. Then, the pieces are “bonded” together using polyurethane or latex to look more genuine. 

Although there is a lot more you could learn about leather goods for men, we believe the above summary possesses sufficient information to help aid your selection.

What did you find most interesting about the types and quality of leather? Drop a comment below to share with our readers.