Leather has been part of the lives of humans, dating back to prehistoric times. Ever since, people have been relying on animal hides, like the hides of goats, lambs, sheep, and cows, for protection, but it has evolved to use them for a lavish style.
Today, leather remains as great as it was before, but it now comes with hefty price tags, especially the ones used for luxury products. Various types of leather are available in the market, with each one carrying a unique characteristic. Choosing the type of leather you should get might be a challenge, but we’re here to aid you with that. We’ll help you decide by breaking down the main leather varieties.
Full Grain Leather
To start the list, we have the best one out of all on this list. This type of leather contains the entire grain, hence the name, and has not undergone any sanding or buffing. The main reason why this is considered the pick of the bunch is its unique patina that develops as the leather ages. In short, it gets even better over time. Also, this boasts the best durability and longevity due to its tightly packed fibers.
Top-grain Leather
If the full grain is raw and untouched, top-grain is the refined and processed one, which was buffed or sanded to remove its flaws and inconsistencies. As a result, this looks better with an improvement in its breathability and durability; however, it loses some of its water-resistant properties. Known for its flexibility and softness, this type of leather is ideal for creating luxury items.
Genuine Leather
Genuine leather, or some may call it corrected or split leather, is considered the thickest and most robust among the ones on this list. For a more consistent finish, the leather is processed by baffling and sanding. It is then finalized by embossing, stamping, spray painting, or dying. Even if it is significantly lower in this list, it still carries characteristics that make it desirable, such as: it has a uniform design, softer, bendable, and more affordable to produce. As such, it is used to create a variety of shoes, coats, belts, and handbags.
Bonded Leather
Considered to be the least expensive leather, it is crafted by crushing hide scraps or off-cuts. It is then combined with filler and finished by using a fiber sheet to stamp the leather with a latex or polyurethane finish. Every bonded leather is created with different percentages of leather depending on the manufacturer. Unlike high-quality leather, bonded leather wears out more quickly than natural leather and is prone to damage from moisture and cracks.
Whether it’s a spontaneous or a planned shopping trip, it’s best to know the varieties of leather for a better time in the store. By knowing the pros and cons of each leather, you will have an easier time choosing which one would be best for your needs. If you have a hefty budget, full grain leather can be a good investment as it would definitely last for a long time. However, if your budget is lower, you can opt for goods made with genuine leather or bonded leather, which are more affordable.
Whatever leather item you get, it is vital to care for it properly to keep it for a long time. It is a worthy investment for the future, as it will surely be used in different scenarios in the future. When signs of damage occur, be ready to treat them immediately to prevent severe damage that will prevent you from carrying it any longer. Here’s where Doctor Leather comes to your rescue as your reliable servicer for leather repair and restoration. Available in over 20 branches nationwide, our team of experts can cater to your leather emergencies.
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