"Leather Grades: The 3 Types of Leather"

It is helpful to know about leather thickness and weight when buying leather for a project

Contents hide

1 How is Leather Thickness Measured?

2 Why is Leather Measured in Ounces?

3 What is a Leather Hide?

3.1 The hides will generally be graded as follows:

3.2 Faux leather can be referred to by a number of names, which can include:

3.3 What is the strongest type of leather?

Different thicknesses and weights work better for different project types and working styles

Leather thickness is generally measured in ounces

To accommodate variations in thickness across a split hide, leather weights are often given in ranges

Though you’ll get the hang of it easily 🙂 For easy reference, below is a chart of leather thicknesses and weights

After that, we’ll explore the different thickness units that exist, where they came from, and which can be most helpful to your projects and work

Leather Thickness and Weight Chart

This version also includes a column that shows actual leather thickness, when printed at full size on standard 85″ x 11″ paper

How is Leather Thickness Measured?

Leather Thickness Gauge

Leather thickness has been measured with gauges in different units around the world, and across industries

These refer to it by actual thickness, and by weight

In general, leather hides are natural substances so their thickness across the entire width of the hide can vary

As such, leather thickness for a single piece is often stated in ranges, such as 2 – 3 oz, or 2 mm – 24 mm

These variations in thickness can also be affected by the tanning process, raging from the chemical processes used to the types of drying and finishing performed

Also, thickness can be affected by how the hides are split

That is, how the hide separated into layers thinner than the original, usually by large cutting machines

While all normal, there had to be a set of consistent measures so leather workers and tanneries around the world would know what they were buying, selling, and working with

A few different units of measurement were developed and used, mainly irons, millimeters, and ounces

Leather Thickness in Irons

One measurement unit for leather thickness is in “irons”

The iron is an older unit of measurement generally used by cobblers in shoemaking

For example, a piece of leather that is 6 irons thick would be 6/48”, simplified to 1/8”, thick

Leather shoe soles and various leather parts are measured in irons

When developing the iron standard, it is possible that pieces of actual iron of uniform thickness were used for consistency

They could help ensure that leather thicknesses around the world matched and that everyone could rely on their accuracy

Irons are not used that often in modern-day leather working

Though, it is still a standard that exists and can be found in use by those that are familiar with, or prefer that unit of measurement

Leather Thickness in Millimeters (mm)

The most common leather thickness standard is the millimeter (mm)

The millimeter is a unit of measure of length in the metric system, equal to one-thousandth of one meter

This is a very popular unit of measure as it directly relates to the thickness of the leather

For example, if a leather hide is 2 mm thick, it is 2 mm thick

It does not require conversion and is a very straightforward and easy-to-understand way to measure leather thickness

Also, the metric system is the most popular standard for weights and measures in the world, so it is commonly understood and widely accepted

Leather Thickness in Ounces

Leather thickness can also be measured in ounces

This unit of measurement, when relating to material thickness, is mainly found in the United States

The most common standard of weights and measures used in the USA is the Imperial system which uses feet, inches, pounds, and ounces

When measuring leather thickness, or leather weight, each ounce is equal to 1/64”

For example, an 8 ounce weight of leather would measure approximately 8/64”

For someone not directly familiar with the ounce weight measurement, they would need to convert the weight to thickness to understand the leather they’d be buying or working with

However, this leather weight based system is the most common in the United States

Why is Leather Measured in Ounces?

Leather is measured in weight, as ounces, as it can provide a consistent value of thickness for a standard sample size of leather

For years, the garment and textile industry has provided fabric measurements in weight, often ounces

This is to give designers an idea of the density and thickness of the material, and is usually measured in ounces per square yard (oz/yd2)

For example, a heavy weave of cotton canvas fabric, cut 1 yard x 1 yard square, might weigh 12oz per square yard

A lighter cotton muslin fabric, cut 1 yard x 1 yard square, might weight 5oz per square yard

Leather is generally a much denser material, so there are some differences

When measuring leather weight, the standard for the cut square is 1 foot x 1 foot (1’ x 1’)

Since leather is much thicker and denser than most fabrics, this smaller square size for measurement allows the scale to start small, around 1oz

For example, a thinner leather material good for wallets might be 2oz (1/64”, 08mm)

So while not as common as direct thickness measurement in mm, since the USA uses the imperial system, that’s the history of why leather is measured in ounces by weight

Leather Thickness and Weight in Ranges

Now that we’re familiar with the units leather is measured in and why it’s measured by weight (in ounces), it’s important to know why it’s sold in thickness and weight ranges

Leather hides can naturally vary in thickness across the hide

Also, hides that are split might yield thicknesses that don’t fall perfectly into a single weight

Thickness can vary more widely across larger hides

Though, in general, they’re measured in next-size ranges

Smaller pieces of leather and certain cuts from the hide will generally have a more consistent thickness

Even then, a hide might weigh 24oz, thus instead of having hundreds of leather weights available for sale, they are offered in more convenient ranges

Uses for Different Leather Thicknesses and Weights

With all of the different thicknesses and weights available, it is helpful to know in general what they might work best for

Below is a chart that includes guidelines by weight

Actual use will depend much upon personal style and preference

Leather WeightCommon Uses1 – 2 ozThinner wallets, watch bands, molding, shoes, thin purses, linings, bookmarks, boots, and small pouches2 – 3 ozWallets, thicker watch bands, molding, thin purses, linings, boots, bookmarks, embossing, shoes, small pouches, light upholstery for chairs, couches, and other seating3 – 4 ozThicker wallets, embossing, molding, smaller handbags and purses, boots, shoes, thin notebook covers, pouches, standard upholstery for chairs, couches, and other seating4 – 5 ozBoots, notebook covers, smaller knife sheathes, shoes, keychains, pouches, wrestling masks, light chaps, smaller handbags and purses, light aprons5 – 6 ozBoots, notebook covers, smaller knife sheathes, shoes, keychains, thicker pouches, thicker wrestling masks, chaps, smaller handbags and purses, light aprons6 – 7 ozHeavier boots, larger notebook covers, knife sheathes, shoes, keychains, thicker pouches, heavier chaps, handbags and purses, aprons, bags and duffels, carrying cases, thin belts, thin sword and bayonet scabbards, thin armor7 – 8 ozHeavier boots, large notebook covers, knife sheathes, light slings, thicker shoes, keychains, thicker pouches, sword and bayonet scabbards, typical handbags and purses, light pet collars, thin armor, thick aprons, bags and duffels, carrying cases, belts, light straps8 – 9 ozHeavier notebook covers, knife sheathes, slings, keychains, sword and bayonet scabbards, typical handbags and purses, armor, saddle bags, pet collars, bags and duffels, slings, carrying cases, belts, straps, holsters9 – 10 ozKnife sheathes, slings, keychains, sword and bayonet scabbards, larger handbags and purses, saddle bags, pet collars, armor, bags and duffels, slings, carrying cases, heavier belts, straps, holsters10 – 11 ozHeavy knife sheathes, slings, keychains, larger handbags and purses, saddle bags, pet collars, thicker bags and duffels, slings, thicker carrying cases, heavier belts, straps, holsters, light saddles, thicker armor11 – 12 ozHeavy knife sheathes, thicker slings, keychains, heavy handbags and purses, thick saddle bags, thick pet collars, thicker bags and duffels, heavy slings, thicker carrying cases, heavier belts, straps, holsters, light saddles, thicker armor12 – 13 ozThicker slings, keychains, heavy handbags and purses, thick pet collars, heavy slings, thicker cases, heavier belts, thicker straps, holsters, typical saddles, thicker armor13 – 14 ozHeavy armor, light shoe soles, light machine belting, tack, light shoe heels, thick belts and straps, typical saddles14 – 15 ozHeavy armor, shoe soles, machine belting, heavy tack, shoe heels, thick belts and straps15 oz +Heavy armor, shoe soles, shoe heels, thick belts and straps

Tools Used to Measure Leather Thickness & Weight

A few different tools are used to measure leather thickness

Leather Thickness Gauge – Wood

There are measurements noted along the notch, and depending how far the leather fits into the notch, the corresponding marking will tell it’s thickness

Leather Thickness Gauge – Caliper

Other leather thickness gauges are in caliper form

The leather is placed into the device and a metal rod is pushed down onto the leather, securing it between two points

Based on how far the rod was pushed down, the leather of the thickness is displayed

Leather Thickness Gauge – Laser Sensor

Large, laser sensors are generally used in commercial tanneries

The lasers feed measurement data back to the computer that drives the machine, which produces precise measurement of the thickness of materials

These lasers are usually temperature-stable, so not affected by the material surface temperature

They’re best when used on leather that is at room temperature, so the ratings will be consistent with most leather working and use conditions

Getting Familiar with Leather Thicknesses – Leather Swatch Ring

It can be a huge help to physically hold and feel the different thicknesses and weights of leather

Each is a different thickness, and is marked with the leather thickness and weight

Generally available at most leather retailers, these are a relatively inexpensive and great way to really get a feel for the different weights

One can feel, bend, and see which leather thickness might work best for their next project

With so many options available, choosing the right leather thickness will have you right on your way to producing some really great pieces

If you’re looking to buy leather, click here to read the article I wrote on the best places to get it

This is a very heavy thickness and weight leather, generally good for heavy leather armor, shoe soles, shoe heels, thick straps, and saddle skirting, heavy tack, and thick belts

A leather wallet should generally be made from a leather about 1/32” thick (2oz leather weight, 08mm)

Based on preference, one could use slightly thicker 3oz leather (3/64”, 12mm)

Leather Strips – Options, Thicknesses, and How To Use Them

Leather Thickness Gauge and Measuring Tools – Measuring Up

Colors for Leather – Learn the Options and What To Choose

Grades Of Leather – A Crafter’s Guide to Quality and Uses

Leather Patina – How It’s Formed and Gets Better with Time

There are so many incredible types of leather available

Each has it’s own unique qualities that will benefit different project types or working styles

The types of leather available include full grain, top grain, genuine, bicast, and bonded

Leather finishes include aniline, semi-aniline, brush-colored, degrained, die-cut, embossed, embroidered, handworked, metallic, nappa, nubuck, oily, patent, pigmented, printed, split, suede, and waxy

It’s important to choose the right leather for your project to help ensure a great result

Let’s get familiar with all the different types

Types of Leather

Types of leather can be broken down into several different categories

We can look at the types of cuts, leather qualities, leather grades, leather finishes, types of leather by animal, types of leather with fur, even types of faux and vegan leather

Others are based on the type of animal hide, and yet others are how the leather is cut

The “5 Types of Leather”

What they are generally referring to are the volume and layers of the original hide that are still present in the end product

The material quality and characteristics vary based on from where in the hide the finished leather comes from

Hides are a natural material, and thus, highly impacted by the life of the animals that they come from

Leather quality can also be affected by the meatpacking, tanning, and finishing processes utilized during production

Along with the leather grades consumers are familiar with, we’ll look into leather grades the tanners use when evaluating hides coming from the meatpackers

What is a Leather Hide?

The leather hide is the skin removed from an animal

Since it is a natural substance, it has unique characteristics and qualities that help it serve a purpose for the animal it was a part of

Here is a cross-section image showing the layers of a leather hide

Leather Hide Cross-Section

Leather Hide – The Grain

The grain is the outermost surface of the leather hide

The grain is the layer that was exposed to the elements (air, rain, sun, etc ), and is usually very strong and smooth once the hair is removed

Leather Hide – The Grain and Corium Junction

The grain and corium junction is where the tight, outer layer of the leather blends into the looser fibers of the corium

This junction is a mix of the very desirable grain layer, and the more fibrous and looser fibers of the corium layer

Leather Hide – Corium

The corium is a layer within animal hides that is comprised mainly of collagen fibers

These are looser and more open than in the grain layer

Though, this layer is highly usable for producing leather

The corium is usually the thickest layer within an animal hide

Thus, after splitting a hide, parts of the corium might be present in either top grain or genuine leather products

Leather Hide – Flesh

The flesh is the layer of the hide that consists mainly of muscle and fatty tissues

It is not very valuable for end leather uses

As such, leather is usually split to remove the layers above it, yielding useable material of different grades and qualities for the production of leather goods

When considering grades and quality of leather, it’s key to understand how the leather is prepared, cut, and finished

Let’s look at the most common methods

Types of Leather Grades and Leather Qualities

Leathers Dyed Different Colors

The names, in reality, refer more to the way the leather has been split and the surface treated, than they do to actual “grades”

Though these variations do impact the performance and overall quality of a leather piece

After, we’ll explore the actual grades that meatpackers use when evaluating hides for sale to tanneries

For an even deeper look into grain leather, click here for an article I wrote on that

This cut of leather contains the outer layout of the hide, referred to as the “grain”; it hasn’t been sanded or buffed to remove any imperfections

Generally, only the hair is removed on full grain leathers

The grain generally has densely packed fibers that are finer; this results in a surface that is very strong, durable, and can withstand tough use

These might be from where a cow rubbed up against a fence, a small cut they might have received, or scrapes from everyday life

Full grain hides without many blemishes are the most prized, as they are least common and are the most visually appealing

Those surface fibers are also what give it the most strength of any leather type

Since the outer layer isn’t removed, it develops a patina (a surface color change from use) over time that can be pleasing to the eye

The outer layer also provides some water-resistance qualities as well

Full Grain is looked upon as the highest quality leather available

This cut is very similar to full-grain, except that it has had the very top layer sanded and/or buffed to remove imperfections and irregularities in the finish

This makes the leather softer and more pliable, with various dyes and finished applied to it

While this sanding makes it more visually appealing, it also removes a lot of the strength and some water-repellent qualities of full grain leather

This we begin to see a tradeoff between leather strength, and leather look and softness

Given its softness and flexibility, top grain leather is often used in high end leather goods, including handbags, wallets, and shoes

Genuine Leather (Corrected Leather)

Genuine leather can come from any layer of the hide, and undergoes treatment to the surface to provide a more uniform, “corrected”, appearance

It can be sanded or buffed to remove surface imperfections, then dyed (or spray painted) or stamped/embossed to give it a final surface appearance

The process alters some of the preferred qualities of leather, so while not a top quality, it is often used for belts and similar goods

Split Grain Leather

Split grain leather is a layered cut of leather from within the lower levels of the top grain area of the hide

It is usually a lower layer of the hide, above the flesh

Also, below the full grain and the best top grain cuts

Though, it still provides a useful leather material

The natural surface of split grain leather is not as dense, tight, and useful as full grain and top grain

Thus, it is often used in finishes of leathers that are colored, embossed, and the surface altered in some significant way

This allows it to offer some of the helpful qualities of a leather material, while having a visually pleasing and often-functional surface beneficial for leather products

Bonded Leather (Reconstituted Leather)

The amount of leather in the actual mix can vary greatly (from 10%-90%), and thus affect the functional and aesthetic properties of the finished product

Bonded leather is often painted to give it color and could also be pressed/embossed to give it the appearance of a particular grain or leather style

For a deeper look, click here for my article about bonded leather

Types of Leather Grades – For Raw Hides

Underside of a Leather Hide

When raw hides are produced by meatpackers, they immediately grade them

This grade is used to determine the quality of the raw hide, and enables accurate sales to tanneries

The tanneries will ultimately tan the hides, processing the raw material into a finished leather

As such, it’s important to know exactly the qualities of leather they are receiving

This ensures they’ll have what’s needed to consistently produce quality finished leathers for the production of leather goods

When grading raw hides, the inspectors will look for issues including holes, deep cuts, scars, large abrasions, discolorations, machine damage (from the skinning machines), remaining hair, and grain inconsistencies

It is important to keep in mind, too, that many large ranch operations brand their cattle to denote ownership

Branding involves permanently burning a unique pattern (usually letters or initials) into the skin of the animal

A metal brand in the form of the pattern is heated, then pressed into the animal to leave the pattern permanently burned into the hide

While common, the brand impact to the hide quality is also accounted for in the grading process

The hides will generally be graded as follows:

Number one hides are top grade hides

They generally have no major surface imperfections, holes, or cuts

If there are holes approximately 3-4 inches from the edge of the hides, and they can be trimmed away, they won’t affect the overall grade

About 80% of hides shipped to tanners should be a number one grade

A number two hide is allowed to have up to four holes or cuts, as long as they are located in a generally straight line on the hide

Holes should usually be less than 5” to be considered acceptable within a number two grade hide

Approximately 15%-20% of hides shipped to tanners have a number two hide grade

Leather Hide Grade – Number Three

Number three hides generally have five or more holes or large cuts within the hide, ideally within a generally straight line

This would allow them to be cut around later, still yielding a sizable area of usable hide

A single cut or hole over 6” can be allowed

There might also be grain defects, or a series of closely-located smaller holes that comprise a surface area larger than 1 ft

In general, number three graded hides should at least yield a 50% usable surface area

Generally, number three grade hides are only purchased by tanners when they have specifically agreed to purchase this grade of hide

Leather Hide Grade – Untannable

Hides that do not meet the quality standards of grades number one, two, or three are deemed untannable

They are not shipped to tanners, and enter another viable channel for use of the raw animal hide materials, outside of the leather industry

Types of Leather Cuts

A finished leather hide has a fairly large amount of leather to choose from when deciding where to cut from the use pieces on a project

Based on the area of the hide in relation to the animal’s body, some pieces will be a little higher quality and a little easier to work with

Finished leather can usually be purchased based on cut type

This can include the full hide, or specific areas within it

Based on the type of project you are working on and the performance characteristics you want in the finished piece, it can be helpful to know what the different available cuts are

If you’re looking for exactly where get leather cuts or pieces for a project, click here to review the buying guide I’ve put together

Leather Hide and Cut Guide

A whole leather hide encompasses the entire skinned and tanned hide from an animal

Since it includes the areas from all of the other related cuts, the leather available will range from softer areas with various stretch characteristics, to thicker, stiffer areas of the hide

The range of leather thickness and weight will vary across the entire hide

Side Leather Cut

since this includes at least parts of areas from all related cuts, the leather available will range from softer areas with various stretch characteristics, to thicker, stiffer areas of the hide

Shoulder Leather Cut

The shoulder cut of a leather hide comes from the shoulder area of the animals

Double Shoulder Leather Cut

The double shoulder cut of a leather hide comes from the shoulder area of the animals

It is essentially the entire shoulder area from the hide

This area generally has a firm, yet malleable and flexible feel to it

Shoulder cuts work well for tooling

Bend Leather Cut

The bend cut of a leather hide is from the area ranging from the spine towards the belly, towards the middle of the hide

Double Bend Leather Cut

The double bend cut of a leather hide is from the area ranging from the spine towards the belly, towards the middle of the hide

This is some of the best leather available in a hide, the prime sections generally towards the hind side before the butt

It is best used for across a number of leather product applications

Butt Leather Cut

The butt cut of a leather hide is from the hind leg portion of the hide, running around the butt and up towards the spine

Double Butt Leather Cut

The double butt cut of a leather hide is from the hind leg portion of the hide, running around the butt and up towards the spine, on both sides of the hide

This is the thickest and firmest area of the hide

Butt cuts make a good leather for thicker items such as heavy belts

Belly Leather Cut

Double Belly Leather Cut

The belly cut of a leather hide is from the left and right edges of the hide

The belly of animals naturally expands and contracts as food and water are consumed

This makes the belly leather a little softer, and stretchier, than from other areas of the hide

While not considered prime leather, belly cut leather can be used for a variety of leather working uses

Types of Leather from Different Animal Hides

Leather can be produced from the skin of any animal

Throughout history many leathers have been made across times, regions, and through different methods

The most common today are cow, sheep, goat, and pig

Though, most any type can be obtained if needed for a project

Let’s explore some of the more common, and less common types of leather below

In general, when speaking about animal leathers, those from larger animals such as cattle are referred to as “hides”

Those from smaller animals such as rabbits or pigs are referred to as skins

Also in terms of volume, cattle leather makes up about 67% of the total annual leather production around the world

Bulls are un-castrated male cattle

They have higher levels of testosterone and in general, thick, heavy hides

Bull leather is useful for thicker leather uses such as in heavy belts and show and boot soles

A low ratio number of male cattle are kept as bulls, to reproduce the breeds, so much lower amounts of bull leather are usually available than other types

Steers are castrated male cattle

They are one of the most popular types of animal leather sought

It works well for leather applications such as saddlery, belts, some shoes, and other strap items

Cattle – Cows

Cows are female cattle that have had calves

Cow leather is a thick, soft leather that works well for most common leather needs

This type of leather is generally soft and pliable, great for shoes, boots, and other similar leather applications

Cattle – Dairy Cows

Dairy cows are female cattle that are bred primarily for the production of milk

Their hides are generally soft and thin

This makes it a great leather for lighter belts, wallets, clothing, upholstery, and straps

Calves are young male or female cattle

Their hides are generally very soft, thin, and supple

This makes it useful for finer leather applications such as wallets, watchbands, and smaller leather accessories including handbags

Pig leather makes up about 10% of the total leather production around the world

Sheep leather, also called sheep skin, is popular because it often has one side as leather and the other covered in wool

This makes it an ideal leather for use in year-round seat upholstery, shoes, slippers, boots, and moccasins

Sheep leather, including lamb leather) makes up about 12% of the total leather production around the world

Goat leather is a very soft, strong, and durable leather

The skins are supple and flexible, making for a comfortable feel

Goat and kid (young goat) leather makes up about 11% of the total leather production around the world

Horse leather is most commonly associated with the premium “cordovan” leather

Also, when compared to cattle hides, horse butts cover a relatively small surface area

This is why cordovan leather products are usually small items such as shoes, gloves, and small accessories

Exotic Animal Leathers

Since leather can be made from any animal, there are often a variety of leather types available

Types of Leather Used for Furs

Some animals have a desirable fur as part of their hide

They are used to make clothing and accessories that utilize the hair left on the hide, in the double face type of leather finishing

One face is finished leather, the other race is the animal fur

Types of Leather Finishes – Finished Leathers

Leathers with Different Textured Surfaces

When leathers are made, they can be finished in many different ways

These methods yield leathers that can be used for a variety of different purposes

Variations can include texture, flexibility, color, and finish

Let’s explore some of the major types of finished leather

Aniline leather is a type of leather dyed only with soluble dyes

They allow the natural surface of the leather to show through (blemishes, cuts, etc )

Generally only higher quality leathers are used since they have nice, even surfaces

It is then finished with a thin protective coating to help prevent fast wear of the leather, or any other staying or discoloration from showing up on the surfaceThis can be a visually appealing dye approach, since it does allow the original surface of the leather to show through

Semi-aniline leather is a type of leather that is dyed only with soluble dyes

Semi-aniline leathers allow the natural surface of the leather to show through (blemishes, cuts, etc )

It is then finished with a thin protective coating to help prevent fast wear of the leather, or any other staying or discoloration from showing up on the surfaceGenerally only higher quality leathers are used since they have nice, even surfaces

This can be a visually appealing dye approach, since it does allow the original surface of the leather to show through

Antique Grain Leather

Antique grain is a type of leather that has been treated with a surface affect to give an aged and worn appearance

It might involve several tones of finish, or a rubbed patten to mimic wear over time

Antique grain leather allows one to utilize an aged look in their finished product, without requiring the leather to be very old or worn out

Bicast LeatherBicast is a type of leather made with a split leather backing and an embossed/impressed layer of polyurethane or vinyl on the top

This gives the appearance of a patterned/shiny leather, without the cost of a true top or full grain leather piece

Brush colored leather is a type of leather that has pigment applied via a brush

This creates a unique pattern of color on each piece

Bruch colored leather is nice for finished pieces that seek a distinct and creative visual appeal

Degrained leather is a type of leather that has had the grain layer removed

This generally occurs towards the end of the production process

Benefits of degrained leather include a smooth, consistent surface that looks quite nice

However, removing the grain also weakens the outer surface of the layer, making it more susceptible to wear and moisture penetration

Double Face Leather (Double Sided Leather)

Double face leather, also referred to as double sided leather, is a type of leather that has two uniquely finished sides

Some examples include sheep skins, where one side is finished leather and the other is wool

Another is leather that might have different embossed surfaces, one on each side

Embossed leather is a type of leather created by producing raised patterns on the finished hide

the embossed elements can be designs, lettering, or any visual enhancement to the leather’s surface

Embroidered leather is a type of leather that has had embroidery applied to it

The pattern of the thread is usually placed in such a way as to result in a decorative pattern or motif that is now part of the embroidered material

Faux leather is a type of synthetic leather made generally of polyurethane or vinyl

Faux leather is intended to look like real leather yet cost significantly less

It is used often in the furniture industry and has the benefits of being inexpensive (compared to real leather), durable, and easy to clean

It does however not reflect real leather qualities such as wearing better over time, having natural stretchability, breathability, and resistance to cuts and other abrasions, and a unique natural look/feel

Faux leather can be referred to by a number of names, which can include:

For a detailed look at this type of material, click here for my article about synthetic leather and how it’s made

Handworked Leather is a type of leather created by the manual application of leather tools

This can result in leather with tooled, stamped, etched, or embossed surfaces

The results can look quite stunning as the craft of hand working leather is an art in itself

Interwoven Leather is a type of leather that has been braided together

Often seen in belts, the weave of the leather laces or strips creates a unique looking , textured piece

Metallic Leather is a type of leather that has had a metal layer of material added to it during the finishing process

This layer creates a metallic, shiny, reflective look to the finished leather

It provides a finishing option that is most often used in clothing, accessories, and handbags

Napa is type of leather this is more a general marketing term for a soft, smooth, full grain leather

Some napa comes from genuine leather and isn’t the highest of quality; the term itself isn’t a clear identifier of quality or material

The history and more details on nubck are available in my Napa leather article here

Nubuck is a type of leather that is a top-grain leather that has has the surface sanded in such a way as to leave the surface with a slight nap of short protein fibers

This produces a soft, velvet-like surface that is pleasing to touch, and also has a unique visual appearance

More details are available in my nubuck-specific article here

Oil Leather, also known as pull-up leather, waxy leather, and waxed leather, is a type of leather that has a larger volume than average amount of oils and waxes in the surface finish

When the leather pieces are flexed and moved, the surface catches the light in different ways, do to the reflections on the oils and waxes

This provides for a varied look across surface tones, which could be quite visually appealing

Patent leather is a type of leather that has a high-gloss finish applied via a coating, generally linseed oil

Click here for my detailed article on patent leather

Pearlized Leather is a type of leather that has had a liquid layer of color added to the surface during finishing

While not as reflective as metallic leather, pearlized leather is a subtler implementation of the same concept

Pigmented leather is a type of leather that is finished with a top coat of pigment (or paint)

That pigment helps both provide an even surface on the leather, and also a protective coating

Pigmented leather is often coated with a clear protective sealer, to help protect the pigment layer

Printed Leather is a type of leather that has has the surface texture printer, to stamped into it

This creates various leather surface types that might serve both functional and aesthetic purposed

Functional purposes might include helping make the leather surface more scratch and abrasion resistant

Aesthetic purposes might include making it look uniformly pebbled or nubbed

The textures of printed leathers can feel preferable as well

Saffiano leather is an example of a printed leather

For a deeper look into pebbled leather, click here to check out my article with more details

It is a unique style of smooth leather that is finished with a “haircell” pattern; a fine, textured print that gives the surface a stylish look

Quilon leather was developed in 2007, based on the now-vintage Doc Marten leather from the 1970s

For a detailed look, click here for my article about quilon leather

Stretch Leather is a type of leather that is usually a composite leather made to be able to stretch when used

It can use a processed leather surface mixed with a synthetic under layer that allows the material to stretch yet still retain a uniform look with most of the usual performance qualities

Stretch leathers are often used in clothing and leather goods that will be worn and flex with human movement

Suede is a type of leather made using a similar approach as Nubuck, where the surface is sanded in such a way as to leave the surface with a slight nap of short protein fibers

Though, instead of being made from full grain leather, suede is made from split grain leather

Washable Leather is a type of leather that is better suited to cleaning

While leather should not be roughly cleaned often (and likely shouldn’t if well-cared for), special leather washing methods are available

For items that have an expected use requiring frequent cleaning, such as some clothes, a washable leather can be used to help ensure the items last longer and stay in great shape

There are so many types of leather available, suitable for a range of needs

If you’re curious what thicknesses of leather would work well for your next project, click here to read my guide on leather weights

Depending on the type of project you’re working on, or preference for leather qualities, you’ll likely find a great leather that will help make some incredible leather goods

The best leather is generally full grain leather

It is smooth, dense, flexible, and wears very well over time

That said, the best leather is dependent on the type of project it will be used for, and personal preference in leather characteristics

What is the strongest type of leather?

The strongest leather is generally full grain leather

The grain has densely packed fibers that are finer

This results in a surface that is strong, durable, and can withstand tough use

The Amazing Strength and Durability of Kangaroo Leather

A Look into The Rare and Popular Yak Leather

Why Vachetta Leather Looks Great & Gets Better with Age

Bonded Leather – The Truth on Quality, Cost, & Durability

Buffalo Leather – A Bison Leather with Endless Uses

Suede Leather – Why It’s Great, Soft, and So Fuzzy

Pebbled Leather – Texture with Style and Durability

Elk Hide – Large, Durable Leather for Clothing and Accessories

Hair-on Cowhide Leather – Its Qualities and When To Use It

Embossed Leather – Raised Elements for Style and Function

Tooling Leather – Choosing the Proper Type for Great Results

Pull Up Leather – When to Use This Brightly Colored Option

Aniline Leather – When to Use this Bright, Colorful Leather

Stingray Leather – When to Use This Flexible, Durable Leather

Alligator Leather – When To Use This Exotic Leather

Lambskin Leather – Learn When to Use This Soft Leather

Ostrich Leather – An Exotic Option with a Unique Pattern

Napa Leather – What Makes it So Soft and Smooth

Latigo Leather – When to Use This Flexible, Durable Leather

Beaver Tail Leather – Small, Unique, and Very Stylish

Semi Aniline Leather – When to Use This Colored Leather

Fish Leather – Benefits of Working with this Unique Leather

Shell Cordovan – What Makes It Special and When To Use It

Buffalo Hide – Textured, Durable and Great for Many Projects

Goat Leather – Popular, Strong, Durable, and Very Useful

Nubuck Leather – Surprisingly Soft and Strong

Crocodile Leather – When to Use this Durable, Exotic Leather

Vegetable Tanned Leather – A Classic with Infinite Uses

Crossgrain Leather – A Corrected Leather With Many Uses

Distressed Leather – Unique Strength, Style, and Durability

Oiled Leather – Strong, Durable, and Great for Crafting

Pig Leather – When to Use This Strong and Versatile Leather

Studded Leather – What Makes It Unique and When To Use It

Recycled Leather – Making Leather Sustainable

Veg Tan Leather – Heritage, Qualities, and When To Use It