Genuine Leather Types

Full Grain Leather

"Full grain leather" is one of the highest quality and also most expensive leather types we encounter today. As a living material, it bears traces of natural life and usually has natural wrinkles. For users, these marks can vary depending on personal preferences regarding whether to prefer it or not.

The skin layer, which forms the uppermost layer of the leather, is responsible for protecting the animal from external factors and is the part most exposed to atmospheric conditions. For this reason, it has a very durable structure. Genuine leather products made using this layer have a structure so strong that they cannot be torn by human force.

Luxury brands generally prefer to use "full grain leather" in their products. This enhances the quality and durability of their products and offers customers a long-lasting product. There are different ways to determine if a leather product is "full grain leather." One of these is to observe the pores on the top layer of the skin; another is the presence of scars, scratches, and moles on the leather that may carry the animal's life marks. These marks prove the authenticity and uniqueness of the leather.

At RexOwl, we also prefer to use "full grain leather" in our products.

Advantages and Characteristics of Full Grain Leather

Strength: Full grain leather is the strongest layer of leather. This feature ensures long-lasting use.

Durability: Compared to other leather layers, it is harder and more durable. It is resistant to daily use and external factors.

Less Moisture Retention: Because it has more air pores, it tends to retain less moisture. This feature prevents mold and mildew formation and preserves the product's appearance and smell.

Natural Patina: With use, full grain leather allows for the formation of unique darkening and patinas. This ensures that the leather becomes more beautiful over time and helps it acquire a unique texture.

With these features, full grain leather offers a high-quality and durable leather option. Its strength, durability, and aesthetic development during the natural aging process provide users with a long-lasting and stylish experience.

Top Grain Leather

Quality and Preference: Although not as much as full grain leather, top grain leather is a high-priced leather type that is frequently preferred by users. Top grain leather is considered the second highest quality leather.

Similarities: The lack of significant differences in use between "top grain leather" and "full grain leather" makes it difficult for users to choose. This is because both types of leather use the skin itself or a large part of it.

Differences: The only difference is that top grain leather undergoes a subtle surface cleaning. During this cleaning, attempts are made to remove some of the scars, scratches, and natural life marks on the leather, but they cannot be completely eliminated.

Confusion and Distinction: It is important to note the naming confusion. Since the word "top" in English means uppermost, a false impression might arise that this type is of higher quality than "full grain leather."

Similar Quality: Although not as much as full grain leather, top grain leather is also a strong, durable, and long-lasting leather type. As products are used, they allow for the formation of unique darkening and patinas, which helps them acquire a unique texture.

While top grain leather shows certain differences compared to full grain leather, it is still at a high level in terms of quality and durability.

Genuine Leather

"Genuine leather," or split leather, is one of the third-grade types of genuine leather. Although the word "genuine" in English means "authentic, real," consumers often perceive this term as the highest quality leather, but it is actually a type of leather made from scraps.

Cowhide enters a device known as a splitting machine, which separates it into two parts. The uppermost parts are called "full grain leather" and "top grain leather," while the lower parts are known as "genuine leather."

"Genuine leather," since it consists of the remnants of the leather, comes from areas with a high percentage of fiber structures. Therefore, its strength is quite low. If you take a piece of unprocessed genuine leather and pull it from the right and left, you can observe that the leather tears easily. Due to this low strength and durability, genuine leather is not used alone in product manufacturing; it is usually processed in factories to increase its strength.

To increase strength, layers of genuine leather are bonded together with adhesives, then dyed, and given texture with special printing machines. As a result of these processes, a leather-like surface feel is achieved.

Genuine leather can be used to manufacture low-priced products such as belts, bags, and shoes. However, the durability and quality of these products are lower compared to products made from higher-quality leather types like full grain leather and top grain leather.