You've probably heard about how full-grain is the best leather your money can buy: being top grain leather the second best. However, that's not always the case. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and we'll talk a little bit of both in this article. Read on to find out about what distinguishes these types of leather and how to tell the difference without relying on misleading tags.
What is Full Grain Leather?
Full Grain is the most expensive leather one can get; so if it's more expensive, then it's the best, right? Well, not exactly. Full Grain refers to leather that hasn't been sanded or embossed. This means that this leather will conserve all the outer grain (that's why it's called full grain), meaning you can see all the possible defects and colour changes in its outer layer.
What is Top Grain Leather?
Top Grain Leather, on the other hand, has been treated not to feel so rough at the touch and to improve its overall look. The thing is that when leather is treated, it loses many of its strongest fibers, which makes top grain leather not last as long and get scratched easily. Which one is the best? Well, the best one for you will depend on your preferences.
Full grain leather will last you longer, but it's a lot more expensive and it will likely have a lot of marks (since they haven't been sanded off in the treatment process). Full grain leather conserves all the details from the original cut, which makes it seem a little bit rougher.
This type of leather acquires a patina over time, which makes it look a lot better when it's been highly used than what happens with top grain leather. With top grain leather, you save a bit of money, but contrarily to what you might think, it's not because top grain is leather that was less treated before it reaches the stores: actually, it's the opposite. Top grain is sanded off, a process in which the leather loses many of its strongest fibers.
However, the sanding and embossment processes this leather goes through make it easier to work with in factories, which is why you can find it more easily. Top grain does not acquire a patina over time: in fact, it's a bit more likely to seem worn out than full grain leather over time and usage. Check out our Top Grain Leather Messenger Bags
So, should I buy full grain leather?
It depends highly on what you are buying. When it comes to clothes, top grain leather will be a lot better choice in terms of comfort: it's more flexible and softer to the touch. However, full grain leather keeps moisture away more easily, which is always a plus, especially in clothing. Ultimately, it all depends on what you value more. Full grain leather is rougher to the touch but it's amazing for wallets and purses since it lasts much longer.
Some people say it can last forever, but that should be taken with a grain of salt. About top grain leather, it's still a great and affordable choice. It will look much better at the beginning than full grain leather, although it might lose a little bit of quality over time. It all comes down to how long you want your leather product to last and how important it is to you the way your leather looks.