Types of Leather

Leather and substitute leather products have characteristics that may be viewed as positives or negatives depending upon one's perspective. We have attempted to clarify the terms and attributes below to help you choose the product that best serves your individual needs. Once you have identified the material of your liking, you can add that term to our search bar above to view our product offerings. Learn about carbon fiber and other metals used for nickel free products once you are a leather expert!

Full Grain Leather

Cost:

$$$$

Durability:

Rated highest in durability and strength

Characteristics:

Natural texture
Full thickness (solid piece of leather)
Soft, comfortable fit
Casual look
Heavy duty wear

The Roan Mountain Distressed Belt is an example of a full grain leather belt.

Top Grain Leather

Cost:

$$$

Durability:

Rated very high in durability and strength

Characteristics:

Refined, smooth texture
Dressier appearance
Solid piece of leather
Regular wear

The Black Balsam Knob Belt uses top grain leather for the strap.

Bridle Leather

Cost:

$$$$

Durability:

Rated very high in durability and strength

Characteristics:

Top grain leather
Highly refined with oils/waxes
Supple, luxurious feel
Smooth and comfortable
Heavy duty wear

AJ's Gun Belt is made with bridle leather.

Mid-Grade Leather

Cost:	$$
Durability:	Medium durability and strength
Characteristics:	Top grain upper stitched to top grain back Attractive, finished appearance Cost effective option Medium- to light-duty wear

Split Grain Leather

Cost:	$
Durability:	Lower durability and strength
Characteristics:	Leather backing covered with polyurethane Artificially consistent texture Easier to clean/maintain Lacks the look, strength and breathability of natural leather products Light duty wear

Manmade (Polyurethane)

Cost:	$
Durability:	Lower durability and strength
Characteristics:	Animal free (vegan) Washable, waterproof Pliable Inexpensive Light duty wear

Bonded Leather

Cost:

Durability:

Very low durability and strength

Characteristics:

Lowest grade of manmade leather
Constructed with cardboard/low cost items
Fragments of split leather are included to give the illusion of leather

NoNickel.com does not carry bonded leather products.

Other Terms of Interest

Genuine Leather

The term "genuine leather" can be used to describe any material made with 10% animal leather. It is widely used to describe leather products but has little value as to quality. Genuine leather has become a generic term with little value, similar to the term “hypoallergenic”.

Tanning

The tanning process converts animal hides into apparel-ready leather by curing, softening, and breaking in the raw leather. Depending on the desired finish, a hide may also be waxed, rolled, lubricated, injected with oil, split, shaved or dyed.

Care Instructions

Cleaning most leather products is easily done with saddle soap. Touch-ups for scuffs can also be accomplished with waxes or shoe polishes. Testing on an inconspicuous spot is always recommended! Cleaning or polishing is not recommended for full grain leather.