The Most Common Styles of Leather

The Most Common Styles of Leather

Heritage 

For classic leather, heritage leather experiences a natural oil tannage for a high-quality piece of leather, leaving it with rich highs and lows.  

 

Navigator 

During the tanning procedure, navigator leather is infused with oils that not only give it a rich, creamy hand feel but let it take on a personality of its own as you carry it. 

Blemishes rub out easily and the color variation that naturally occurs with wear only enhances its character — making it the ultimate no-fuss leather.

 

Luxe Grain

Manufacturers or leather-good businesses will use the term “luxe grain” to signal that the leather is high quality or luxurious. 

 

Harness 

Harness leather is incredibly tough and experiences fewer waxes and oils than other leathers. 

 

Nappa or Smooth

Nappa leather is dyed with water-soluble colorants that create it more resistant to light. The leather process creates a fabric that is ultra-smooth with a minimal grain texture.    

 

Pebble Grain

Pebble grain is just as it sounds—leather with a pebble-shaped surface. This same texture can also be found on the double-face luxe leather and on natural leather. Pebble grain has two main advantages: a unique appearance and a scratch-resistant surface. 

 

Nubuck

Top-grain calfskin is used for nubuck because it’s known for its resilience. However, there tend to be more scratches and unique contrasts in the grain because the top grain is dense and hard. The outer layer of the leather is then refined via a series of buffing and sanding, equating to a velvety-soft finish.

 

Natural 

While most leather is stained, raw leather is vegetable-tanned and left its organic color. This method emphasizes the patina that will come with time, embracing the worn-and-loved look. 

 

Vachetta

Vachetta leather is unfinished leaving it more exposed to the elements and wear. This may seem like a disadvantage, but again, this results in a patina that many see as the highlight of leather products. 

 

Signature

Signature leather also honors natural attractiveness. Rich and pliable, you’ll be able to see the grain variations on signature leather pieces. It begins with a gloss that will gently matte over time to create dynamic contrast.  

 

Credit: shinola.com
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