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Leather Grades.
How is leather classified?
Leather grades are based on which part of the hide is used and how much of the natural surface remains. The more of the natural grain that remains intact, the better the character, strength and longevity.
Leather Grades.
How is leather classified?
Leather grades are based on which part of the hide is used and how much of the natural surface remains. The more of the natural grain that remains intact, the better the character, strength and longevity.
Understanding Leather Grades
A hide can be processed in different ways, with more or less of the natural grain surface retained. This results in different grades of leather, each with its own appearance, texture and characteristics.
Leather grade is only one part of the story. The animal type, the quality of the hide, the tanning process, the surface finish and the product construction also influence the final look and performance.
01
Full-Grain Leather
The highest grade. The entire grain layer is left intact with no sanding or heavy correction.
Natural grain remains intact
Strongest and most durable
Develops rich patina
Premium quality
02
Top-Grain Leather
The surface grain is intact but lightly sanded and refined for a more uniform appearance.
Refined and uniform surface
Slightly less breathable
Good durability
High quality
03
Corrected / Split Leather
The top grain is heavily sanded or removed. A pattern is embossed on the surface.
More uniform look
Lower breathability
Less durable
Lower quality
04
Genuine Leather
Made from the lower layers of the hide. Often the weakest and least durable option.
Fibre is loose and weaker
Least durable option
Limited breathability
Basic quality
What Does “Genuine Leather” Mean?
“Genuine leather” is a general industry term. It indicates that the material is real leather made from an animal hide, but it does not specify the grade, the layer of the hide or the level of surface treatment.
Genuine leather can refer to different types of leather, so it’s important to look at the product’s actual specification rather than the term alone.
What About Bonded Leather?
Bonded leather is made from leather fibres and offcuts, which are combined with a binding material and finished with a surface coating. It is different from leather made from an intact hide layer, such as full-grain or top-grain.
Bonded leather can be used for certain products, but it does not have the same characteristics as leather made from a continuous hide layer.
A leather grade tells only part of the story.
Leather classification helps explain the grain layer and how the surface has been treated. It does not, on its own, guarantee the quality or performance of the finished product.
RELATED KNOWLEDGE
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
"Genuine leather" simply means the material contains animal hide, but it is typically made from the weaker split sub-layers coated with synthetic polymer pigments. It lacks the dense fiber grain of top-grain and full-grain leather.
Full-grain retains the complete exterior hide surface with all its natural strength and unique markings. Top-grain has been lightly sanded or buffed to smooth imperfections, making it more uniform but slightly less durable.
Bonded leather is created by shredding leather scraps and bonding them with polyurethane adhesives. It easily peels and deteriorates within a few months, conflicting with our lifetime durability commitment.
Unlike full-grain leather which can be conditioned, cleaned, and buffed back to luster, corrected split leather cannot be restored once its polyurethane surface coating cracks or peels away from the fibrous backing.
Full-grain displays natural organic pore variations, fine creases, and subtle tonal depth that evolves over time. Top-grain exhibits an exceptionally uniform, smoothed surface texture where natural epidermal pores have been lightly buffed away.
100% FULL-GRAIN LEATHER
Experience the Highest Grade
We refuse split leathers, synthetic fillers, and bonded imitations. Every TORO7 belt is built exclusively from uncorrected, full-grain leather. Discover the difference.