There are multitude of distinct kinds of leather, while some are known for their strength and toughness, others are known for their softness. Full grain is produced from the top side of the leather - that is the outside of the skin, the surface will be smooth and polishable. Suede is produced from the underside of the skin and has a distinctive nap. The nap can be altered to be very fine, or long-almost hairy in appearance. Pigmented leathers have a light surface spray of color added at the final stage. This produces a uniform appearance, good for more formal shoes or leather goods. Nubuck is produced from full grain leathers. The grain is abraded away to create a light surface nap. This can be adjusted to be very fine, or a longer, softer effect can be produced.

"Top grain" is the definition that is generally used when the grain is not genuine: when the real grain is sanded away and an imitation grain is stamped into the leather. These leathers are the most-desirable, best-looking and most expensive. As compared to other leather types, top grain leathers are stronger, wear better over time, and have a richer color. The natural animal hide markings in the grain is visible and these markings make each piece unique. Nappa leather is a soft, top-grain leather used in many styles today. The uppermost layer of the hide, top grain leather is the highest quality part of the hide and the mostly preferred for upholstery applications. It is from the top 3/64 of an inch or .9 mm to 1.5 mm of the outer grain of the leather hide. Any veg- tan or chrome tan leather that uses the natural surface of the animals skin after the hair has been removed is top grain leather

There are multitude of distinct kinds of leather, while some are known for their strength and toughness, others are known for their softness. Full grain is produced from the top side of the leather - that is the outside of the skin, the surface will be smooth and polishable. Suede is produced from the underside of the skin and has a distinctive nap. The nap can be altered to be very fine, or long-almost hairy in appearance. Pigmented leathers have a light surface spray of color added at the final stage. This produces a uniform appearance, good for more formal shoes or leather goods. Nubuck is produced from full grain leathers. The grain is abraded away to create a light surface nap. This can be adjusted to be very fine, or a longer, softer effect can be produced.

There are multitude of distinct kinds of leather, while some are known for their strength and toughness, others are known for their softness. Full grain is produced from the top side of the leather - that is the outside of the skin, the surface will be smooth and polishable. Suede is produced from the underside of the skin and has a distinctive nap. The nap can be altered to be very fine, or long-almost hairy in appearance. Pigmented leathers have a light surface spray of color added at the final stage. This produces a uniform appearance, good for more formal shoes or leather goods. Nubuck is produced from full grain leathers. The grain is abraded away to create a light surface nap. This can be adjusted to be very fine, or a longer, softer effect can be produced.

There are multitude of distinct kinds of leather, while some are known for their strength and toughness, others are known for their softness. Full grain is produced from the top side of the leather - that is the outside of the skin, the surface will be smooth and polishable. Suede is produced from the underside of the skin and has a distinctive nap. The nap can be altered to be very fine, or long-almost hairy in appearance. Pigmented leathers have a light surface spray of color added at the final stage. This produces a uniform appearance, good for more formal shoes or leather goods. Nubuck is produced from full grain leathers. The grain is abraded away to create a light surface nap. This can be adjusted to be very fine, or a longer, softer effect can be produced.