Leather products come in various forms shapes and sizes.  Just as there is a variety of products that can be made from leather, there is a variety of leather forms or grades.

Top-Grain leather, also called Full-Grain leather uses the top skin layer of the hide.  This type of leather is preferred in many cases because it allows for tough fiber strength and is generally more comfortable when used in clothing.  The material is breathable and has not been “sanded” down.  Nubuck leather is a type of top

The next grade of leather is called Corrected-Grain leather.  If the surface of Top-Grain leather has altered (such as by sanding to remove major imperfections), it is now of “corrected” grade.  Leather than was not fit to be displayed as Top-Grain can be used as corrected leather.

When Top-Grain leather has been removed, the rest of the fibers left over can be made into what is called Split leather.  Suede leather is often made from Split leather

Other grades of leather include Napa Leather which is often used to make high quality wallets.  Bonded leather is commonly used for book coverings and is made from leather “leftovers” that are bonded together.  Bicast leather mixes polyurethane with low grade leather.  Vachetta leather is generally used for luggage trimmings and is not treated.  Patent leather offers a high gloss finish and generally has a plastic coating.

Caring for leather products will help extend product life.  In general, try to keep leather products from getting wet.  Keep them in moderate humidity (to great and too little humidity can hurt the leather).  Try to keep the leather product from direct sunlight for extended periods of time. 

Leather. (2008, July 13). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 02:01, July 17, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Leather&oldid=225364947