Most of us know what leather is, but fewer people understand that not all leather is the same. Are there different grades? Which part of the animal becomes leather? And why do some leather products last decades while others wear out quickly?
Where Leather Comes From
Leather is a natural byproduct of the meat industry and comes from the hide of animals such as cows, sheep, or goats after slaughter. Each hide is made up of several layers, but only one becomes leather.
The hide consists of:
Once the hair is removed, the dermis is treated, tanned, and finished into leather.
Common Types (Grades) of Leather
Full-grain leather is considered the highest quality and most durable leather available. It comes from the top layer of the hide and retains the natural surface of the skin. Because it is not sanded or heavily processed, it keeps its original grain, including natural markings like pores, wrinkles, and small scars.
This minimal processing allows full-grain leather to remain strong, breathable, and moisture-resistant. Over time, it develops a beautiful patina, giving each piece a richer character and a story of its own.
Top-grain leather is also taken from the upper layer of the hide but is lightly sanded to remove surface imperfections. This creates a smoother, more uniform appearance.
Because the sanding removes some of the strongest fibers, top-grain leather is slightly less durable than full-grain. However, it is often finished with a protective coating, making it more resistant to stains and scratches while still maintaining a refined look.
Despite the name, “genuine leather” refers to a lower grade. It is made from the remaining layers of the hide after the top layers have been removed. These layers are weaker and less durable.
To improve its appearance, genuine leather is often treated with artificial textures and surface coatings. While it is real leather, it does not age as well and tends to feel stiffer compared to higher-grade options.
Bonded leather is considered the lowest leather grade. It is made from leftover leather scraps and fibers that are shredded, mixed with bonding agents like polyurethane or latex, and then pressed onto a fabric or paper backing.
Although bonded leather may look like real leather at first glance, it lacks strength, flexibility, and longevity. Over time, it is more likely to crack or peel.
Our Choice at Joywot Origin
At Joywot Origin, we believe quality matters.
That’s why all of our bags are crafted from full-grain leather, except for our suede pieces, which are intentionally selected for their soft texture and design purpose.
When you choose Joywot Origin, you’re investing in:
Leather tells a story and we design our bags to age beautifully with you.
Source & Inspiration: Bosca – Types of Leather: A Glossary
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