There’s something undeniably captivating about the feel and scent of leather, whether it’s the interior of a sleek sports car, a leather lounge suite, or a designer handbag (my personal favourite!).
Types of Leather
Leather typically comes in four main types:
- Full-grain leather: This is the highest quality leather, with the natural grain left intact. It’s breathable, strong, and durable, and rather than wearing out, it develops a beautiful patina over time. Full-grain leather is often used in premium furniture and footwear.
- Top-grain leather: This is the second-highest quality and is commonly used in high-end leather goods. The top layer of the hide is split from the fibrous part, making it thinner and more pliable. Its surface is sanded, giving it a smoother, more uniform look, but it also feels slightly colder and more synthetic. While less breathable, it is more resistant to stains.
- Corrected-grain leather: This leather has had imperfections removed, and an artificial grain is embossed on its surface, followed by a finish of stains or dyes.
- Split leather: Made from the fibrous part of the hide left after the top-grain is removed, split leather can be further split and often has an artificial grain embossed on it. Split leather is also used to make suede, which has a soft, fuzzy texture on both sides.
Leather has been integral to human life since our prehistoric ancestors first hunted wild animals and fashioned clothing and shelters from their skins. We’ve wrapped ourselves in it, slept beneath it, used it to carry goods, and worn it for protection from the elements and our adversaries. From bicycle seats to well-worn saddles, leather has been part of our daily lives. We’ve kicked it, hit it, walked on it, and worn it.
Man-made products – many of them excellent in their own right – have competed with leather over the years. The sixties in particular saw a whole range of PVC clothing and accessories on high streets, none more delightful than the knee-high boot.
Despite the rise of man-made materials, leather has remained a timeless classic. While synthetic alternatives are often more affordable and easier to produce, they haven’t replaced the enduring appeal of leather. Cricket still celebrates the sound of leather on willow, and leather remains the preferred material for many due to its breathability, durability, and style. Leather accessories, like a genuine leather wallet or a stylish leather bag, make for timeless gifts.
While I might have to settle for vinyl seats in my car for now, the Porsche of my dreams will undoubtedly have leather seats!
Executive accessories 