WE COMMIT TO FULL-GRAIN LEATHER
We commit to use full-grain leather, not genuine leather. What the different?
You’ve probably seen “Genuine Leather” stamped on a bag and thought, that must mean good quality. I used to think the same when I first entered the leather industry eight years ago. But here’s the truth, not all leather is created equal. When you’re choosing something timeless whether it’s a handcrafted leather bag, wallet, or accessory, understanding the different types of leather helps you make a choice that truly lasts.
The Leather Quality Ladder from Finest to Lowest
- Full-Grain Leather : Very top layer of the hide where the natural texture and strenght live. It's untouched, durable and rich in character. Aging beautifully with every use.
- Top-Grain Leather : Slightly below full-grain, has been sanded and finished to remove natural mark. It's smooth and elegant but sacrifice a bit of its natural durability.
- Genuine Leather ( The Misleading Middle ) : Don't let the name fool you " genuine" doesn't always mean high quality. It's made from lower layers of the hide and often coated to look like better leather.
- Split or Corrected Leather : comes from the inner layers of the hide and is often embossed to mimic real grain. Looks neat but it lacks the strenght and breathability.
- Bonded Leather : Made from leeftover leather scraps mixed with glue, is the least durable type. It may look convincing at first but it tends to crack and peel over time.
Leather bag isn't just an accessory, it's a companion that follow you through the years. That's why understanding the different between full-grain and genuine leather matters. full-grain leather matures beautifully, growing softer and deeper in tone the more you use it. When you invest in full-grain leather, you're investing in quality, sustainability, and a pieces that becomes more personal with time. That's the kind of slow, intentional craftsmanship we believe in at ANSELMÉ AUSTRALIA.
How to identify full-grain leather
Full-grain leather is defined by its authentic surface texture, the top layer of the hide that hasn't been sanded or altered. This means you'll often see natural imperfections such a small scars, wrinkles or pores, which give every piece its own unique character. These marks aren't flaws, they are proof of genuine craftmanship and qualiity. The surface grain feels rich and slightly uneven to the touch, showing the natural pattern of the animals skin. Unlike corrected leather that look smooth or perfect, full-grain leather celebrates these organic details, which only grow more beautiful with time and use.