The Different Types of Leather Explained: Full-Grain, Top-Grain, Suede, Bonded, and More

We receive questions about the different types of leather on a regular basis so I decided to create a guide that will help you learn the difference.

If you’ve ever shopped for a leather sofa, jacket, or handbag, you’ve probably seen terms like full-grain, top-grain, genuine leather, or bonded leather. But what do these terms actually mean? The type of leather used has a huge impact on durability, appearance, and price. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of leather so you know exactly what you’re buying.

Full-Grain Leather – The Highest Quality

What is full-grain leather?
Full-grain leather is the best and most durable type of leather. It comes from the top layer of the hide and retains all the natural markings. Unlike other types, it’s not sanded or buffed, which means it shows unique scars, wrinkles, and textures. Over time, full-grain leather develops a beautiful patina.

• Pros: Extremely durable, ages well, natural look.

• Cons: Expensive, can feel stiff at first.

• Best For: High-end leather furniture, belts, wallets, premium handbags, and work boots.

Search phrases people use:

• “Is full-grain leather real leather?”

• “Full-grain vs top-grain leather”

• “Why is full-grain leather so expensive?”

Top-Grain Leather – A More Polished Option

What is top-grain leather?
Top-grain leather is the second-highest grade. It’s made from the top layer of the hide but sanded and treated to remove blemishes. This gives it a more uniform appearance than full-grain, but slightly less durability.

• Pros: Softer and more flexible, more affordable than full-grain.

• Cons: Doesn’t develop the same patina, not as tough.

• Best For: Sofas, jackets, purses, fashion accessories.

Search phrases:

• “Top-grain leather good quality?”

• “Full-grain vs top-grain leather sofa”

• “Top-grain leather durability”

Suede – Soft and Stylish

What is suede leather?
Suede is made from the underside of the hide, giving it a velvety texture. It’s soft and flexible but less durable than full-grain or top-grain. Suede easily absorbs stains and water, so it requires extra care.

• Pros: Soft feel, fashionable look.

• Cons: Not water resistant, stains easily.

• Best For: Jackets, shoes, gloves, handbags.

Search phrases:

• “What is suede leather made from?”

• “Suede vs nubuck difference”

• “Is suede real leather?”

Nubuck – Similar to Suede but Stronger

What is nubuck leather?
Nubuck is top-grain leather that has been buffed on the outside (the grain side) to create a soft, suede-like surface. It looks and feels luxurious but, like suede, requires protective sprays to prevent staining.

• Pros: Stronger than suede, premium look.

• Cons: Can stain easily, needs maintenance.

• Best For: High-end shoes, jackets, wallets.

Search phrases:

• “What is nubuck leather?”

• “Nubuck vs suede durability”

Bonded Leather – The Cheapest Option

What is bonded leather?
Bonded leather is made from leftover leather scraps that are shredded and mixed with polyurethane or latex, then pressed into sheets. It often looks like real leather but doesn’t last long.

• Pros: Inexpensive, looks like leather at first.

• Cons: Peels and cracks over time, not durable.

• Best For: Budget furniture, cheap belts and accessories.

Search phrases:

• “Is bonded leather real leather?”

• “Bonded leather vs genuine leather”

• “How long does bonded leather last?”

Genuine Leather – Often Misleading

What does genuine leather mean?
“Genuine leather” simply means it’s real leather, but usually it’s a lower quality split leather that’s been finished to look nicer. It’s better than bonded leather, but nowhere near full-grain or top-grain in quality.

• Pros: Affordable, still real leather.

• Cons: Doesn’t last as long, lower durability.

• Best For: Entry-level belts, wallets, and shoes.

Search phrases:

• “What does genuine leather mean?”

• “Is genuine leather good quality?”

Split Leather – Lower Layers of the Hide

Split leather is made by splitting the hide into multiple layers. The bottom layer is weaker and often embossed or coated to look like higher-quality leather.

• Pros: Cheaper alternative to top-grain.

• Cons: Weaker and less durable.

• Best For: Budget furniture, shoes, and accessories.

Final Thoughts: Which Leather Should You Choose?

When comparing full-grain vs top-grain vs bonded leather, the difference comes down to quality and lifespan.

• Choose full-grain if you want the best durability and a natural look.

• Choose top-grain if you want something softer and more affordable but still long-lasting.

• Choose suede or nubuck for fashion pieces that stand out but require care.

• Avoid bonded leather unless you’re looking for something cheap and temporary.

What type of leather do we carry?  

Most of the we have is top grain, full grain and suede.  We buy remnants from furniture manufacturers who make goods in North Carolina.  Most of the lower end furniture is made outside the USA with furniture made in North Carolina, for the most part using top grain and full grain leather.  

How to tell the differene

1. Full-Grain Leather (Highest Quality)

• Look: You’ll see natural imperfections (scars, wrinkles, pores) because nothing has been sanded away. The surface looks raw and authentic.

• Feel: Thick, firm, but softens with use. Often feels more “alive” because it retains the hide’s natural grain.

• Smell: Has a rich, deep leather scent.

• Wear Over Time: Develops a patina (dark, shiny aging) instead of cracking or peeling.

 If it looks too perfect, it’s probably not full-grain.

2. Top-Grain Leather (Second Best) - what we get the most of.

• Look: Surface is sanded and often coated. It looks smoother and more uniform than full-grain. The natural markings are removed.

• Feel: Softer and more flexible than full-grain.

• Smell: Still smells like leather, but sometimes less intense because of finishing treatments.

• Wear Over Time: Stays smooth but doesn’t develop the same patina.

If it looks sleek and even but still feels like leather, it’s likely top-grain.

3. Bonded Leather (Lowest Quality)

• Look: Too perfect and uniform—almost like plastic. Often has an embossed “grain” pattern stamped into it.

• Feel: Thinner, plasticky, sometimes sticky to the touch.

• Smell: Chemical smell more than real leather.

• Wear Over Time: Cracks, peels, or flakes. It won’t age gracefully.

If it feels cheap and you can see peeling at the edges, it’s bonded.

Quick Test Checklist

• Back Side: Full-grain and top-grain often show a suede-like underside; bonded usually has fabric or paper backing.

• Aging: Full-grain gets better with time; bonded gets worse.

All of our full hides are full grain or top grain.  If you have any questions, put them in the comment box below and we will do our best to answer.