Talking the talk

Talking the talk: leather terminology

24th October 2022

Here is our quick guide to some commonly used terms in the world of leather.

Aniline leather: This has a natural grain surface that is clearly visible. Usually made from the best quality skins and used to make luxury products.

Bonded leather: The lowest quality and to be avoided. Usually made from dust, offcuts and shavings left from the production of better-quality leather. Bonded together, usually with a synthetic base.

Box calf leather: Sturdy leather made from calves, usually used for shoes.

Buffed leather: Leather that has been buffed to give it a nap, making it softer to the touch (also known as nubuck).

Crust leather: Leather that has been tanned and dyed but not finished.

Embossed leather: Leather with pattern, print or writing applied on it by the application of pressure.

Full grain leather: Made from the top layer of the hide. For more detail, see here.

Hide: A skin from a larger animal such as a cattle or buffalo

Nubuck: Leather that has been buffed to give it a nap, making it softer to the touch (also known as buffed leather)

Pull-up leather: Oiled or waxed leather

Semi-aniline leather: Lightly finished leather that still shows the grain

Skin: From smaller animals including pigs, goats, sheep and calves.

Sole leather: Thick leather used for the soles of shoes, usually vegetable tanned

Split leather: The layer left after the top grain has been removed. Also known as suede. For more detail, see here.

Suede: The layer left after the top grain has been removed. Also known as split leather. For more detail, see here.

Vegan leather: There is no such thing. It is a marketing term mainly used for synthetic products. Leather is made from hide, a by-product of the meat and dairy industries.

Vegetable leather: Leather tanned using vegetable products such as tree bark. It is very sturdy.

Wet blue: A hide that has been chrome tanned but not yet died. It is light blue and will still be wet. It is often traded in this form.

Wet white: A hide that has been tanned with aldehydes. It is white and will still be wet. It is often traded in this form.