3 Things To Know About Leather

Like coffee, leather seems to be simple, but there’s much more to it than we think. The quality, grade and character determine the look, feel, and durability of each piece. 

1. Types of leather

Full grain leather is the highest quality grade of leather. It is the top layer farthest away from the flesh which has not been sanded or buffed. Its quality and natural aesthetic (with its markings and imperfections) makes it the most expensive.

Top grain leather is the second highest grade of leather, and is softer and thinner than full grain leather. It is minimally altered, and most commonly used due to its flexibility, and greater resistance to stains.

Genuine leather, or corrected leather, is the lowest quality leather available. It has been sanded to remove natural imperfections and usually corrected to resemble the appearance of full grain leather. Majority of consumers believe genuine leather is the best price, but the opposite is true. It is often used to make significantly cheaper goods.

2. What is Italian leather?

Due to their dedication to centuries old techniques, Italian leather has earned a reputation for its excellent quality and long-lasting strength. In the heart of Tuscany, the finest factories handcraft high quality leather into pieces that are built to last.

Taking a raw hide, and processing it through tanning and finishing is a skill, and will affect the quality of the final product. Italian leather artisans are considered the most skilled in the world, and they take pride in their leather making process. This is why we have chosen to use Italian leather in our pieces (and our brand name is Italian after all).

3. How to care for leather

You only need to spend a little time and effort to care for your leather to make it last. When the leather is stained, lightly wipe the surface with a soft cloth, warm water and mild soap, and re-wipe with a dry cloth. Always keep your leather pieces away from heat and sunlight to avoid discoloration. Store your leather pieces in our eco dust bags in a well-ventilated area to make it last. As leather can stretch, avoid overfilling your bags with items to maintain its original silhouette.