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Real, top grain leathers are comprised of about 12-14% water. For this reason, Top-grain leather
acclimates quickly to your body temperature.
Top grain comes in different grades: aniline and semi-aniline.
Aniline Leather
is the most natural looking leather with the unique surface characteristics
of the hide remaining visible. Aniline leather is dyed in a drum, which allows the dye to
completely soak through for a rich, deep color. No protective coating is added, and it’s the
softest and most expensive leather. As a result, they are more susceptible to scratches, stains,
and spills and require the greatest allowance for color variance. Aniline leather will develop a
beautiful vintage patina with age and use.
Semi-Aniline Leather
is also dyed in a drum and has a small amount of coating applied,
giving it slightly better protection against stains and fading than aniline leather.
Pigmented Leather
is a polymer surface coating which contains color pigments is applied to
the surface of a top grain leather, not dyed through and through. The surface coating allows
the manufacturer more control over the properties of the leather, e.g. resistance to scuffing or
fading.
Nubuck Leather
is an Aniline leather where the surface has been brushed to create a soft,
textured surface. Nubuck is created on the grain side of the leather as opposed to suede which
is created on the flesh side. Nubuck is vulnerable to stains and spills.