In order to help you better understand and evaluate our product selection, here is a brief glossary of terms used on this site and within the leather industry.
Altered Leather
Leather that has had the original surface of the skin removed (usually due to imperfections) and a new grain embossed into the leather. This is also called corrected grain. Most top grain leathers have altered or corrected grain surfaces.
Aniline
Colorless, oily, slightly water-soluble liquid used in the synthesis of dyes and resins.
Aniline Dye
Any of a large number of synthetic dyes derived from aniline, usually obtained from coal tar.
Aniline Dyed or Aniline Leather
Leather that has been dyed in a bath with dye penetration.
Bovine
Animal of the ox or cow family.
Breathability
The grain and pore structure of full grain leather allows it to breathe – adjusting to temperature and wicking away moisture and body heat.
Buffed Leather
Process in which an abrasive or bladed cylinder is used to remove a grain so that it can be corrected.
Chrome Tannage
Tanning process using both chrome and vegetable tannage.
Corrected Grain
(Top grain) heavily pigmented, lacking an intact full grain surface.
Cowhide
Leather tanned from hides of animals of the bovine species.
Crock
Transfer of color from the leather surface.
Drum Dyeing
The immersion of leather in a drum of dye that is tumbled allowing full dye penetration.
Embossed Leather
A corrected grain in which a pattern is applied using extreme pressure to give it a unique design.
Enhanced Full Grain
A leather that has received minor surface alterations to improve the full grain appearance.
Fat Wrinkle
Wrinkles in leather caused by fat deposits in the animal.
Finishing
Processes that are applied to the leather after the tanning process.
Full Grain
Leather in which the dermis layer is in a natural state and has not been altered, allowing the hide its own distinctive appearance.
Full Hand
(Round hand) full bodied and robust leather.
Grain
Upper part of a hide consisting of pores, cells, wrinkles and other characteristics constituting natural texture.
Grain Character
Natural markings on leather.
Grain Embossed
Process in which the original grain is removed and an artificial grain is pressed into the surface of top grain leather.
Grain Sueded
Buffing process to raise the fibres on the grain side of a hide producing a velvet-like finish (Nubuck leather).
Hand
Term used in describing the feel of leather.
Kip
Hide from a grass fed, immature bovine.
Leather
The skin of an animal prepared for use by tanning.
Leatherette
A manufactured imitation leather.
Liming
Process preparing the hides for tanning including the removal of hair.
Matte Finish
Dull, flat finish.
Milling
Process that adds suppleness to a hide.
Naked Leather
Dyed leather with no topical application masking or other alteration of the natural state of the leather.
Natural Grain
Full original grain leather.
Nubuck
Polished, grain sueded leather.
Oak Tannage
Heavy leather tanned with vegetable extracts.
Patent Leather
Glossy impermeable finish using drying oils, varnish or synthetic resins.
Patina
Natural characteristic of full grain leather that develops over time.
Perforated
Process of die cutting small holes into a hide forming a pattern
Pigmented
Leather that is sprayed with a opaque finish.
Patina
Natural characteristic of full grain leather that develops over time.
Perforated
The process of die cutting small holes into a hide forming a pattern.
Pigmented
Leather that is sprayed with a opaque finish.
