Types of Leather Explained

This video explains the different grades of chrome-tanned leather, which constitute 85-90% of the world's leather goods, including apparel and upholstery.

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:08 - Grades of hide
  • 0:11 - Full-grain leather
  • 0:16 - Top grain leather
  • 0:19 - Suede (corium, the underside or separate from the grain)
  • 0:22 - Dyes and finishes
  • 0:37 - Nubuck leather
  • 0:53 - Aniline leather
  • 1:09 - Semi-aniline leather
  • 1:20 - Pull-up leather
  • 1:35 - Finished or pigmented leather
  • 1:53 - Suede
  • 2:02 - Finished split, bicast and 'genuine' leather
  • 2:19 - Bonded leather
  • 2:25 - Faux leather coated in polyurethane (PU) that peels
  • 2:37 - Faux leather coated in polyurethane (PU) that wears more naturally
  • 2:47 - Vinyl (PVC)

This article has more info and a slower pace.

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