An Informative Guide to Understand Different Types Of Leather!

Leather, with its rich textured patina and history, has garnered immense recognition in the apparel and fashion industry. Right from its origin, leather has served the right purpose of providing warmth and protection. With its eye-grabbing allure, this material dates back to 7000 to 2000 BC where it was used for shelters, clothing, and shoes. Fast forward to 2025, the charm of the leather stays pretty much the same in today’s era. The demand has surged for leather jackets and coats among the general masses. However, in the plethora of different types of leather, this could be a bit difficult to make an informed decision.

7thangle hears your confusion. We know that acquiring proper knowledge about the types of leather will help you make a better decision while buying a leather jacket or coat. This is why we are here to serve the purpose. 

In this blog, we will help you dive deep into learning the types of leather available in the market. Stick with us till the end to find a comprehensive definition to each type of leather. So, let’s get started without doing any further ado. 

Did You Know? 

In 2022, the global leather goods market was valued at $440.64 billion. By 2030, it’s projected to grow to $738.61 billion. Also, In 2024, the luxury leather goods market is expected to reach $13.02 billion. 

Introduction to Different Leather Types

Leather is generally categorized into two main categories; natural (real) leather and faux (artificial) leather. Now both the leather types have different tanning and manufacturing processes allowing them to achieve a different look and feel.

Moreover, the real and faux leathers are divided into different subtypes of leather which we have broken down below. 

Top Grain Leather

Considered as the best type of leather, top grain leather is the top layer of animal hide. It is sanded to the extent where it is flawless and has no imperfections to its appearance. Also known as corrected grain leather, top grain leather is used in leather accessories and garments. It is durable, flexible, and has a refined appeal while being resistant to stains and scratches. 

Furthermore, this type of leather is highly durable and can last up to 10-20 years with proper care and maintenance. Due to the rigorous tanning process, its surface becomes smooth and uniform which provides a very sleek look to the garment. Also, this smoothening of the leather surface decreases its breathability but it gains resistance to damages and scratches. 

Nubuck Leather

Another premium type of leather is nubuck leather which is a very soft and velvety texture leather. It is usually made from the top layer of an animal’s hide. Most commonly used for leather shoes and auto interiors, this leather has a sleek look to its appearance. As it is completely sanded on the outer side, it becomes durable and resistant to wear. 

Softer than other types of leather, nubuck is more likely to fade and stain than other leathers. Requiring regular maintenance, nubuck is water resistant and can be easily dyed in a wide range of colors. With its thicker and robust characteristics along with the sleek velvety texture, nubuck leather has become quite popular among the customers. 

Genuine Leather

Genuine leather is made from the lower layers of the animal hide and is considered a lower-quality leather. It is the second most-selling type of leather and its market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.0% from 2022 to 2032. It feels soft, warm, and easily develops the wrinkles upon pressing. 

Also, genuine leather has the imperfect pebble texture and usually changes the colors upon stretching. Due to the low quality of hide being used in its development, it is very affordable with the prices. So, never confuse genuine leather with real leather as genuine leather comes from a very lower layer of hide and is not as durable as the real one. 

Suede Leather

Another leather type with a very soft and velvety texture is the suede leather. It has a very fuzzy finish making it breathable against the skin while keeping it soft and warm. Suede leather is made from the underside of the animal hide and this is why it is very pliable. This leather type is most commonly used in jackets, shoes, purses, and furniture.

Usually brown and gray in color, suede leather can be easily dyed into many more colors making it easily customizable. With its very warm and cozy texture, this leather is now more popularly used in apparel. However, it is not moisture resistant so if it gets wet, it becomes brittle and very stiff upon drying. So, it is necessary to maintain regular cleaning for suede leather. 

Faux Leather

Also known as synthetic leather, faux-leather is a petroleum based material which looks and feels like leather. Usually used in clothing and footwear, faux leather is made from a plastic base including polyester, cotton, and nylon. Furthermore, a polyurethane (PU) finish is applied to the base materials and with the help of roller, an artificial grain pattern is developed on the surface. 

Moreover, faux leather is quite soft to wear, water-resistant, and stain resistant with the properties. In terms of comparison with real leather, it is less durable but still resistant to abrasions and cuts. Additionally, faux leather made from renewable or recyclable materials has a lower environmental impact than PU leather. 

Cowhide Leather

Cowhide leather is the skin and hair of a cow that are tanned in a rigorous manner to create the leather. From furniture to shoes, jackets, and accessories, the cowhide leather is used in a variety of products and makes up 65-70% of world’s leather production. It is thick and strong while also being elastic and bendable. This quality makes it more popular for multiple items. 

Apart from the durability, this leather also has a natural look like bug bites and healed scratches. Moreover, cowhide leather is the most produced type of leather worldwide and is easily accessible yet affordable. Considered as one of the strongest leather types, cowhide is super resistant to wear and tear and helps in creating heavy-duty items. 

Patent Leather

With glossy and glass-like finish, patent leather is another leather type made by coating animal hides with a synthetic resin. This resin contains acrylic and polyurethane which is applied to the hides to give a glossy finish. Often used in footwear, accessories, and ceremonial garments, patent leather looks very premium and luxurious to wear. 

Patent leather is extremely glossy and this resin coating provides it with a completely waterproof surface. Apart from the glass finish, patent leather is equally flexible and durable. Characterized by shiny appearance which catches the light, patent leather garments have now become more popular like trench coats and formal blazers. 

Nappa Leather

Nappa leather is a super soft, smooth, and flexible leather used to develop high-end products. This includes furniture, car upholstery, and clothing items. It comes from animals like sheeps, lambs, and goats and is further chrome-tanned to develop a soft and supple feel. Known for its silky appearance, napa leather is resistant to spills and stains as well. 

In terms of leather thickness, nappa leather is delicate in texture and has low thickness making it vulnerable as compared to other leather types. Also, it is prone to scratches and scuffs because of the softness. However, regular conditioning and cleaning are necessary to keep the nappa leather in its top-notch form. 

The Ending Note!

Now when you have understood different types of leather, this would be helpful for you in the future. While purchasing your next leather garment, you will be able to differentiate between different leather types and choose what matches your preferences. At 7thangle, we deal in finest quality leather and if you are looking for a leather garment, we have got your back! Visit the online store today and shop for the best quality leather jacket now!