Knowing & Caring for leather

For 7000 years—that’s how long our civilization has been using leather to build clothing and other consumer goods. That’s a long leather legacy. So the leather trend stands the test of time, but will your products last just as long? Not all leather products are created equal. Whether you are purchasing a leather wrist watch or a handbag, understanding the difference between types of leather will help you make the best purchasing decision.

ALL of our products made at GLW are either FULL-grain or TOP-grain Leather! Don’t be fooled with the price you pay. Some leather items you buy from me are an INVESTMENT, and when taken care of will out live you and your children. We’ve all heard the saying “buy it once, buy it right”?  Well I’m here to help you with that! BUY IT ONCE, AND NEVER WORRY ABOUT BUYING ANOTHER(unless you want more that is)!

Knowing your leather

Leather is Graded. The higher grade leathers the better the quality and the LONGER your purchase will last!

The Grades are as follows.

Full-grain Leather
For top-of-the-line leather, choose full-grain. Full-grain leather is crafted from the outer layer of the hide containing densely packed fibers for a finer grain. Usually only the hair on the hide has been removed leaving natural imperfections in the material. Full-grain leather without imperfections is known to be rare and therefore highly prized in the leather goods world. This piece of leather is praised for its high durability. Because of its natural production process, this leather will also slightly change colors with continued use. Full-grain leather is most often found in saddlery, footwear, and upholstery. Many high-end leather producers use full-grain in their products.

Top-grain Leather
A cut of top-grain leather is almost identical to full-grain leather. A top-grain leather cut is also taken from the top layer of the hide. The major difference is that the top-grain leather has been sanded or buffed to remove any imperfections. The sanding process results in a leather that can easily be dyed or shaped. Top-grain leather is still considered a high-end leather. It is used in many consumer products including wrist watches, handbags, wallets, book casings, and shoes.

Genuine Leather
As we move down the list, we see different leather qualities serving unique purposes. That’s the case with genuine leather. A genuine leather material is crafted from any layer of the hide—there’s no specification for this one. The leather goes through a sanding or buffing process to remove any imperfections in the hide. Genuine leather is typically used for belts, clothing, footwear, and other fashion accessories.

Bonded Leather
Known as the lowest of the grades of leather, bonded leather is made from production leftovers. Also referred to as reconstituted or blended, this material must contain at least fifty percent animal hide. Created through an extensive process, bonded leather consists of shredded fibers and hide scraps. After combining these pieces with a bonding solution like polyurethane or latex, the mixture is spread onto a paper or cloth backing. Once this step is complete, bonded leather can be embossed with a leather-like texture. Bonded leather is not as strong as top grain or even genuine leather. As such, manufacturers typically use it as a less visible component in their products. Common uses include soles and heels for shoes, textile linings, and book covers. (Major BOX stores sell Belts that are Bonded Leather)

Caring for you leather

Learning to care for your leather products will help extend its lifespan and maintain its appearance. Care instructions vary depending on the grade of leather. Other than referring to the manufacturer’s recommendations, here are some helpful tips for leather maintenance.

Full-grain –

Spot clean your leather goods with a dry cloth to remove any dirt. Do not use water on lightly treated or untreated leathers as those products are vulnerable to staining.

Other Non-suede Leather –

For materials not including suede, use a small amount of soap with lukewarm water to wipe off blemishes. Air dry, do not expose to heat. Always remember to spot test a small area first before using a condition or cleaning product on your leather goods.