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title: What Are The Four Grades of Leather?

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# What Are The Four Grades of Leather?


When it comes to leather, there are a variety of different types, qualities, and uses. From the softest and most supple to the most robust and durable, there are a variety of different leathers with different traits. Understanding the different types of leather can help you identify the kind you’re looking at and figure out what it can and can’t be used for.

For example, leather belts are a must as the cloth alternatives aren’t as effective.  An [alligator skin belt](https://www.rudylozano.com/premium-leather-belt/rl-be-alligator-belt-black-skin/) on the other is a better option when it comes to leather quality, as reptile skin is much tougher than calfskin or other animal skin leather belts. Let’s take a look at the different grades of leather that exist.


### Full-Grain Leather

Full-grain leather is made from an entire hide of an animal. Unlike most other leathers, which are tanned from the hide, full-grain leather is tanned from the entire hide at once. This means there are no internal or external parts separating multiple pieces of leather. Because it’s made from the entire hide, full-grain leather is stronger and thicker than other [leathers](https://www.rudylozano.com/shop/belts/black-manta-stingray-belt/). It tends to be heavier, though this can vary based on the type of animal and the thickness of the hide. Because it’s thicker and heavier, full-grain leather is more expensive than other leathers. It’s often found in furniture, bags, shoes, and other higher-end goods.

### Top-Grain Leather

Top-grain leather is made from the top layer of an animal hide. Unlike full-grain leather, which is tanned from the entire hide, top-grain leather is tanned from the top layer of the hide. This means that the leather is split into different parts—the hair on the top and the flesh underneath—that are then tanned and shaped into leather. Top-grain leather is the most common type of leather and the most affordable. It’s often used in lower-end goods like purses, briefcases, shoes, and bags. Although it’s cheaper, it still has some of the same benefits as full-grain leather.

### Genuine Leather

Genuine leather is made from organic material and can be either full-grain or top-grain. The only difference between the two is that top-grain leather is tanned with salt, sulfur, or other chemicals to get stronger and more robust leather. Genuine leather is not as soft as top-grain leather, but it is stronger and more durable. It’s good for bags, shoes, jackets, and furniture. It is this type of leather that is used to make the more expensive exotic [leather belts](https://www.rudylozano.com/premium-leather-belt/rl20lo-ostrich-skin-belt/).

### Bonded Leather

Like genuine leather, bonded leather is also made from organic material and can be either full-grain or top-grain. However, it’s produced by dyes, chemicals, and minerals. It’s then bonded together with other leathers to make a more durable and tear-resistant leather. Bonded leather is often used in higher-end apparel and accessories because it can handle being washed multiple times without stretching or wearing out.

**Summing Up**

Genuine leather is the highest quality and most durable of the leathers. An [exotic leather belt](https://www.rudylozano.com/) or a luxury bag is usually made of genuine leather. This type of leather is made from whole hides, and it’s often more expensive than other types of leather. Genuine leather is easy to tell because it has no grainy texture or scars from the hide’s history. It’s often used in higher-end goods such as bags, furniture, and handbags because it’s durable and easy to clean. Bonded leather is a less expensive form of leather that’s made of dyes, chemicals, and minerals. An option on the more expensive side of things is an alligator skin belt or crocodile leather.
