At Mayim Leathers, knowledge is the foundation of appreciation. Each leather piece’s texture, finish, and character tell a story. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of leather craftsmanship and discover what makes each type unique.
Types of Leather: Foundation Leather Types
Full Grain Leather
The crème de la crème of leather, full-grain, retains the entire grain layer with all its natural markings and character. Nothing is sanded or buffed away, resulting in the most durable leather. Over time, it develops a beautiful patina, becoming more attractive with age. Our full-grain collections showcase leather in its most authentic form – embracing natural markings as badges of genuine quality.
Top Grain Leather
The second highest quality tier, top grain leather, has been lightly sanded to remove minor imperfections and then coated with a finish. While slightly less durable than full-grain, it offers a more uniform appearance while maintaining excellent longevity. It perfectly balances natural character and refined consistency, making it ideal for our premium everyday items.
Split Leather
Split leather comes from the layers beneath the top grain, offering affordability without compromising quality. Manufacturers often emboss it to create a consistent texture and treat it to enhance durability. Our split leather items deliver excellent value while maintaining the Mayim standard of craftsmanship.
Genuine Leather (Corrected Leather)
Despite its name suggesting authenticity, “genuine leather” actually represents a lower grade than full or top grain. Manufacturers sand, buff, and refinish (correct) the surface to create a uniform appearance. While not as durable as higher grades, we apply special treatments to our genuine leather products to maximize performance and longevity.
Types of Leather: Specialty Leather Types
Bonded Leather
Similar to how particle board relates to solid wood, bonded leather consists of leather scraps and fibers bound together with adhesives. Our reconstituted bonded leather options provide an eco-conscious choice that utilizes leather that would otherwise go to waste, creating a sustainable alternative with leather’s essence.
Dry Milled Leather
Our dry-milled leather undergoes a tumbling process, creating an exceptionally soft, pebbled texture with a distinctive worn-in appearance. This specialized technique produces leather with unmatched tactile quality – inviting to the touch while maintaining structural integrity.
Pull-Up Leather
Also known as oil leather, pull-up leather is infused with oils and waxes that cause the color to lighten or “pull up” when the material is bent or folded. This process creates a dynamic, two-tone effect that highlights natural variations. Our pull-up leather items showcase this captivating characteristic, each piece telling its unique story through use.
Split Leather
The lower portion of a hide that’s separated from the top grain layer, split leather offers versatility and value. Often embossed with patterns to create a consistent grain appearance, our split leather collections deliver quality craftsmanship at affordable prices.
Types of Leather Finishes
Aniline Leather & Aniline Finish
The purest form of dyed leather, aniline leather, is colored with soluble dyes without covering the surface with a topcoat. This process preserves the hide’s natural markings, pores, and character. Our aniline collections celebrate the natural beauty of leather in its most authentic form – with all its distinctive characteristics visible and touchable.
Semi-Aniline Leather Finish
A perfect middle ground, semi-aniline leather receives a light protective coating over the aniline dye. The added light coating provides protection while allowing much of the natural grain and character to remain visible. Our semi-aniline pieces offer the perfect balance of natural beauty and practical durability.
Pigmented Leather
The most durable and consistent finish, pigmented leather, has a mixed-color polymer surface coating. This creates a uniform color and texture while providing superior protection against staining and wear. Our pigmented collections excel in high-use environments, maintaining their appearance with minimal maintenance.
Nubuck
Nubuck offers an elegant, soft texture. Leather crafters create it by sanding or buffing the outside surface of the leather to produce a velvety, short nap of protein fibers. Similar to suede but more durable (as it comes from the exterior hide), our nubuck pieces combine sophistication with subtle texture.
Suede & Suede Finish
Distinguished by its velvety surface created by rubbing the flesh (inner) side of the leather, suede offers unmatched softness and tactile appeal. Our suede collections showcase this luxurious texture in items designed to delight the senses while providing the character only natural leather can deliver.
Embossed Leather
Leather stamped with patterns under high pressure to create distinctive textures and designs. Our embossed collections range from subtle natural grain reproductions to bold, distinctive patterns that make a statement while maintaining the material’s natural flexibility.
Bicast Leather
With a split leather base and a polyurethane coating applied to the surface, bi-cast offers a consistent appearance and good durability at a lower price point. Our bicast selections provide the look and feel of leather with enhanced resistance to staining and wear, which is ideal for practical everyday items.
Patent Leather
Distinguished by its high-gloss, reflective finish, patent leather undergoes a lacquering process that creates its distinctive shiny appearance. Our patent leather accessories make bold statements, combining the natural foundation of leather with contemporary visual impact.
Antiqued Grain (Two-Tone Leather)
Antiqued grain features multiple color layers, where artisans partially remove the top color to reveal the base color in areas of wear or along edges. This technique creates a sophisticated, weathered appearance. Our antiqued grain collections deliver instant character and depth that typically only emerge from years of use.
Burnished Leather
Leather artisans polish the edges of burnished leather with friction to create a smooth, glossy finish with subtle color variation. This traditional technique highlights craftsmanship and attention to detail. The burnished elements in our collection showcase the artisanal heritage behind each Mayim piece.
Our Commitment to Quality
At Mayim Leathers, our leather artisans craft products from these varied materials that not only look beautiful but develop character over time, becoming more uniquely yours with each passing day. The connection between craftsperson, material, and owner transcends mere accessories, transforming them into personal heirlooms.
We invite you to explore our collections and discover the perfect leather type that matches your lifestyle and preferences. After all, your journey of leather appreciation begins with understanding and culminates in a lifetime of enjoyment.
