TOP GRAIN LEATHER

Top grain refers to the upper section of a hide that previously contained the epidermis and hair, but were removed from the hide/skin. This is where all the strength of the hide is. Once you slice off under layers of the hide those slices of leather ( a mirror of the original hide) these split skins have little or no strength or durability. When selecting leather for upholstery it is important to make sure that you are getting the best part of the leather. Bi-cast leather is not made from top grain. In this day and age when the fakes are becoming so good if the tag says top you are on the right track.

return to kinds of leather from top grain