Leather Types

Leather comes in many forms and we can help you select the right type for your specific use. We are equipped to handle a wide variety of leather types and finishes, from smooth-grain sheepskin to heavily printed hide.

As leather is a natural product it can be subject to slight variation to grain and colour. As a guide we find the following leather types the most popular with our customers.

Suede
Suede is made from the underside of the skin and the nap is created by buffing the material, the nap can range from a fine to long texture.

Nappa
Nappa leather is a high quality soft finished leather found in high end fashion accessories.

Nubuck
A full grain leather but with the surface worn back to a fine nap – this gives a uniform, matt appearance.

Patent
This shiny surface is usually achieved with a plastic coating and tends to be used for fashion items.

Vegetable Tanned
This leather is tanned using some vegetable matter in part and its strength means it is often used for horse saddles and bridles, along with belts and edge binding.

Full Grain
This leather has many uses as it can come in soft clothing weight to firm belt and shoe hide.

Upholstery
Upholstery leathers combine strength and durability with soft and suppleness to the touch, which is achieved using a combination of tanning, dyeing and finishing techniques that showcase the natural beauty of the leather. This is suitable for domestic, industrial, marine and automotive trade requirements.