Shopping for a leather jacket could be super confusing as online stores show you multiple leather types like full grain, top grain, real, faux, and genuine. Scrolling between all of these can make you go nuts for sure like what you should be choosing! And to make an informed decision while buying a leather jacket, it is important to learn the differences among all leather types. And in this list, full-grain leather stands out as the most top grade variant of leather. Its exceptional quality, durability, and grainy texture makes it super popular among the leather lovers. And in this blog, Petersign has taken the responsibility to explain what is full grain leather and help you choose the best for yourself! 

Full grain leather is the highest quality leather available in the market. It has a rich growing patina which makes it more elegant with period of time. The durability and unique grainy texture of full-grain leather is unmatched making it more loved among the leather jacket buyers. In easy words, full grain leather is strongest and most durable when compared to any other leather type. With more natural characteristics displayed, it provides the wearer with ultra level warmth and of course, a stylish appeal! 

Also, at Petersign, we have a wonderful collection of jackets that are made from full grain leather. You can check out the wide range of our real leather jackets and place the order for your choice of garment today! Moreover, in terms of quality and durability, our real leather jackets stand out in the plethora of garments available across the internet. So, don’t miss out on the chance of shopping for the best quality leather jacket from a trusted brand! 

Understanding What Is Full Grain Leather With A Zoomed-In Lens! 

Full grain leather is the top layer of an animal hide that is cut and tanned without making any changes to its natural appeal and characteristics. It is the strongest and most durable part of the animal hide, which is found just below the hair of the animal. Also, full grain leather is never sanded, buffed, or snuffed, and this is why it displays more natural features and patina over the period of time. Also, due to its very rugged appeal, it is mostly used for the bags, accessories, and premium quality leather jackets as well. 

What Is Full Grain Leather Made of​? 

Full grain leather is made from the top layer of an animal's hide, which is the densest part of the skin and contains the natural grain. It is the highest quality grade of leather and is more durable than other types of leather because of its tightly interlinked fibers. Moreover, it is more breathable than other layers of the skin because the natural pores are intact. 

There are multiple sources of full grain leather. Usually, it comes from the hides of animals, including cows, goats, pigs, sheep, alligators, ostriches, and kangaroos. However, cow skin is the most common type of leather used for the manufacturing of leather goods. 

To manufacture perfectly formed full-grain leather, we use tanned cowhides to preserve them. The tanning process gives the leather strength and durability while maintaining its natural look and feel. Now, the process of making full-grain leather involves several steps, including: 

  1. Cleaning: The hides are cleaned to remove dirt, flesh, preserving salt, and wool or hair. 
  2. Fleshing: Any non-hide tissue is removed from the skin. 
  3. Tanning: The skins are treated with tannins to make them rot proof. 
  4. Dyeing: The hides are dyed wet in large drums. Full-grain leather is often treated with a transparent vegetable dye called aniline. 
  5. Drying: The leather is dried using various methods, such as vacuum, oven, or air drying. 
  6. Milling: The leather is placed in a large drum and tumbled while being sprayed with a combination of heat and misting water. This softens the leather and brings up the grain. 
  7. Finishing: The leather surface is colored to give it its final appearance. 

Full-grain leather products will show signs of breaking in over time. This is where the full grain leather starts developing a rich patina which makes it more appealing to use. Also, to clean full-leather garment or accessory, you may use a soft and damp cloth dipped in a gentle leather cleaning solution. Also, ensure to regularly use a leather conditioner to restore moisture and elasticity, and prevent cracking.

What Is Top Grain Leather VS Full Grain Leather? 

While searching for your choice of leather garment across the internet, you must have come across another term “top grain leather”. This is another leather type, and yes, this is also super durable and high-quality in its appearance and feel. If you will keep top grain and full grain leather side by side, you will surely spot some basic differences. Top grain leather is usually sanded and buffed to remove the imperfections making it smoother and uniform throughout. However, the top grain leather has its natural grain and imperfect surface.

Furthermore, full grain leather retains its natural blemishes and inconsistencies, such as pores and scars. On the other hand, top grain leather is treated to remove these imperfections, and in some cases, manufacturers may treat it to create faux inconsistencies. Also, top grain leather can develop peeling issues over time as the finish layer wears off. This is less common in full grain leather. Beside this, top grain leather garments are less expensive than full grain leather. 

Check out this guide on how to identify real leather to understand more about multiple types of leathers available in the market! 

Which Is Better Top Grain or Full Grain Leather​ - An Ultimate Decision!

When it comes to quality, full grain leather has no competition. It is the one and only winner! 

Still, here is a little comparison between top grain and full grain leather to help you choose the right one for you! Remember one thing, whether full grain or top grain leather is better depends on your needs and preferences, but here are a few points to take into consideration. 

  • Durability: Full grain leather is more durable than top grain leather and is resistant to wear and tear. 
  • Origin: Full grain leather comes from the top layer of the hide, while top grain leather has the outermost layer removed.
  • Resistance: Full grain leather is more resistant to scratches and tears because it's thicker and has the natural grain.
  • Longevity: Full grain leather typically lasts longer than top grain leather.
  • Appearance: Full grain leather has a classic look, while top grain leather has a less distinctive look and feel.
  • Maintenance: Top grain leather is low maintenance while full grain leather asks for keen maintenance. 
  • Cost: Full grain leather is more expensive than top grain leather.
  • Stains: Top grain leather is more resistant to stains.
  • Breathability: Full grain leather is more breathable than top grain leather.
  • Aging: Full grain leather has a unique aging process as it develops a rich patina over time. However, top grain may develop cracks and peeling after a certain use. 

So, if you are on the hunt for a leather jacket, go with a full grain leather garment without any second thought. Also, make sure to take the aforementioned pointers into consideration before making any decision. 

Is Full Grain Leather Real Leather?

A lot of you might be thinking that is full grain leather real leather? 

The answer to this question is yes! Full grain leather is real leather, the 100% real one! Full grain leather is the top layer of an animal hide and is considered the highest quality leather. It's known for its durability and built-in characteristics. It is made by tanning the top layer of an animal hide. 

Furthermore, this tanning process stabilizes the hide's pH levels and makes it suitable for use in leather goods. Full grain leather is made from the hide's outermost layer, which contains a dense amount of fibers that give the leather a finer grain. 

Our Fantastic Black Friday Leather Jacket Range Is Live Now!

At Petersign, our very exciting Black Friday sale is now launched. It has a wide collection of leather jackets available that you can shop and revamp your wardrobe for winters! So, visit the website and shop for your winter garments now! 

Pros and Cons of Full Grain Leather

In terms of quality, durability, and natural appeal as well, nothing can beat full grain leather. Also, due to its supreme breathability, no other type of leather can match its standard. But still, here are a few pros and cons of full grain leather. 

Full grain leather is very strong and durable because it comes from the top layer of the hide, which contains the hide's strongest fibers. This is why it has an unaltered grain and a beautiful natural appearance. Full grain leather is a little more water resistant than other leathers because the top surface hasn't been sanded down. 

Moreover, full grain leather is more breathable than other types of leather, which means it's less likely to get damp from prolonged contact. Also, each piece of full grain leather is unique because each hide has a unique grain, flaws, and patina. 

However, full grain leather also has some disadvantages, including its cost. It is more expensive than other types of leather. Also, it has a lot of imperfections that are quite visible. Please note that full grain leather is more sensitive and can scratch easily because it doesn't have a protective coating.

How Can You Tell If Leather Is Full Grain?

A few ways to tell if the leather is real and full grain are mentioned below. 

  • Look for the natural markings on leather as it is made from the full thickness of animal hide. Thus, it should have scars and nicks for sure! 
  • Full grain leather is always soft and flexible so observe its natural texture keenly. 
  • Check for the unpolished, uneven, and rough edges throughout the jacket. 
  • Real leather always has its own natural aroma while the fake ones have a plasticky and chemical odor. So, smelling the leather can help you check its reality. 

Over to You!

Now when you have understood what is full grain leather, you can easily make a wise and informed decision while shopping for your next leather garment. With an influx of leather types in the market, it is important to learn about the real leather specifications and invest the money at the right place. So, with this guide by your side, you can easily spot full grain leather. Also, to shop for real leather jackets, head over to Petersign. Check out our ultimate collection today and shop now! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does full grain leather scratch easily?

Yes, full grain leather scratches super easily as it is more flexible than faux leather and retains hide’s natural grain within its surface. 

Can full grain leather get wet?

In its raw state, full grain leather is not 100% waterproof. But yes, it is more water-resistant than other types of leather. 

What animal does full grain leather come from?

Full grain leather comes from a variety of animals including goats, sheep's, cows, and alligators. However, the majority of full grain leather is produced from cowhides.

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