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Ever heard of full grain leather or top grain leather? When we buy a leather stuff, to know an item is made of leather is not enough to understand the quality of the item we are buying. Full grain leather, top grain leather and genuine leather are different kinds of leather and it is important to know their differences, according to the product we shop. Let’s go to understand what these kinds of leather and their differences are, to choose the perfect one for your Apple watch band.
What is leather?
The first thing to know is what leather is. Many people actually confuse raw animal hide with leather. The leather is a processed material obtained after the animal skin is tanned in tanneries. In tanneries, the raw material is processed with different types of machinery and turned in finished leather, which is used in leather items’ production. Based on which part of the animal’s skin is used to produce leather, we can classify the most important three types of leather: full grain leather, top grain leather and genuine leather.
Full grain leather
Full grain leather is the highest quality leather we can buy. It is obtained by the strongest and most durable part of the animal’s skin, which is just below its hair. This part of the animal’s hide has grains, which are densely arranged dead cells, essential to protect the animal against the external environment. It has vertical fibers at the top, crossed with horizontal ones at the bottom, making a strong arrangement. The direct contact with the environment makes this layer of the skin defective: scrapes, insect bites, vein marks and bruises are incorporated and could be still visible after leather’s tanning. They are a guarantee of the natural individuality of every full grain leather product. Moreover, full grain leather develops a patina over time, that lends the products made with this kind of leather a nice vintage look, which becomes nicer and nicer, the more you use it.
Top grain leather
Top grain leather is the second best type of leather you can find on the market. It is obtained after that the grains from the top surface of the animal’s hide are sanded away and buffed, to remove imperfections and defects. The so obtained leather has a more uniform look but is not as durable and strong as the full grain leather. This kind of leather could develop a patina on the surface over time, too.
Genuine leather
Genuine leather is obtained from the lower section of the animal’s skin. It has the fibers aligned in parallel and this gives less durability and low quality to this leather. Genuine leather is the most abundant in the market and has the lowest quality and price. Its surface is very smooth and no grains are visible.
Full grain leather vs top grain leather: what’s the difference.
As we have just explained, full-grain leather is the top leather on the market. Its quality is superior: it is the strongest and most durable leather and it is extremely breathable so that prolonged contact with the skin determines less moisture. It is most expensive for manufacturers and more difficult to be worked with. This is the reason why it could result expensive to buy for the customer.
The top grain leather is perfect if you are looking for a more uniform looking product. You have to know, actually, this kind of leather is not as durable as the top grain leather, as the upper and strongest layer of its fibers is sanded away and could break down much faster.
How to choose the perfect leather for your Apple watch band
Full grain leather and top grain leather could be both good options to consider for your Apple watch band. Your choice depends on what you are interested in.
Full grain leather offers a great resistance, which can last a lifetime and it looks better and nicer from being handled over time. Top grain leather is more uniform and less expensive than full grain leather, but is not as strong and durable as the full grain leather.
Full grain leather vs top grain leather: what’s the best choice for your Apple watch strap? While you are shopping, you will be spoiled for choice. All you have to know actually is that entrusting us and choosing one of Meridio’s bands, you will have the guarantee to choose a product made in Italy, with the highest quality leather in compliance with International Animal Protection Regulations.
