Remember that there are
varying grades of leather;
be sure to find out what you're buying.

Leather Tips

• With the proper care, leather is a good investment. But before you choose this practical, versatile furniture, saddle up with some savvy buying tips:
• Grade. Grade is the most important feature of leather's quality -- and an indicator of durability and price. Top-grain leather is taken from the desirable outer surface of the hide. Leathers taken from the lower surfaces are split grains, and are much weaker.
• Top-grain leathers are graded based on the ways manufacturers prepare the leather. Aniline, semi-aniline, and pigmented leathers are the three common finishes for leather furniture.
• Aniline (or "pure" or "full" aniline) leather is soaked in aniline dye, but does not have other finishes or pigments applied.
• Semi-aniline (or "protected" aniline) leathers have a small amount of coating or pigment, giving them slightly better protection against stains and fading.
• Pigmented leathers are fully treated with surface color. Made from lesser-grade hides, they are stiffer than anilines. Finishes and pigments also provide greater protection against scratches, stains, and sun fading.
• Read more tips below.

Soft and supple leather
typically suggests
high quality.

• Finish. Leathers are graded by how much manufacturers have to do to get them ready for market. Nearly perfect, mark-free hides are rare and, therefore, highly prized. Most anilines will have visible markings, such as wrinkles and scars, that contribute to their natural beauty. Like a well-worn wallet or bomber jacket, they develop a lustrous patina with age and use.
• Texture. The highest quality hides become the softest and most supple leathers. In industry-speak, they have a more luxurious "hand," or feel. Pigmented leathers and "corrected grain" leathers (those that have been buffed to remove obvious surface imperfections) have a stiffer hand.
• Other techniques produce distinct textures: Nubucks, and their less-durable cousins suedes, have a plush softness. Sauvage leather appears marbled. Pull-up leather has been treated with oil or wax; when it's stretched, the oil or wax separates, producing a lighter burst of color and making the hide look distressed. Embossed leathers are patterned with high heat or pressure.