What Is Genuine Leather? Understanding Quality, Grades & Labels

April 04, 2025

home / News / What Is Genuine Leather? Understanding Quality, Grades & Labels

Recent Articles

What Is Genuine Leather? Understanding Quality, Grades & Labels

Leather is popular fabric that is well-known for its strong, durable, and creative appearance. understanding the quality quality, grades, and labels can be useful to make help you when buying leather products, particularly leather jackets. Knowing what to look for is crucial because it can impact the product’s longevity and overall value. In this blog, I will explain the term genuine leather in simple terms. Moreover, also discuss the different grades and labels you should know which will help you understand quality and make informed decisions.

What is Genuine Leather

Genuine leather, generally used to describe a leather product made from real animal hides but not of the highest quality. This material is popular for everyday items because it is durable and comfortable. Moreover, it offers a natural look that appeals to many. Lots of products carry genuine leather labels, even though superior grades exist. Additionally, these items often undergo treatments that can change their texture and strength. As a result, genuine leather products are affordable yet reliable.

Genuine Leather in Popular Culture

The term genuine leather may be confusing because people often think that the product is made of real leather. However, it just means the item contains some real leather, but not necessarily a lot. So, when you see genuine leather, it's not guaranteed to be high quality.

Genuine Leather Quality Grades and Labels

Understanding leather quality helps you make informed choices, especially when purchasing genuine leather jackets. Leather comes in various grades, each affecting durability and look. However, there are popular five types of leather from the highest to the lowest quality.

Full Grain Leather

Full grain is the top grade in the leather grades list as it is quite durable and the highest quality section of the hide. It’s the very top layer and undergoes no chemical treatments. Full-grain leather is often regarded as the finest quality and best leather available. It is ideal for leather jackets for women and men.

Top Grain Leather

A higher quality leather derived from the top layer of the hide. It may be slightly softer and less durable than full-grain leather due to material treatment.

Split Grain Leather

This leather is sometimes known as corrected grain leather. It’s a soft but weaker form of leather taken from the bottom side of the hide. It's a mid-range quality leather, perfect for leather furniture. Suede is a common type of split leather.

Bonded Leather

A low-quality material made of leather scraps and leather dust known as bonded, generally one of the lowest quality of leather you can find. It is not a very durable material, but it is affordable.

Advantages and Disadvantages Genuine Leather

Real leather is a widely used material for there designing products such as jackets, bags, shoes, and furniture. Moreover, due to its durability and natural look it is often seen as a symbol of luxury and offers multiple benefits. Still they have some drawbacks such as
Advantages Disadvantages
Genuine leather is strong and can last for many years. Leather products can be pricey.
It has a nice, natural look that improves over time. Leather needs cleaning and conditioning to stay good.
It allows air flow, keeping things comfortable. Water can stain or damage it.
It molds to your body, making it feel cozy. Leather can get scratched easily.
It can last a long time, reducing waste. Some people don’t like using animal products.
Leather can be used for many things, from clothes to furniture. Making leather can harm the environment.

Tips for Purchasing a Genuine Leather

If you are in the market for a genuine leather product designed to last such as a jacket, read the tips below which help you to understand how to make sure you are getting your money’s worth.

Understand Leather Types

First, familiarize yourself with the different types of leather, including full grain, top grain, and genuine leather. Understanding the difference between these grades help you assess the leather quality used in a product.

Check the Description

Read the product descriptions closely, ensuring they specify what type of leather they use. Real leather products must be clearly identified, but they often use language that is misleading in marketing.

Examine the Texture

Check the leather, like a color, soft texture, and unique grain patterns. Genuine leather can have a more consistent appearance than real leather, but still show signs of authentic animal hide.

In-depth research

Do the complete research and Look for reputable companies known for their commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Consider the Price

While price is not always a clue to quality, genuine leather items usually cost more than fake or synthetic leather but less than full-grain or top-grain options.

Tips for Carrying a Genuine Leather

Proper care and maintenance are vital to ensure the longevity and beauty of leather. By following these simple tips, you can keep your leather items looking fresh and new years to come.

Regular Cleaning

Leather surfaces can get damaged over time from dust and dirt. To clean the leather, use a clean, dry cloth to gently wipe down surfaces. Do not use any harsh chemicals on the leather, as you will remove the natural oils.

Conditioning

Leather is a natural substance that can become dry and hard over time. So, using high-quality leather conditioners which prevents cracking the leather products.

Avoid Excessive Moisture

Moisture can damage leather, so keeping it dry is an important principle whenever you can. Never, apply other sources of heat, like hair dryers or radiators, which can dry and crack leather.

Handle with Care

leather is strong and rugged, if mistreated, it can easily become scratched, scuffed, or torn. Avoid  dragging or rubbing leather on rough surfaces, and remove sharp objects that could tear the leather.

FAQs

Is Genuine Leather Real?

Simply put, genuine leather is real leather, but it is critical to understand where it falls in the hierarchy of leather quality. It is created from real animal hides, like higher-grade leathers like full grain and top grain.

How is Genuine leather different from other types of leather?

Genuine leather is made from real animal hides but comes from the lower layers of the hide, and it is considered a lower-quality grade of leather.

How can I spot the difference between a genuine and a real leather product?

You can tell if the leather is genuine by checking the label, feeling and smelling the leather, and performing a water test.

Conclusion

High-quality genuine leather is a great mix of looking good, being affordable, lasting long, and natural. Knowing its quality, grades, and labels enables you to make decisions when purchasing leather products. Genuine Jacket Store is here to assist those searching for a top-quality genuine leather jacket. Visit our store today to find the perfect jacket that suits your style and needs.

Subscribe Back to blog