Leather is a natural material. Variations in grain, small marks and slight differences in colour between hides are characteristics of genuine leather, not defects.
Common leather types
- Lambskin / sheepskin — soft and lightweight with a smooth hand; generally more delicate.
- Cowhide — thicker and more abrasion-resistant; often chosen for rider styles.
- Goatskin — durable with a visible pebbled grain.
Grain & finish terms
- Full-grain — the outer layer of the hide with the natural grain intact.
- Top-grain — the surface is lightly sanded and finished for uniformity.
- Aniline / semi-aniline — dyed through with little or a light protective surface coating.
Which of these applies to a particular piece is stated on its product page.