Rise of Saffiano Leather in the UK: Fashion’s Favorite Finish

In the world of luxury fashion, few materials are as elegant, functional and timeless as Saffiano leather. With its distinctive crosshatch pattern, scratch resistant surface and wax finished shine, Saffiano leather has become a staple among high end designers and fashion lovers alike.

Whether you’re a connoisseur of fine leather goods or someone new to premium materials, understanding Saffiano leather opens the door to appreciating not just the product but the craftsmanship behind it.

At Glory Store, where we specialize in premium leather jackets for UK customers who value durability and style, we get asked about different leather types all the time. So, here’s everything you need to know about this iconic leather finish.

1. What is Saffiano Leather?

Saffiano leather is a textured leather with a diagonal crosshatch pattern. This texture isn’t natural it’s pressed into the leather using a machine stamping process followed by a wax coating that gives it a sleek, water resistant and scratch proof finish.

The result is a surface that looks luxurious but also performs well in daily use. Unlike softer types of leather that show wear easily, Saffiano holds its shape and resists scuffs, making it perfect for items that need both style and structure.

The term “Saffiano” doesn’t refer to a specific animal hide but rather the treatment process and texture. Most high-end brands use calfskin as the base, more affordable or vegan options may use PU coated synthetics.

Key features:

• Crosshatch pattern
• Waxed finish
• Highly durable
• Water repellent
• Stiff, structured feel

2. History and Origins of Saffiano Leather

The story of Saffiano leather begins in Italy where Mario Prada, founder of the iconic fashion house Prada, first patented the design in 1913. Originally used in Prada’s high-end luggage and handbags, the unique texture and resilience of Saffiano leather quickly made it a signature of luxury craftsmanship. Over the years this embossed leather finish became synonymous with Italian luxury and other fashion houses like Michael Kors, Kate Spade and Coach introduced their own Saffiano collections.

It’s this heritage and the texture that keeps Saffiano relevant in today’s fast paced fashion world.

3. How Saffiano Leather is Made

Creating Saffiano leather is a multi-step process that requires both traditional techniques and modern machinery. Here’s how it works:

1. Base leather selection: Full-grain or corrected-grain calf leather is selected for its tight fibers and smooth surface.
2. Embossing: A machine presses the crosshatch pattern into the leather using high heat and pressure. This step defines the leather’s look.
3. Wax coating: A layer of protective wax is applied which enhances the leather’s water resistance and scratch resistance.
4. Drying & curing: The leather is left to cure, locking in the texture and creating a long-lasting finish.

This method not only makes the leather tough and hardwearing but also helps it keep its shape, which is why it’s so popular for structured bags and accessories.

If you want to learn more about different finishes, check out our blog on Embossed Leather and how it compares.

4. Materials Used in Saffiano Leather

The original Saffiano leather was made from top grade calfskin, but as demand grew and sustainability became a topic of conversation, manufacturers started looking into synthetic and vegan options as well.

Here are the main materials you’ll find:

• Full-grain calf leather: The best quality, with natural grain and durability.
• Corrected-grain leather: Buffed to remove imperfections, then treated for uniform texture.
• PU-coated faux leather: A synthetic option with the Saffiano pattern, often used in budget-friendly or vegan products.
• Split leather base: A more affordable version using the lower layers of the hide.

While vegan or synthetic options mimic the look, they lack breathability and longevity of real leather. If you’re shopping in the UK and looking for genuine quality, it’s worth investing in real Saffiano leather products, like our handmade pieces at Glory Store.

5. Saffiano Leather in Fashion and Accessories

Saffiano leather’s smooth finish and toughness have made it a staple in luxury fashion. Its structured nature makes it perfect for items that benefit from shape and firmness.

You’ll find Saffiano leather in:

• Designer bags (think Prada, Michael Kors, Kate Spade)
• Wallets and cardholders
• Laptop bags and briefcases
• Shoes and belts
• Luxury notebooks and planners

It’s popular among fashion brands because it combines functionality with style. The textured surface doesn’t just look high-end it hides marks, resists dirt and ages well.

For example, our upcoming range of Saffiano finished leather jackets at Glory Store will combine this texture with the modernity of outerwear. Perfect for the UK’s unpredictable weather.

6. Benefits and Durability of Saffiano Leather

So why do luxury designers love Saffiano so much? Simple: it’s one of the toughest and most stylish leathers out there.

Here’s what makes it special:

• Scratch resistant: The wax finish and textured surface hides scratches and reduces scuffing.
• Water resistant: The coating repels water, perfect for the UK’s rainy weather.
• Structured shape: Items keep their shape longer due to the leather’s rigidity.
• Low maintenance: Unlike softer leathers, you don’t need to condition it often.
• Long lasting: With proper care, Saffiano leather products can last for years.

In short, this leather has the best of both worlds, which is why it’s still the favorite among luxury brands.

7. Downsides and Criticisms of Saffiano Leather

Saffiano leather has many perks but it’s not for everyone. Some people prefer the soft, supple feel of Napa or Full-Grain Leather, which Saffiano lacks due to its stiffness.

Here are some cons:

• Rigid feel: It’s firm, not for those who love pliable leather.
• Plastic-like texture: Some versions (especially synthetic ones) can feel less organic or “real.”
• Limited patina: Unlike full-grain or vegetable-tanned leather, Saffiano doesn’t develop a rich patina with age.
• Potential cracking: If bent too often at sharp angles, the coating can crack—though this usually takes years of misuse.

We’ve compared Saffiano to Full-Grain Leather in a separate blog here so you can decide which is for you.

8. Care and Maintenance Tips for Saffiano Leather

One of Saffiano leather’s best features is its ease of maintenance. However, like all good things, it needs to be taken care of.

Do:

• Wipe with a damp cloth to remove dust and light stains.
• Use a mild leather cleaner every few months to keep it shiny.
• Store in dust bags away from sunlight and humidity.
• Maintain shape with tissue or bubble wrap when storing handbags or jackets.

Don’t:

• Use alcohol-based cleaners or bleach—they break down the wax coating.
• Fold or bend the leather unnaturally—it may lead to creases or cracks.
• Expose to extreme heat—it can warp the structure or dry out the wax.

Saffiano is tough but not bulletproof. A little care goes a long way, especially for items like luxury bags or Saffiano-trimmed leather jackets from Glory Store.

9. Saffiano Leather vs Other Leather Types

It’s easy to confuse Saffiano with other textured leather finishes but the differences matter especially when investing in luxury products.

Saffiano vs Patent Leather:

Patent leather has a high-gloss, mirror-like finish, often with plastic coating. While beautiful, it scratches more easily and can crack over time. Saffiano is less shiny but far more durable.

Read more about Patent Leather and how it compares to other leather types.

Saffiano vs Embossed Leather:

Embossed leather is a broad term that means any leather with a pattern pressed into it—like crocodile or floral textures. Saffiano is a specific type of embossing with a crosshatch design.

Saffiano vs Full-Grain Leather:

Full-grain leather is the best, shows the natural grain of the hide. It’s soft, breathable and develops patina. Saffiano sacrifices natural grain for a refined, consistent texture and extreme durability.

Each has its place in fashion and many buyers have different finishes for different purposes. Jackets at Glory Store are often made with full-grain or embossed finishes depending on the design and use case.

10. Market Trends and Consumer Preferences

In the UK fashion market and beyond, Saffiano leather is a top choice for luxury consumers. Its combination of elegance and practicality makes it a staple in men’s and women’s accessories.

But with vegan leather and eco fashion on the rise, brands are developing synthetic Saffiano that looks the same without animal products. Consumers want products that are not only stylish but sustainable and ethical.

Still, genuine Saffiano leather especially when made from ethically sourced full-grain calfskin has strong resale value and is a symbol of good taste.

At Glory Store, we keep an eye on these trends. We want to offer ethically sourced leather jackets and accessories that combine timeless style with modern values—Saffiano leather does just that.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re shopping for your next designer bag or researching premium materials for outerwear, Saffiano leather is stylish, practical and historic. Its unique blend of visual appeal and performance makes it a favourite among designers and everyday wearers.

Check out our exclusive collections at Glory Store where we’ll be introducing Saffiano-finished trims for the modern, fashion-conscious UK customer. And while you’re at it, dive into our leather education series with topics like Full-Grain Leather, Embossed Leather and Patent Leather.