Split Leather Grades & Care Tips: What Every Leather Buyer Should Know

When choosing the right leather product whether it’s a jacket, glove or bag knowing what type and quality of leather is key. While full-grain and top-grain leathers get all the attention split leather plays a big role in the leather goods industry especially in affordable yet stylish fashion items.

At Glory Store where premium leather jackets meet exceptional craftsmanship we believe knowledge is power. Whether you’re buying or maintaining leather goods knowing split leather quality grades and how to clean split leather can help extend the life and beauty of your item.

Let’s go through every detail of this often overlooked material from what it is and how it’s graded to how to clean and care for it.

1. What is Split Leather?

Split leather is taken from the lower layers of the hide after the top-grain (top layer) is removed. The hide is split into two or more layers during processing and the bottom or inner side is the “split”.

This leather is more fibrous and less durable than top-grain but has unique flexibility and suede-like texture. It’s also more affordable so perfect for budget-conscious consumers looking for the look and feel of leather without the premium price.

Split leather real-world applications are:

• Fashion jackets
• Upholstery
• Footwear
• Work gloves

Unlike top-grain leather it often goes through finishing treatments to enhance the texture or mimic more expensive leathers. These treatments include embossing, pigmenting or polyurethane (PU) coating turning split leather into coated split or corrected grain leather.

2. The Splitting Process

To understand split leather, you need to know how hides are processed. Leather comes from animal hides usually cowhide that are first cleaned and treated (tanned). Once the thickness is even, the mechanical process of splitting begins.

During this process:

• The hide is run through a splitting machine that cuts it horizontally.
• The top layer which has the grain (natural markings) becomes top-grain or full-grain leather.
• The bottom layer the split is what we call split leather.

Depending on the quality and thickness of the original hide, multiple splits can be taken. These are usually used for lower-cost items or reinforced with finishes to mimic premium textures.

3. Split Leather vs Other Leather Types

When buying leather it’s easy to get confused by the terminology. Let’s break down how split leather compares to other leather grades.

Full-Grain Leather

• The highest quality leather with the natural grain and imperfections.
• Very durable and breathable.
• Develops a patina over time.

Top-Grain Leather

• Sanded to remove imperfections.
• Less durable than full-grain but still high quality.
• Smooth and more uniform in appearance.

Split Leather

• Taken from the bottom of the hide.
• Needs surface treatment.
• Less durable but softer and cheaper.

Bonded Leather

• Made from leftover leather scraps glued together.
• Very cheap, but also the least strong.

In short, split leather is the middle ground between cost and quality perfect for stylish products that don’t need top-grain durability.

4. Split Leather Quality Grades

Not all split leathers are created equal. Grading helps categorize split leather into tiers based on performance and looks. Here’s how they break down:

Grade A Split Leather

• Uniform thickness and texture.
• Fewer imperfections.
• Best for fashion accessories, jackets, and high-end furniture.

Grade B

• Minor imperfections or grain inconsistencies.
• Mid-tier applications like Leather Laptop Bags and shoes.

Grade C

• Obvious defects, lower tensile strength, and irregularities.
• Low-cost upholstery or backing material.

Utility Grade

• Offcuts and heavily flawed sections.
• Industrial or protective wear.

Grades may vary by region or manufacturer, but these tiers are based on practicality and visual appeal. At Glory Store, we use only Grade A or B split leather, so every jacket like our black mens aviator jacket meets high standards for style and strength.

5. What Affects Split Leather Quality

Leather quality is not just about the layer of the hide. Here are the factors that affect the grade and performance of split leather:

Tanning Method

• Chrome tanning = softer leather (used in fashion)
• Vegetable tanning = stiffer leather (rarely used for split leather)

Hide Thickness

• Thicker hides = stronger split leather especially if the animal was well-fed and healthy

Finishing Techniques

• Embossing, pigment spraying, PU coating can enhance visual appeal and mimic top-grain leather

Dyeing Uniformity

• Even color saturation = better aesthetic quality
• Blotchy or patchy coloring = Grade C

Origin of Hide

• Cowhide from colder climates = tighter grain and better fiber structure = better splits

6. Uses and Applications of Split Leather

Because of its affordability and finish versatility split leather is used in many industries. Here are some of its most common uses:

Fashion

• Used in jackets, belts, handbags
• Often PU-coated for a top-grain look

Footwear

• Especially in boots and casual shoes where suede-like texture is preferred

Furniture

• Coated split leather is used in recliners, sofas, car seats for a leather look at a lower cost

Gloves and Safety Gear

• Grade B and C split leather is used in work Leather Gloves due to abrasion resistance

At Glory Store, we match each grade of leather to the right product our deerskin leather jackets are soft and durable, our kangaroo leather pieces are flexible and strong.

7. Split Leather Issues

Split leather, especially in its raw form, has some known problems:

• Dries and cracks if not conditioned.
• More absorbent so it stains easily.
• Can stretch or sag over time.
• Lacks the natural grain so it doesn’t develop the same character as top-grain leather.

But modern finishing techniques have improved split leather a lot. When taken care of properly, it can be beautiful and functional.

8. Cleaning Split Leather – General Rules

Since split leather is more porous and absorbent, it needs different care than grain leathers. Cleaning methods that work for top-grain might hurt split leather.

Basic Rules:

• Don’t soak the leather.
• Never use harsh chemicals or alcohol-based cleaners.
• Use dry or slightly damp cloths for cleaning.
• Use suede or split leather sprays for protection.

You must be gentle with split leather. Abrasive tools or scrubbing can destroy its soft, fibrous texture.

9. Step-by-Step: How to Clean Split Leather Safely

Here’s the step-by-step guide to keeping your split leather goods in top shape:

Step 1: Dust Off

Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to get rid of any surface dust or dirt.

Step 2: Spot Clean

Mix a small amount of leather-safe mild soap (like Castile soap) with warm water. Dampen a soft cloth slightly and wipe the stained area gently.

Step 3: Dry Immediately

Blot the area dry with a clean towel. Don’t leave it wet as split leather soaks up moisture fast.

Step 4: Apply Protector

Spray a suede and nubuck protector evenly across the surface. This will prevent future stains and moisture damage.

Step 5: Condition 

Split leather doesn’t usually need oil-based conditioners but some split leather balms help soften and moisturize.

This method is good for split leather jackets, Leather Backpacks, and accessories, like our Shell Cordovan leather products.

10. Maintenance Tips & Products to Use and Avoid

To keep your split leather item in good condition, follow these tips:

Do:

• Store in a cool dry place.
• Use leather sprays for split leather.
• Brush with a suede brush.
• Air dry wet items away from sunlight.

Avoid:

• Alcohol-based products.
• Oil-based leather conditioners.
• Soaking in water.
• Direct heat (like hairdryers).

Proper care will keep your split leather looking good and structured for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Split leather is often overlooked, but when you know its grades, strengths and cleaning needs its a versatile and cool material especially for fashion pieces like jackets. At Glory Store we use high-quality split leather in our designs and offer our customers beautiful affordable leather jackets that last.

Whether you’re comparing split leather to kangaroo leather, caring for your deerskin leather jacket or exploring premium materials like Shell Cordovan leather it all starts with understanding your leather.

Want to see split leather in action? Browse our collection and check out top sellers like the black mens aviator jacket your next statement piece.