Truth About Genuine Leather: Making, Myths & Misunderstandings

Introduction to Real Leather

Leather has been a symbol of strength, luxury and utility for centuries. From royal armors to modern day fashion, it carries with it a legacy of durability and prestige. But in today’s market, the term “Genuine Leather” has created more confusion than clarity. Shoppers associate it with quality, but is it really the best leather out there? Before you slip into that new leather jacket from Glory Store, it’s important to know what exactly you’re wearing from cowhide to craftsmanship.

This article breaks down the leather making process, debunks industry myths and guides you through the layers of leather literacy. If you’ve ever wondered what separates Full-Grain Leather from Corrected-Grain Leather or why Top-Grain Leather costs more, this is your ultimate guide.

Types of Leather and What ‘Genuine Leather’ Really Means

Not all leather is created equal. The term “Genuine Leather”, often found on product tags, is misunderstood. Contrary to what the name suggests, it’s not the highest grade available.

Let’s break it down:

• Full-Grain Leather: This is the highest quality leather, taken from the outermost layer of the hide. It retains natural grain, imperfections and strength. It ages beautifully, develops a patina over time.
• Top-Grain Leather: Slightly below full-grain, this type has the top layer sanded to remove imperfections. It’s still strong but lacks the same depth of character.
• Corrected-Grain Leather: This is heavily treated and buffed to remove natural blemishes. Artificial grain patterns may be embossed to improve appearance.
• Genuine Leather: Ironically, this is the lowest grade of real leather. It’s usually derived from the remaining layers after the top layers have been split off. While technically real, it’s heavily processed and not as durable.

In the fashion industry, many consumers confuse genuine leather with high quality. Brands often capitalize on the phrase, but it’s important to know that Genuine Leather ≠ Premium Leather.

Raw Material Sourcing

The journey of leather begins long before tanning or dyeing. It starts with animal hide sourcing a process that’s all about geography, livestock farming and ethics.

Animals Used in Leather

·         Cattle hide is the most used due to availability and thickness.

·         Buffalo, goats, sheep are used for specific textures and finishes.

·     Exotic Animal Leather hides, such as crocodile or ostrich, belong to the luxury segment.

Ethical Sourcing Considerations

Modern consumers are more aware of animal welfare and sustainability. Many manufacturers now focus on by-product leather which is sourced as a secondary product of the meat industry to minimize waste.

At Glory Store, we only work with suppliers that adhere to strict sourcing standards so the hides used for our leather jackets are ethically sourced and environmentally friendly.

Hides Preservation and Curing

As soon as the hide is removed from the animal it’s vulnerable to bacterial decay. Preservation is key to get it to the tannery in usable condition.

Curing Methods:

• Salting: The most common method. Salt draws out the moisture, slows down bacterial growth.
• Drying: Air or sun-dried in dry climates.
• Chilling: In refrigerated environments, for short term storage.

These methods lock in structure, so the hide doesn’t decompose before it can be processed. A poorly preserved hide is brittle, hard to tan and will result in bad leather.

Tanning

The core of leather making is tanning turning raw hide into a non-decaying material. Tanning stabilizes the collagen fibers in the hide, making it flexible and long lasting.

Types of Tanning:

• Vegetable Tanning: Uses natural tannins from tree bark, leaves and roots. Takes weeks and results in a firm, natural feeling leather. Good for belts, saddles and vintage leather goods.
• Chrome Tanning: Faster and more common, uses chromium salts. Leather is softer, suppler and water resistant. Used for fashion goods like jackets, bags and footwear.
• Aldehyde Tanning: A chromium free option growing in popularity due to lower toxicity.

Each method affects the color, texture and flexibility of the finished leather. At Glory Store we prefer chrome tanned leather for jackets, so we get that perfect balance of softness, shine and ruggedness.

Post-Tanning Operations

After tanning is done, the leather goes through a series of processes to refine its look and usability.

Key Post-Tanning Processes:

• Splitting: Thinning thick hides.
• Shaving: Ensures even thickness.
• Drying: Air, vacuum or toggle drying for finishing.
• Conditioning: Moisture and oils are added for softness.

The leather then goes through finishing techniques:

• Embossing: Patterns pressed into the leather for design.
• Polishing: Buffed to high-gloss or matte finish.
• Coating: Protective layers for wear and color retention.

These finishing touches determines whether leather looks rugged and rough or smooth and shiny giving you, the buyer, options to your style.

Misconceptions About Real Leather

The leather world is full of myths. Here are the most common ones:

1. Real Leather is the Best

Nope. Despite the name, it’s the lowest quality real leather. Heavily processed, minimal grain retention. Full-Grain and Top-Grain Leather are way better.

2. Real Leather is Always Better Than Faux

Not always. High-end vegan leathers are eco-friendly, durable and stylish. But many synthetic ones are made from plastic and not biodegradable.

3. Leather is Always Cruel

Most leather used today is a by-product of the meat industry. Ethically sourced leather reduces waste and ensures animals aren’t killed just for fashion.

4. Leather Lasts Forever Without Care

Like your skin, leather needs conditioning and care. Dryness, cracking and discoloration happens without maintenance.

At Glory Store, we try to educate customers and debunk these myths so you can make informed purchases.

How to Spot Real vs. Fake Leather

Every smart buyer should know how to tell the difference.

Tells of Real Leather:

• Smell: Smells earthy.
• Touch: Feels soft and warm, not plastic.
• Pores and Imperfections: Has natural marks.
• Edges: Has a fibrous edge, not smooth or rubbery.
• Water Absorption: Water drops darken the area slightly and absorbs slowly.

Fake leather, even high-grade PU leather, doesn’t have these. It may look similar but lacks breathability, durability, and texture.

Ask questions. At Glory Store, we provide full leather specifications for every jacket we sell.

Environmental Impact and Ethics

Leather production, especially unsustainable, contributes to pollution and resource consumption. But things are changing.

Environmental Concerns:

• Water usage: Tanning uses thousands of liters per hide.
• Chemical waste: Chromium tanning can lead to toxic discharge.
• Deforestation: Sourcing hides from grazing areas can contribute.

Good News:

• Vegetable tanning is a chemical-free option.
• Closed-loop tanning systems recycle water and chemicals.
• Bio-leather made from mushrooms and pineapple leaves is coming.

At Glory Store, we work with tanneries that follow environmental best practices and leather innovation.

Final Thoughts and Buyer Awareness

Buying leather is about more than just looks. It’s a choice that reflects your values, style and understanding of quality. Knowing the difference between Genuine Leather, Corrected-Grain Leather, Top-Grain Leather and Full-Grain Leather can mean the difference between a product that will last for a few months and a lifetime companion.

Tips for Buyers:

·         Don’t be fooled by the term “genuine leather” it doesn’t mean high end.

·         Always check the type of leather used.

·         Ask about the sourcing, tanning and finishing process.

·         Invest in brands that educate you like Glory Store and are transparent.

A leather jacket isn’t just a purchase. It’s an investment in craftsmanship, heritage and self-expression. At Glory Store, we don’t just sell jackets we sell stories, stitched in leather, that will last a lifetime.