However, if you want something that will last longer and age gracefully, there is no substitute for real leather. These are the categories of real leather:
FULL GRAIN LEATHER
This is the highest grade available. It’s the top layer of the hide and is not sanded or buffed.
We think to think of full grain leather as the purest form available, because absolutely no chemical processes are permitted. Essentially, it’s straight from the animal, into the bag.
As a result, you’ll notice imperfections on the skin – that’s how you know its full-grain leather. As all the grain remains in this leather, full-grain leather has maximum strength and durability.
TOP GRAIN LEATHER
This is the second-highest quality leather available and the one we see most commonly in leather messenger bags.
This leather is very high-quality top skin but has imperfections removed. The surface is sanded and given a finish coat, which reduces durability slightly, but protects from stains. This leather is more workable for the manufacturer and generally a little more affordable than full-grain leather.
GENUINE LEATHER
This is one to watch out for. Whilst it sounds high quality, genuine leather is actually the third class of leather. It’s produced from everything that remains after the top layers of skin are used for higher quality leather goods. Usually, artificial grain and dye is applied to make it look more natural.
Still reasonably durable and hardwearing, but not to the level or full or top grain, these leather bags are usually the most affordable.