Often a topical subject in fashion conversation – how long does leather last? Well – simply answered – good quality, full grain leather can last a lifetime (when looked after properly).
“ Full-grain leather handbags can last as long as 50 years – though not many people would keep a bag for that long”
Investing in a good piece of leather furniture, accessory, clothing item and so forth is worth it as these pieces can be passed down generations.
Gone are the days when owning a leather accessory or clothing item was simply for hippies – the 80s brought this boho-chic look down to be a Fashion Must-Have which spewed beyond just clothing items but into accessories and furniture as well.
So what we do know about leather is that with the proper oiling and storing, your piece can last 30 plus years. This is a guide as this also depends on usage and care. Full grain leather handbags can last as much as 50 years – though not many people would keep a bag for that long (we hope).
The beauty with full grain leather products is that like wine – the look and feel are refined with age and this can make the product even more valuable. Defined creasing adds to the character and desirability of the product – who knew?
According to leather experts, the best type of leather is that made from full grain buffalo leather. It is more resilient because it is thicker than other leather sources and has been proven to last longer.
Now you might be asking why leather products are priced differently – well, it’s simple – it’s a function of the quality of the leather used, which also has bearing on the durability of the end product. The quality of the leather is determined by the following key aspects:
- Location and climate of where the animal lived, type of animal and breed – leather is harvested from the hides of various animals – cattle, sheep, pigs, buffalo and so forth
- The portion of the animal’s hide the leather was cut from
- The layer of the animal’s hide used – top, full grain or split
- The processing skill of the tanning factory.
‘Beautifully crafted crocodile skin handbags’
Manufacturers use different leather depending on the end product they manufacture.
Just to give you some insights on the different types of leather out there, well excluding faux leather – faux leather IS NOT leather period!
Leather products are priced differently depending on the quality of leather used, which also has bearing on the durability of the end.
We’ll start from the bottom.
Bonded leather – this is the cheapest leather grade/type made from scraps of leftover hides, shavings and dust that are bonded together using a type of glue or latex. Bonded leather is spray painted to give it a top grain or full grain leather finish. The downside of this leather grade is that it is weak and degrades very quickly with use.
Bonded leather is commonly used to make furniture, fashion accessories and binding books.
Corrected grain/ genuine leather - this is perhaps the most common leather grade we know as it is used to make jackets, handbags, laptop/messenger bags, footwear and furniture. Most of us that own a leather item of footwear most likely own a ‘genuine leather’ item.
Also referred to as split leather, corrected leather is made from the skin remaining after the top of the hide is split off. Because it is tougher – it is then used to manufacture items that don’t require leather to be soft. Just like bonded leather, corrected grain leather is spray painted and further embossed to resemble natural leather appearance. It also unfortunately doesn’t stand stress well.
“Leather is a Must Have fashion item that has spewed beyond just clothing and footwear and is used in the manufacture of various accessories and furniture”
Top-grain leather – strong and durable, this leather grade/type is obtained when the top layer of skin from blemished hides is split. Top grain leather is smoother and more flexible than full grain and is quite durable but does not age quite as well as full grain leather does.
High-end leather products such as handbags, jackets and accessories are made from this leather grade.
Full-grain leather - this is top of the range and includes all the grain. It is rather tough, but has a significantly smooth, natural finish and far outlasts all the other grades. Used to make saddle-backs and top-end leather products, this grade is for the individuals who truly appreciate the value of spending on top quality merchandise. The price range justifies the quality with a jacket easily going for USD 500 from renowned international brands such as Independence Brothers.
Products made with full grain leather ‘last a lifetime’ and most are sold at higher prices as they age as they develop patina – a characteristic that attributes to its popularity and desirability.
There you have the 411 of why we claim leather lasts forever – because it does.
We’d love to hear from you – do send us your feedback on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
