Discover the Leathers Selected for Our Artisan Bags

The true essence of a Made in Italy leather bag lies in the exceptional quality of the raw materials and the craftsmanship with which it is processed. For our B2B partners, understanding the different types of leather we use is fundamental to fully appreciating the value and unique characteristics of each of our creations.

This guide is designed to illustrate the main varieties of leather you will find in our collections, highlighting their differences, inherent quality, and distinctive appearance.

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Fundamental Types of Leather

The base of the classification lies in how the layer of the animal skin (usually bovine) is treated.

1. Full-Grain Leather

• Description: Considered the highest quality overall. It includes the outermost layer of the skin (the "grain") without any alteration or sanding. It retains the natural characteristics of the animal, such as pores, small scars, or irregularities, which are not defects but signs of authenticity.

• Quality and Characteristics: Extremely strong and durable. It develops a beautiful patina over time, becoming more beautiful with use. It is breathable and offers the ultimate in luxury and longevity.

• Ideal for: High-end bags intended to last over time and acquire character.

2. Top-Grain Leather

• Description: This is the second level of quality. It is always obtained from the outer layer of the skin, but the surface is lightly sanded or buffed to remove the most obvious imperfections. Often, a surface finish is then applied or a grain is embossed to give it a more uniform appearance.

• Quality and Characteristics: Very strong and durable, although slightly less so than full-grain. The finish often makes it more resistant to stains and easier to clean initially. It offers an excellent balance between quality, aesthetics, and practicality.

• Ideal for: A wide range of bags, from everyday use to more structured models, where a more homogeneous look is desired.

3. Suede and Nubuck

• Description:

  • Suede: Comes from the inner part of the skin (the "split" or "flesh side"), which is processed to obtain a soft and velvety surface.

  • Nubuck: Obtained by working the outer part (the grain) with a very fine sanding to create a velvet-like effect, but finer and more resistant than suede.

• Quality and Characteristics: Both are very soft to the touch but more delicate and sensitive to water and stains compared to grain leathers, unless specifically treated.

• Ideal for: Fashion bags, details, linings, or items where softness is a priority over extreme resistance.

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Common Finishes and Textures in Our Collections

In addition to the basic type, leather can have different finishes that define its final appearance. Here are some of the most common we use:

Pebbled "Dollaro" Leather

• Description: A leather (often Top-Grain) on which a characteristic coarse and irregular grain texture, similar to pebbles or orange peel, is hot-pressed.

• Characteristics: Highly valued for its resistance to scratches and everyday wear. The marked texture hides small marks well.

• Typical Use: Work bags, shoppers, everyday models that require practicality and durability.

Saffiano Leather

• Description: Famous for its diagonal cross-hatch pattern, obtained by heat-pressing onto the leather (usually calfskin) and finished with a protective layer of wax or resin.

• Characteristics: Extremely resistant to scratches, water, and stains. It maintains a certain rigidity, ideal for structured bags. Easy to clean.

• Typical Use: Structured bags, wallets, business accessories, luxury items that require elegance and high resistance.

Sauvage Leather

• Description: Leather Top-Grain processed to obtain a perfectly smooth and uniform surface, often with a slight natural sheen or a semi-matte finish.

• Characteristics: Very elegant and refined look. Softness and appearance depend on the base type of leather (e.g., Smooth Calfskin is highly prized). May be more susceptible to scratches than textured leathers.

• Typical Use: Elegant bags, clutches, classic and minimalist models.

Croco Printed Leather

• Description: This is not a naturally occurring leather type but rather a finish applied to another type of leather (often cowhide). The leather is embossed with a pattern that mimics the look and texture of genuine crocodile skin. The size and scale of the "scales" can vary depending on the embossing plate used.

• Characteristics: Offers the luxurious appearance of exotic crocodile leather at a more accessible price point. The embossed pattern adds a distinctive and often bold visual element. The durability and feel of the leather will depend on the base leather used and the quality of the embossing process. It can be quite durable and resistant to everyday wear, and the textured surface can help to hide minor scratches.

• Ideal for: Fashion-forward bags and accessories that aim for a sophisticated and exotic aesthetic. It's a popular choice for statement pieces. The level of realism in the print can vary, influencing the perceived luxury of the item.

• Things to Consider: While it emulates crocodile skin, it is not the real deal. Transparency with your clients about the material is important. The quality of the print and the base leather will significantly impact the overall perceived value.

 

"Ruga" type: leather with Plastic Coating over Split Leather

• Description: This type of material features a surface coated with a colored plastic layer, which provides a uniform and often glossy appearance. Underlying this coating is a split leather of medium quality. This process allows for a more cost-effective production and good surface resistance to stains and scratches thanks to the plastic layer. However, it is important to note that the overall durability and inherent quality of the material are limited by the nature of the underlying split leather. The breathability and the ability to develop a natural patina, typical of full-grain leather, are absent in this type of material.

• Characteristics: The plastic surface is resistant to stains and liquids and easy to clean. It offers a uniform color and can mimic the appearance of more premium leathers. However, the split leather is less durable and less breathable than grain leather. This material does not age by developing the rich patina characteristic of genuine leather.

• Ideal for: Items where cost is a primary factor and good surface resistance and uniform coloring are sought. It can be used in certain types of accessories or components where the superficial aesthetic appearance and ease of cleaning are more important than long-term durability and the quality of the base material.

• Things to Consider: It is crucial to be transparent with customers regarding the composition of this material. The presence of a plastic layer and a lower quality split leather affects the perceived value and lifespan of the product. It is important to clearly communicate these characteristics to manage the expectations of B2B clients.

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Our Commitment to Made in Italy Quality

Choosing the right leather is just the beginning. Every hide we use comes from renowned Italian tanneries, heirs to a long tradition of craftsmanship. This guarantees not only aesthetic beauty but also responsible tanning processes and a quality that lasts over time, fundamental elements to offer your customers an excellent product.

We hope this guide is helpful for better understanding the variety and quality of the leathers used in our bags. For any specific questions about the materials of a particular model or to discuss your B2B needs, please do not hesitate to contact us or consult the product sheets in our bags catalog.