Why is leather among the most famous and durable materials used in fashion and design?
From luxurious bags and accessories to timeless watch bands, classic coats, American leather Jackets, and rugged jeans, leather has been a fashion emblem for generations. It comes in a range of colors and finishes; it’s ageless and versatile. It continues to define style and durability to this day.
Specific types, finishes, grades, and textures distinguish leather from one another. However, some of these characteristics are dependent on the quality of one another.
For instance, cowhide leather is said to yield great results. Still, the greatest quality leather is definitely full-grain leather. So, if you wish to know the different types of leather textures before deciding what type of leather jacket for men to buy, relax; in this guide, we will go over leather textures, their varieties, finishes, colors, and everything else you need to know about this timeless material.
What Is the Texture of the Leather?
The grain selected determines the texture quality of the leather. Whether wide or narrow, the shape and width of the grain significantly define the look and feel of the leather. While a smooth finish is achieved with finer grain, consider American leather jackets with a rough texture, probably having wide grain.
It also plays a vital role because it confirms the leather’s authenticity and originality of the leather. It also decides the leather’s porosity, which affects the breathability. Especially with a semi-aniline finish, leather made with full-grain leather provides quality and water resistance.
Leather made with bonded or split grain has lower water resistance.
Most Common Types of Leather Textures
There are several types of leather textures that are popular in the industry. Some common types of leather textures are mentioned below;
Smooth
It is one of the popular types of leather textures that have been polished over time. It comes with a flattened gloss that is typically found on vegetables, oils, and patent leather. One of the problems with smooth textured leather is that it shows tears and scratches.
Flat Grain
This type of texture is gritty but has a soft touch. Leather that contains a flat grain texture is very resistant to wear and tear.
Grainy
This leather texture is gritty or grainy, as one would expect from the name. You can feel it just by resting your palm on it. From smell to the appearance and feel, the gritty texture is transparent and simple to distinguish.
Embossed
Any kind of heat given to it changes it to become embossed leather. This technique produces distinctive designs of leather jacket for men that accentuate leather goods, such as crocodile embossing, therefore giving cowhide the appearance of crocodile skin.
Most Popular Types of Leather Texture
These are some other common styles of leather texture that you will find in several leather products, particularly in high-quality leather jackets.
Suede Texture
When the top grain leather is divided into two parts, the one that is present on the interior part becomes available and known as suede, which has a mind-blowing soft and fuzzy texture on both sides.
Nubuck Texture
Suede is the inner part of split-grain hide, and nubuck is the outer part. Both are buffed to produce a soft, fuzzy, and smoother surface than suede. Nubuck is a highly durable form of leather with a soft, velvety surface.
Pigmented
It undergoes the process of dyeing, and after that, it has barely any grain on it. This one is also durable leather but needs maintenance on a regular basis as the pigment layer starts peeling off.
Buffered
The buffered leather’s surface is smooth and silky, with no visible grain in the material’s outer layer.
Are Leather and Textured-Leather the Same in Texture?
Textured leather differs from standard leather in look and touch, and the following comparison table reflects notable differences to help you better understand how each type stands out.
Aspect | Leather Texture | Textured Leather |
Definition | The natural or treated surface feel/pattern of any leather | Leather that has been deliberately embossed or treated to impart additional texture |
Origin | Natural (like full-grain) or minimally altered (top-grain) | Artificial leather texture, created through embossing or pressing process |
Purpose | Showcases the natural grain, quality, and authenticity | Infuse design, style, or replicate exotic patterns (like crocodile, lizard) |
Look & feel | Depends on grain type—can be smooth, coarse, or in-between | Generally, it has a patterned or decorative appearance |
Examples | Smooth full-grain leather, pebbled leather | Croc-embossed leather, Saffiano leather, snake-textured finishes |
Used In | Luxury leather items, high-end jackets, designer bags | Fashion accessories, trend-forward bags, and jackets |
Breathability | Usually more breathable, particularly full-grain | It can be less breathable due to the inclusion of finishes or coatings |
What Are the Different Appearances of Leather?
Leather comes in different appearances, and each of them has a unique texture and appearance.
- Distressed Leather: Faded, aged-finish, and worn-out look with a nostalgic appeal.
- Rustic Leather: Rugged, natural finish with a raw and earthy texture.
- Crackled Leather: This has a cracked surface that replicates the look of worn, old leather.
- Pull-Up Leather: Tones slightly change when stretched or bent, providing a deep, dynamic appearance.
Different Types of Leather Finishes
Now, let’s check out the most common types of leather finishing and their effect on the leather texture.
Leather Finish | Description |
Natural Finish | Untreated or uncoated leather. It appears to be raw and has a natural feel. |
Patent Finish | Leather with a shiny plastic-like finish. Extremely smooth and shiny. |
Matte Finish | Leather with absolutely no shine at all. It has a flat, soft look. |
Satin Finish | Leather with a touch of gloss on the leather. Not overly shiny, not overly flat. |
Shiny Finish | Leather that glows in the light and looks bright and shiny. |
Glossy Finish | Strong, sleek, and shiny leather that stands out and appears extremely glossy. |
How Leather Colors Are Made?
The initial color of the leather, based on the tanning agent used, can be different. Plant tannins impart the brown leather texture, fat and oil-tanned leather is yellow, tawing with alum or synthetic tanning agents imparts white leather texture, and chrome-tanned leather is grey.
Once tanned, the leather is colored to fulfill the color specifications of customers who have ordered colored American leather jackets or other products. Two primary methods of coloring are differentiated in the coloration of the leather: dyeing and tanning. The first process is dyeing the leather with dyes, and the second process is the pigmentation of the leather with binders.
Different Colors of Leather That You Can Choose
If you are searching for new furniture, handbags, clothes, etc. You might decide against getting a real leather texture pack or faux leather. Because you think that it only comes in black leather texture or brown leather texture, and that is not your preferred style of an ideal leather jacket for men. But do not worry; leather comes in a huge variety of colors, ranging from white leather texture to red leather texture. You can enjoy the convenience and easy care of leather while still having your favorite color.
From traditional neutrals to reds, blues, and greens, there are different color choices for all of your leather background needs. Let’s see.
Black Leather Texture
The dark or black leather texture is among the most popular colors for American leather jackets, totes, and furniture. It really suits contemporary-style houses and makes a bold statement as well. Pair black with gray or neutral shades to achieve the classic modern look. It’s best to conceal stains and pet hair using it, but not good if you have a white pet.
White Leather Texture
The white leather texture is the shade that causes the product to be more appealing and also makes your product look more costly than other products. It’s an excellent choice for any room in your home.
Individuals dreaming of a house in Beverly Hills and Palm Springs might think of a white leather sofa that is spotless. It just goes with everything anyway, though, so it’s a bonus. The only drawback would be that you’d have to clean it more frequently than other colors of leather, handbags, or accessories because it stains faster.
Brown Leather Texture
Brown leather is most likely the most classic color for leather. It is suitable for any kind of decor, such as wallpaper, but particularly in southwestern-themed and warm-colored homes. It can also go with greys, but you need to be careful not to go too dark. Let’s examine a few of the various types of brown leather textures.
- Dark Brown: Dark brown leather conceals a lot of stains and sins. It’s normally a free leather texture. For instance, in the room, It forms a dark mass; therefore, ensure you plan for the lighting and other accessories. So that you don’t overwhelm the room.
- Warm Brown: A medium-warm brown shade of brown will work in a wide variety of interior decorating styles. It will be traditional or trendy, classic or cutting edge. Throw some bold color accents in there to upscale it and make it stand out in a neutral color scheme.
- Saddle Brown: Saddle brown leather has been directly associated with the rugged look of rustic mountain cabins and lodgings. Its hue is somewhat redder than your darker browns’. Due to your darker color, you might have to use a lighter shade.
Red Leather Texture
Those who like to bring some luxury into their personal space really enjoy the red leather finish. Those who enjoy the classic, old-world elegance would find the leather finish perfect. This is definitely for you if you appreciate living in a home with a classic ambiance.
It also has a strong presence and is deep and rich. Still, it’s also enjoyable, and there is plenty of red for about every color palette. Add warm tones from warm orangey-red images and cold tones from cool blue-red images. Before you buy your red sofa, be sure your design plan is solid.
Blue Leather Texture
From wallpapers to artwork, blue leather looks elegant and sophisticated as a background. It exudes cool vibes and lends peace to a room.
Green Leather Texture
Green leather could be a perfect choice if you want something a bit lighter and more bright. For a dining area, kitchen, or living room, this is a wonderful selection. This is a versatile choice that will complement practically any kind of style.
Yellow Leather Texture
Another great alternative for a living room is yellow leather. It’s a good approach to introduce the space’s sunniness without exaggerating it.
Pink Leather Texture
Pink leather is a great option for a bedroom. It keeps everything light and airy while yet drawing the femininity out of the space. It’s a great option for girls’ bedrooms.
Orange Leather Texture
Orange leather is ideal if you want to make some kind of statement. It would be ideal for a dining room or living room.
Purple Leather Texture
Purple leather is a high-end choice to establish a sophisticated atmosphere. It is suitable for a formal dining room or even a library.
Grey Leather Texture
The grey leather is one of the finest options for a living room. The grey tones provide a calming atmosphere and are gentle on the eyes.
Silver Leather Texture
Silver leather is an appropriate choice since it is neither flashy nor dull. It is an appropriate alternative to black leather texture.
Gold Leather Texture
Gold leather is a wonderful alternative if you want to go all out. You have to make a choice between gold and silver, though. Either way, it’s a classy addition to any room.
There is more color to work with than you know! These are just a few of the options. There are just so many colors and textures to work with. Have fun choosing what ones you’d like to work with.
Artificial Leather Texture vs. Real Leather: Major Differences You Should Know
Comprehending the difference between real and artificial leather texture isn’t much about looks—it’s about quality, how long it will endure, and knowing what you’re paying for. Perhaps the simplest way to tell the difference lies in the artificial leather texture itself.
This is what makes genuine leather different from artificial leather texture:
- Natural grain patterns with slight imperfections
- A dense, earthy smell that is hard to replicate
- Softens and becomes more supple with age
- Wrinkles naturally when folded or pressed
And then contrast that with artificial leather texture:
- Artificial leather texture is usually uniform and flat
- Generally, feels colder and more plastic-like to the touch
- Doesn’t form a patina or change with time
- More water-resistant but less breathable
Quick Fact: Over the past five years, global demand for faux leather has increased by 49%, according to the Vegan Society
Although artificial leather texture can effectively mimic the look of real hide, it cannot match the rich depth and aging character of genuine leather. That’s not intrinsically terrible, though; artificial leather is less expensive, lightweight, and cruelty-free. Knowing the several types of leather textures and feel helps you choose the appropriate item, whether it be furniture, shoes, or clothing.
It’s a Wrap
Purchasing leather products like leather jackets for men or women mostly depends on how it feels. Thus, it’s important to know the different types of leather textures and what is appropriate. Leather textures vary depending on the characteristics that appeal to you, making it a popular option. Other choices are available on the market if you want a smooth grain or smooth leather texture.
Check out American Leather Jackets, your one-stop shop for premium textured leather jackets at reasonable rates for the best leather jackets.