Choosing The Best For Your Style

Leather has been appreciated for being resistant, elegant, and versatile. From high-fashion accessories down to robust footwear, the material you use will play a huge role in both aesthetics and functionality. This guide reviews the various types of leather, their unique qualities, and how you can choose the best leather to suit your style.

What Types of Leather Are There?

Leather is differentiated according to its treatment, source, and purpose. The major types include:

Full-Grain Leather

Full-grain leather is of the best quality and has retained its natural surface, blemishes and all. It's durable, ages beautifully, and is used for most high-quality goods like men's leather shoes and men's accessories. This type is renowned among all types of leather for its exceptionally superior quality. Its capability to build a patina over time makes it dear to collectors and enthusiasts of timeless beauty.

Top-Grain Leather

Slightly inferior to full-grain, top-grain leather is sanded and finished to remove imperfections. It is softer and more supple. This makes it the perfect option for men's leather bags. Of the different types of leather, this one strikes a great balance between quality and affordability. The smoother surface allows easier dyeing and embossing, offering endless possibilities in design.

Genuine Leather

Genuine leather is produced from the lower layers of a hide, which are less durable than full-grain and top-grain leather, making them more affordable for casual accessories such as handbags. As one of the most common types of leather to make bags, good value can be attained. Generally, this type of leather is used in mass-market productions where cost-effectiveness surpasses longevity.

Suede Leather

Known for its soft, velvety texture, suede leather is crafted from the underside of the hide, making it perfect for luxurious and elegant designs. This unique material is cherished for its distinct feel and elegant appearance. ARMOS' men's suede blue boots are a prime example of this material's stylish charm, which makes it a standout among leather varieties, especially for those who appreciate soft-textured footwear. While suede is delicate and requires attentive care, its luxurious appeal ensures it remains a favorite among leather enthusiasts.

Patent Leather

With its high gloss, patent leather is normally used to make formal shoes and leather accessories for that touch of class and modernity. Among the different kinds of leather, it is one of the most striking varieties that are appropriate for statement pieces. Its resistant coating to water makes it ideal for products needing shine in varied conditions. Many consider patent leather an irreplaceable type of leather for formal occasions.

Nubuck Leather

Like suede, nubuck is created from the top layer of the hide but is much tougher and hence suitable for things like men's brown boots. It is one of the more hardy leather types that serve well in rough usage. Its surface is brushed, allowing it to look soft yet retain its strength. That’s why nubuck leather remains popular in constructing outdoor and adventure gear. Among all different leather types, nubuck offers an unmatched balance of strength and aesthetics.

Application of Different Leather Types

Each type is suited for different applications, as explained below:

Footwear
Full-grain and nubuck leathers are commonly used in making men's boots because of their strength and resistance to water. Others excel in providing comfort or durability for shoes. Athletic shoes use thinner and more flexible leather to facilitate easy movement.

Accessories
Top-grain and genuine leather are common for men’s accessories like wallets and belts. Sometimes, exotic types of leather, such as snakeskin or alligator, are opted for high-end accessories to give them a special, opulent feel.

Bags
Full-grain and top-grain leather types are mostly used in men's bags because of their durability and style. The appropriate leather type ensures the quality and longevity of the bag. Cowhide leather is often chosen for travel bags because of its durability and resistance to wear and tear. For those seeking unique textures, exotic leather varieties like crocodile are also excellent options.

Leather Types Based on Animal Source

Leather may also differ based on the animal it originates from:

Cowhide
The most common and versatile, it is strong and thick and widely used across all leather types. Its durability makes it excellent for furniture and automotive interiors.

Sheepskin
Soft and lightweight, it is best suited for garments and accessories. Being one of the softer leather types, it’s mainly used in luxurious finishes. Sheepskin is also preferred for winter wear due to its natural insulation.

Goatskin
Naturally waterproof, it’s ideal for strong bags and shoes. It is one of the preferred types of leather for outdoor use. Its flexibility and softness make it a popular choice for gloves and jackets.

Exotic Leathers
Crocodile, ostrich, and snake leathers are luxurious and often used in high-end products. These different types of leather are highly valued for their rarity. Each exotic variety has unique patterns and textures, making them perfect for statement pieces. For example, ARMOS’ men’s black crocodile leather shoes combine timeless elegance with the distinctive allure of exotic leather. Exotic leather types offer a wide array of luxurious options for collectors and designers alike.

How to Choose the Right Leather for Your Style

When selecting leather, consider the following:

Purpose
The purpose will indicate whether the material is for daily wear, formal occasions, or special projects. Full-grain leather is perfect for formal shoes, while nubuck is great for casual boots.

Durability
If the product must withstand wear and tear, then full-grain or nubuck leather is a good choice. These types of leather are built to last, and for items like wallets used daily, durability is crucial.

Aesthetics
Sleek, modern looks call for patent leather. Timeless, classic styles are best achieved with full-grain leather. The color and finish also play a significant role in determining the final product’s appearance.

Budget
Genuine and top-grain leather varieties are affordable options offering decent quality. If budget is a concern, select a type of leather that meets your primary needs without compromising too much on quality.

Care of Different Leather Types

Proper care of leather shoes extends the lifespan of your leather products, keeping them looking their best for years to come. Different types of leather require specific attention, from cleaning and conditioning to storage techniques. To ensure your shoes maintain their luxurious appeal, it’s important to understand the unique needs of each leather type. 

Full-Grain and Top-Grain
Use conditioner to maintain suppleness. Avoid soaking them in water, as it can cause damage.

Suede and Nubuck
Clean with a specific brush to avoid ruining their texture. Store them in a cool, dry place.

Patent Leather
Wipe with a damp cloth to maintain its shine. Occasionally use a cleaner to retain its brilliant finish.

Exotic Leathers
Clean with a damp cloth using a conditioner specifically designed for exotic leathers. Store in dust bags to avoid scratches and fading.

Conclusion

Knowing the different types of leather enables you to make informed decisions when buying men's shoes or investing in a men's bag. By considering the qualities, care requirements, and applications of each variety, you can choose the best leather for your style and needs. With countless leather varieties available, it’s easier than ever to find the perfect match for your needs.

For premium handcrafted footwear and accessories, explore the exquisite collections at Armos Shoes. Their commitment to quality and timeless design ensures you’ll find the perfect product for any occasion.