What Does “Genuine Leather” Really Mean?
When shopping for leather goods, the label “Genuine Leather” often catches people’s eye. Many assume it means the item is made of high quality leather. Others think it’s the lowest quality option. In reality, both are are incorrect.
Genuine Leather: What It Actually Means
Unlike terms such as full grain or top grain, “Genuine Leather” is not a specific grade or layer of leather. Instead, it is simply a general term which says that the material is real and that it comes from an animal hide. That’s it. Because the definition is so broad, any type or grade of leather can be labeled “genuine leather.”
Why the Term Can Be Misleading
In technical terms, even a material created by taking leftover scraps of leather, grinding them down, and pressing them together with adhesives and finishes can be labeled “genuine leather” because it still originated from a hide. This is why the term is often used in marketing as a way to reassure customers that the product is real leather, even though it says little about the actual quality or grade of the leather. It’s like saying “real gold” compared to saying 24k “gold.” Therefore, “Genuine Leather” doesn’t necessarily mean high or low quality leather. It only means the material is real. Keep this in mind the next time you’re shopping for a leather product.
What to Look For Instead
Actual leather grades like top grain or full grain leather are much more specific and accurate in describing the quality of leather. These terms describe the layer of the hide it originates from and are far more reliable indicators of quality and durability.